Dry me a river: They are fighting a battle against profuse sweating By Zakir Hussain NEW YORK TIMES NEWS SERVICE on May 10, 2005
Each time Sophia Parente held the hand of her 5-year-old son, Vincent, he pulled away and said, “Ew, it’s gross, Mummy.”
“He’d wipe his little hands off while crossing the road,” Parente said.
At social events, she would have “that sinking inside feeling” when people wiped their hands after shaking hers. When she could, she would hold a glass of cold water so she had an excuse for why her hands were wet.
Then in March, Parente, 30, a middle-school teacher in Virginia Beach, Va., began receiving Botox injections in her palms. Now, they no longer drip. And Vincent doesn’t let go.
Parente is one of nearly 8 million Americans who perspire profusely. Theirs is an obscure medical condition, hyperhidrosis, which is getting more attention thanks to a group of doctors who in 2003 formed the International Hyperhidrosis Society, a nonprofit organization in Philadelphia.
The society recently launched a “Know Sweat” awareness campaign to help sufferers realize that they are not alone. Its Web site, www.sweathelp.org, explains treatment options and provides a database of over 500 physicians throughout the United States, Canada and the world.
“This is the message that we’re trying to get out,” said Dr. David Pariser, president of the society, who has a practice in Norfolk, Va. “To tell people it is not normal to sweat all the time.”
A recent survey sponsored by the society found that 88 percent of those diagnosed with hyperhidrosis had endured negative social reactions from others like disgust or mockery. One recent survey showed that 12 percent of Americans said they perspired a lot all the time. Of these, 83 percent had not seen a doctor about their condition, mainly because they didn’t think they had a problem or because they didn’t think anything could be done about it.
“When they have a problem that interferes with their life, that’s sweating too much,” said Dr. Flor Mayoral, a dermatologist in Miami. “People will say ‘no’ to a social event, they would isolate themselves, they may not go to church or, when they go, they don’t shake people’s hands.”
Hyperhidrosis results from overactive sweat glands and is not related to weight, ethnicity or climate, said Dr. Heidi Waldorf, director of laser and cosmetic dermatology at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York. It usually affects the underarms, palms, face and soles of the feet, and commonly begins in adolescence. People who perspire all over the body may have other medical conditions, she said.
Far more damaging to many sufferers than the inconvenient physical manifestations are the ridicule, embarrassment and anxiety that accompany them. This is particularly difficult for children.
“They may feel uncomfortable raising their hands in class, and the teacher might think they’re not interested,” said Dr. Kathryn Connor, a psychiatrist at Duke University who has seen young hyperhidrosis patients.
That was the case for Frances Rivers, 16, who found it nerve-racking to be around people. She could barely hold a pen in class without wiping her hands every few minutes and wore three layers of clothes to hide sweat marks under her arms. Last October, the high school student in Virginia Beach demanded that her parents arrange treatment.
Rivers’ mother, Felecia, searched the Internet and discovered a specialist who administered Botox injections on her daughter’s underarms. He also prescribed iontophoresis, a procedure where a water bath is used to conduct a mild electric current through the skin. Almost immediately, her symptoms went away.
People who think they sweat too much should locate a dermatologist to help them explore treatment options, said Pariser. One common approach is surgery that prevents nerve signals from being transmitted to sweat glands in affected areas. This procedure, however, can prompt profuse perspiration in other previously unaffected parts of the body.
People with hyperhidrosis can use prescription antiperspirants or they can temporarily block sweat glands by iontophoresis. Parente found this time-consuming and not effective. It was then that her dermatologist suggested Botox as an option. Note that you should seek natural cures BEFORE thnking about Botox and understand the risks associated with injections as well!
Botox injections stop the nerves from stimulating sweat glands, said Waldorf. Completed in minutes, these injections need to be repeated after six months. And while they may cost up to $2,000 per treatment, insurance companies are increasingly paying for the procedure if it has been prescribed by a doctor. Last year, the Food and Drug Administration approved the use of Botox for hyperhidrosis.
Not long after Rivers’ injections, she wore a strapless gown to her 10th-grade homecoming party and participated in her school’s pageant. “It just changed my life completely,” she said.
Thank you to Lori Riback for submitting this article and writes:
This was published in the health section of the San Diego paper today and I thought I would pass it along. Thank you, Lori Riback – Tampa Florida.
Shirley Voegele says
Hi, I just typed a lot of stuff and right before I was finishing it somehow it just disappeared. So now I’ll just say I have the most sever sweating problem like some of the others above. I think I even sweat in the shower and have to cool down the water till it’s almost cold. In winter I never wear heavy clothes or a coat. I keep my car air on as cold and blowing full force in my face and still be sweating. I never leave my home but to go to Drs. They don’t know why I sweat like I do. I’ll fix my hair but before I get out to my car it’s dripping and so am I. I’m very depressed over this because I have no life My husband passed in 05 and I haven’t been with anyone since. It’s a very lonely and sad way to live Please can u help me ? Thank you for your time Best regards , Shirley
John Moriba says
Hi, I’m John and I feel all of your pain!
I don’t really know what I have yet because I haven’t taken any test but my feet and palms sweat like crazy. I have to rub them against my pants before I shake someone’s hand. I can’t stand it! Doctors can’t do anything and I’ve tried powder, insole’s, everything within my budget yet nothing seems to work. It’s so hard to be near people. I hope they find a cure soon!
I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy. Please contact me if anything changes.
wanda says
Yes I am 60 years young also.OMG I have the same thing just like every one else does. I just made up my mind to start digging further. Every single one of you on this page has the same problem as I. I wish I had some information on this but I my self ….looking for answers. I am trying to see if any one knows of a doctor for this problem???? I was thinking of also going to a dermatologist a matter of fact I will but I feel that is a dead in road.
Where do us people …… go for this problem? Yes you are all right about how we feel about our self’s. I lock my self out from the world and now it has caused a big problem in depression. Just trying to put groceries up, make the bed, wash my little dog, well I can just go on & on there is no end to this. I just have to keep taking 4 COLD SHOWERS ADAY. and another one right before bed. I my sound vulgar but I just wrap a towel around and spread your limbs out so that nothing touches. I am 5′ 4″ about 129pounds. That does not matter. It has to be something and why on earth with all the medical professional they do not know about this sickness because it is a sickness. The sweating has totally stop me from life I might as well be in prison. At least your in A/C all the time. I hate this crap God please !!!help guide all of us with this problem because it is a sickness.
If any one has>>>>>>> ANY ANY ANY<<<<<<<<<< information on this please God send them to me. Any one or all of you please contact me.
My God Bless Everyone of Us.
Wanda
I
velma says
I am 60 yrs old, I have had this horrible sweating for 10 yrs. Everything I have has been written here. My hair stays so wet that I use towels all day to to keep it from being so bad. Doctors act like I am a hypocondriac, endocrinologist says he has no idea, it is not his area. I am type2 diabetic too. I take a shower and by the time I leave the bathroom I am soaked. It is so frustrating I am about to give up hope. We only have so many years and these 10 and looking at the future doesn’t look like a productive life. I worked in nursing and patients would complain about my dripping sweat. Its hard to keep going sometimes!
Leya says
I too have Hyperhidrosis. It has gotten a great deal better, but not cured. Although I do think I’m well on my way to curing this disorder! I bought the hushed sea tea and I found that it helped, but didn’t cure the problem. The reason that it didn’t cure the problem is because all signs have pointed to my excessive sweating being related to FOOD ALLERGIES. But everyone’s problems are different, and hushed sea tea may be the perfect thing for many with hyperhidrosis! I also have hypoglycemia, so I sweat pretty bad when I don’t eat for too long. (Some of you may want to check into whether you have blood sugar problems, because I think at least 80% of Americans do and most don’t know it!)
So, my advice, since my sweating has gotten a lot better from doing this same thing, is look up the symptoms of these disorders: blood sugar problems (diabetes, hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia), thyroid problems, food allergies (I believe this is the MOST common! Especially if your sweating is consistent during the day and not as bad at night), hormonal imbalances, glandular imbalances, imbalanced sympathetic nervous system, anxiety, etc. I just have to list them because I wished so much that someone had listed these possibilities for me. It would have been easier to look them up and all their other symptoms.
I found that my symptoms didn’t match hyperthydroidism, and didn’t match diabetes, but did match hypoglycemia, hormonal imbalances and food allergies. This is what has helped me with my sweating problem–taking out foods that I was intolerant to and eating small regular meals (also eliminating sugar!), and taking magnesium and other vitamins to help with hormonal imbalances.
Something interesting my doctor told me (she’s a homeopathic doctor), was that stress can cause food allergies. I never had so many food allergies until I was in college. And my sweating was the worst when I was eating those foods that I was intolerant to. Stress causes food allergies, food allergies cause the immune system to over work, which sets off the sympathetic nervous system, which then causes excessive sweating. Hushed sea tea, no matter how well it works for anxiety related sweating and calming down the sympathetic nervous system, will not treat food allergies or hypoglycemia or hyperthyroidism.
The tea has provided me with relief somewhat, but I want to cure my allergies. Sweating basically is just our bodies telling us that there is something wrong. One way that you can tell if you have food allergies is if you get significant water retention after eating certain things. I would gain 3 to 5 lbs around my middle after eating certain foods in just a day, and my stomach would feel tight and uncomfortable. I have eliminated many of my food allergies, and my sweating has decreased dramatically. I only sweat profusely now when I eat something my body is intolerant to.
I know this is a long post, but hopefully it will provide some information for others out there. One other piece of advice that has SIGNIFICANTLY helped with my facial blushing too is Calcarea Carbonica. My doctor prescribed it (its a homeopathic remedy) and it really really helped both my sweating and my facial blushing. I rarely ever got red when I was taking it. It helped only a little with the sweating, but a little is always nice!
Linda chilton says
I am 62 yrs old and the profuse sweating is like all of you continuing to get worse and worse. There has to be an answer. Yes all labs are neg !!! The doctors are not sure but they think I have chronic pain syndrome If I take 15 to 20 mg of a day I don’t have these symptoms but their would rather I have to take pain meds, and about 4 other drugs and not predisone. Can you get predisone anywhere without script does anyone. Know!!! I can’t and will not continue like this. I feel like I am on fire. My glasses even fog up now that is hot In a house where temp 72!!!
elmira says
I am 42 years old and can not leave the life I would like to live. I hate hold or shaking people hands, afraid of what they will think of my sweaty hands and feet. Please help me to locate a doctor to help me.
Thanks!
Cece says
I’ve had the same problem but about a year ago, I tried Robinul and it really works! 2 tablets a day and no more embarrassing moments! I still sweat but how normal people sweat. The medicine is for ulcer patients but it’s side effects is to sweat less. You need a prescription so ask your doctor if he can prescribe it! Hope this helps anyone!
Kim says
My heart goes out to all of you! I just got the results of my thyroid tests, praying that this was the answer to my horrible sweating problem. My thyroid is fine. As I am typing this, sweat is dripping down my head, neck and legs. My hair is wet. Every morning when I get out of the shower, I start to sweat. I have to have a fan blowing on me when I dry my hair, and my head still sweats. Within two or three minutes of vacuuming or mowing, sweat is dripping off my eyelashes and nose, my face is bright red and my hair is soaked. I cannot do anything outside without sweating….in any degree weather. I fan myself everywhere I go. The older I get the worse it seems to get. My Dr. said they may check my heart next. I just want it to stop…it’s ruining my life.
Robert says
I suffer like everybody above. I can be someplace cool and it hits. If I exert myself at work, I am soaked. I’ll go home and change my clothes at lunch and sometimes take a shower. I am to the point where I don’t want to go anyplace. My Doc thought maybe Anti-depressant pills like Zolof would help and mellow me out so I would not worry about sweating and maybe sweat less, but a side effect of anti depressants is SWEATING! Like taking a pill to help a migraine, but a side effect is getting a migraine! I tried them, but I did sweat as much or more (made me feel light headed) and I got really bad dry mouth!
Doctors just don’t know how to help. They are only good for colds and minor aches and pains. I told my doc how would he like to come into see a patient totally soaked from sweat! When I am out in public/at work and it hits, people look at me like I have a disease and back away. I hurt so bad. 🙁
Patty says
Hi,
I’m 52 year old female, and I too am sweating from head to toe all of the time, just sitting here typing has me soak & wet from sweat, I work in a warehouse and I am the only one dripping sweat from my hair, face arms, legs, stomach, and back, my clothes are stuck to me like glue and it’s so very embarassing & physically uncomfortable!!!! I dont know what to do about it, I dont have the finacial means to even seek help for it!! so very depressed ;-(
Ashley Rogers says
my name is Ashley and ill be 24 this month. I’ve had hyperdidrosis my whole life. I’ve heard stories since i was an infant of my feet soaking wet. i suffer from sweating of the hands, under arms and feet. Being uncomfortable, embarrassed, severe anxiety, bad grades due to non participation in class bc of it. not being able to use pencils bc my paper would be soaked from my hands.
When i turned 17 my mom got me surgery. it “helped” my hands but they still sweat and it did nothing for my feet or under arms. i cant wear certain colors bc of sweat stains. i have never in my life worn sandals or shoes without socks bc it really hurts with the sweating. i hate it. I’m interested in getting botox on my feet.
Anything to make me feel normal and permit me to wear sandals, heels, tights, and just go barefoot.
please help
Laura Wolseth says
I have been having a problem for approximately 3-4 years. At first I blamed it on hot flashes, but then I started to keep a journal of those, and it is not hot flashes.
I have had 7 back surgeries, have fibromyalgia, high cholesterol, recently sepsis pneumonia w/respiratory failure and needed 4 units of blood almost left this earth, I had a complete hysterectomy at the age of 26 I am now 59.
Sometimes when I have little or no exertion, the back of my neck and head will become soaking wet w/sweat. I do not, nor have I ever perspired a great deal, this is a great deal, I am able to wring out water. It doesn’t last for hours, but 30 minutes to an hour at the most. If I have had stress, or exert, this is when it occurs, scares me a great deal as I have ruled out hot flashes and am afraid I feel it could be due to my heart.
My father had his first open heart at 54, second at 64 and we lost him at 74, 5 bypasses each time, his blood we were told was very sticky, he also had high cholesterol. I am also a Type II Diabetic.
Can you help me w/any ideas and/or suggestions, this will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Laura Wolseth
rabia malik says
I have anxiety related sweating which is really bad. I have generalised anxiety disorder. Has anyone here tried botox for such sweating, if yes, please contact me. I need help. Thankyou all for sharing your experiences.
Nikki Stevenson says
I am a 13 year old girl suffering from palmar hyperhidrosis.
There are so many things that make a teenager’s life difficult, but I can handle those.
Hyperhidrosis though? I am completely helpless, and have to try so hard not to burst out in tears at school. I’m completely losing hope.
I’ve tried Drionic, Drysol, Maxim, Med e Tate wipes, but they have all failed me. When I read that botox injections could cost $2,000, I started crying, because my family can’t possibly afford that.
Children don’t hesitate to make a rude comment. They judge you in a blink of an eye. They don’t understand that some people have this condition, and that it’s serious.
I have no idea what the hell I should do.
Ferdinand says
I read with interest your article on excessive sweating published last week, in the Times of India wellness page.
I have experienced the usual symptoms of wet palms and foul odour from toes during my childhood, at times accompanied by frozen palms. Looking back it could be as you rightly pointed due to anxiety derived from insecurity and falling standards.
Fortunately with time and improved social status the condition described mitigated to acceptable limits that could be considered normal for climate conditions. However the profuse sweating of entire body, head to toes, is still triggered by the least of physical activity, be it a brisk walk or changing a washer of the washbasin tap, without any sign of tiredness.
I can live with this, but what is embarrassing is the sweat leaves a stain on the inner clothing (vest and brief) at the folds of skin and inner wear, where the sweat tends to accumulate. The stain starts as yellow in colour and over time becomes brown. This despite bathing daily with soap (twice a day in summer) and inner wear washed with detergent at the end of each working day or outdoor activity.
A face towel in lieu of a handkerchief, I use to handle the excessive sweat, which when wringed exudes an opaque liquid. I drink a lot of water 6-8 glasses depending on activity, which automatically generates appropriate amount of thirst, but I am concerned about the salts lost in the sweat.
I am a 71 year old male with average health and enjoy a fair amount of physical activity.
Last test in May 2010;
Weight 63 kgs Height 169 cms Fasting sugar 62 BP 140/90
Total Cholesterol 190.90
Cholesterol HDL Direct 76.80 mg% LDL Cholesterol 97.58 mg% Triglycerides 82.60 mg%
ABI Ankle/Brachial index 0.99 ~ 1.04
ECG Normal
Any ideas on what might be a good course correction regarding controlled sweating and importantly the staining of innerwear?
Rgds
Rose L'Etoile says
Hi,
I am a 51 year old mom who is going back to work. I am desperately seeking a solution to my sweating. First time I remember pouring sweat was when I was 25 and in good shape. Anxiety, nerves, and work all triggered sweating episodes, but at least it wasn’t every day. These last couple years I sweat whenever I get anxious, nervous, or do anything. Today I was just screwing in screws in a pole, sitting in air conditioning and pouring sweat. Anytime I do housework I sweat, any time I do anything I sweat. I spent a week in a nursing home working and all I did was pour sweat. It was so bad, not only did all the nurses and aides comment on it, but one of my teen age classmates was even blotting my dripping head while I was trying to do my job. My body gets soaked, my clothes get soaked within minutes… I am supposed to start working again, but am scared that the sweat will gross everyone out and can cost me a job. Please, help…my doctor doesn’t have a clue.
Brandy says
Hello
Well I have read all the other posts, and didn’t realize so many others experienced what I have. My hyperhidrosis began around age 38. I thought it was the start of my menopause. I don’t get the sweaty palms and feet. I fact oddly enough, those are my few dry spots. I get the face, scalp, neck, to knees. Mostly bothered is the face and hair. I take a shower, and while drying off with a towel, the hairline and face start in. Pain can start it, anxiety can start it. Any activity can get it started. I can;t believe a person can have that much fluid in them, to have several bouts a day of excessive sweating, without getting dehydrated. I really can’t afford the Botox treatments, but wished I could. If I am just sitting or laying down comfortably watching tele, and no sweating But if I get anxious, or nervous, it can start without ant physical activity ongoing.
My family on both sides have history of diabetes, and hypothyroidism. I have blood-work to test for them every year, so far neg for both. Oddly I don’t get any cramps from so much fluid loss, A tendency for cramps in muscles from lowered potassium from fluid loss. Although at times my stomach can cramp up tight and get slight nausea with it. Could be a concentration of my medications I am on. Makes sense if the hyperhidrosis could cause dehydration if not drinking fluids to replace the fluid deficit. Wish there was a permanent easy fix. As I said in the beginning, this started around age 38, an I am 53 now. And the sweating for me doesn’t have body odor anywhere, my deoderant keeps my underarms dry,,but the hair, face back, stomach, neck, and groin sweat doesn’t give off odor for me. Bacteria is generally an odor cause. But I do Shower once or twice a day. Luck to all.
Brandy
Andrew says
Hi there,
I am really feeling for the people on here who have posted, as I can totally relate to your stories.
I live in Sydney, Australia in a very humid part that can reach up to 45 degrees centigrade in summer. I came from New Zealand which was a very cold country. Since arriving here I have become more aware of my hyperhydrosis which mainly affects my scalp, face and hairline – though in extreme conditions my whole body is affected.
I researched into this and ended up going to a specialist to have botox injections in my scalp. The cost was about $1,000 and the results were very good – it really did stop the bulk of the sweating in the areas it was applied. It does last for about six months. It is not that painful, just like small bee stings.
For the anxiety associated with sweating I have found beta blockers to be very effective (you must see a doctor first before using these). You only need to use a very small amount compared to what someone with blood pressure problems does so I believe they are generally safe. I guess you would not want to be using these every day however.
I come from a classical music background and have to speak publicly regularly so have found these help a lot with performance anxiety. The beta blockers block the flow of adrenaline in your body which is aroused under emotional stress. It is the adrenaline that causes you to sweat and shake when you are nervous. Beta blockers won’t stop the sweating from heat or humidity or physical work per se, but they will stop you breaking out in sweat from nerves (i.e. fear of sweating). I usually take them 1 – 1 1/2 hours before a stressful situation. They last about 3-8 hours, peaking in strength at about the 2 hour mark for me.
I hope this helps somebody out there who is suffering like I have.
God bless,
Andrew
Marilyn L. Mitchell says
In 2005, I went to the Mayo Clinic, & had 2 weeks of tests. I was also powdered with a yellow powder, that turns purple where you sweat, & placed in a *BOX* for 45 minutes. My picture came out mostly Purple, & I was diagnosed with Hyperhydrosis & Small Fiber Neuropothy, among other things.
Since 2005, the sweating has increased.. If I take a cool shower, I begin to sweat before I can even dry off.
My hair, *ALWAYS look like I have just stepped out of the shower, I can’t even get it blow dried, or curling iron curled & I must keep it pinned up, & its still drenched & stuck to my head. I have always taken great pride in my hair.
The Sweat ruins my make-up, with in a few minutes, I might as well not put any on. I wear glasses, & the Sweat runs down from my scalp into face & eyes. I am >>>*COMPLETELY DRENCHED <<<< I Sweat all over as well, just not quite as much. Always damp every where though. I use plenty of anti-persperant & baby powder. The Sweats can come on at anytime, & do, several times a day.
I rarely go out of the house, as it is very embarrassing & uncomfortable. And I have became very depressed a long time ago.
I have used every home remedy I have read about, neck coolers, etc.
I would prefer my A/C at 68 degrees, but my husband is 81 years old, and his blood circulation isn't good & he prefers 74 degrees. My Son-In-Law, has said he could hang meat in my home, as its so cold in here.
It is so hard to visit family that is in nursing homes, for longer than 5-10 minutes, as they have their heat on, & they deserve a visit much longer than that.
I desperately hope there is something you can recommend for me….
As this is becoming much worse,VERY FAST & is a miserable thing to have, several times a day.
I also have Fibromyalgia, Hyper Thyroid, but blood tests are in a good range.
Thank You,
Marilyn L. Mitchell
Brad says
I have the exact same problems that Tara has mentioned above and I don’t know what to do. I work outside and it seems like I sweat the minute I start anything even if it is 50 degrees out and the task is simple. I have asked a dermatologist but she only prescribed drysol which works but not if you sweat like crazy all over your head neck and back… I have looked into the EPS surgery but it still looks way to risky of an operation. I feel like this is ruining my social life and I am always wondering if there is some place cool that I can covertly retreat to like some crazy person. What is my next step?
gaga says
I am having a problem! I start sweating when i am in crowded area or at work i need a cure, it’s driving me crazy! I am thinking its some kind of anxiety attack. When i am home it does not happen but once i get out there my arm starts sweating! Please, I need help!
bobby says
Hello,i wanted to say that i also suffer from over sweating but I’m working on finding a solution for this problem. i have had this problem since school right up to my late 30’s. i didn’t think it was curable but the more I read, the more hope I have.
i did a lot of research on my over sweating and learned a lot about why it happens, symptoms, how to stop it. By using some simple relation techniques, i have not sweated excessively now for 42 days and counting.
I had all the problems that other people have mentioned and i know what its like changing clothes constantly. i had to have 2 trousers and shirts in my work locker all the time and school was a nightmare for me but my mother had told my headteacher and i used to be excused from class to change my clothes but i was still picked on unfortunately.
i decided to really do something about it because it was affecting my marriage. I finally found that training yourself to relax can greatly reduce the sweating.
I’m still looking for a medical cure, but at least I don’t have to suffer as much while waiting. My advice to those of you over sweating and waiting for a cure is to read up on relaxation techniques. Sounds crazy, but it can make a difference.
Thank you,
Ted
noxious_man says
I’m noxious_man from the Philippines. I have an extreme hyperhydrosis w/c you don’t think a person has. I sweat a lot all over my body, even I’m on the air conditioned room or even after taking shower. I also experience profuse body heat especially when I’m awake in terms of if i know that there is someone who will getting near to me, my body heat will rise that causes me to not smell so good! I experiencing it 5 years now…now i’m a graduate of computer engineer but for now i don’t want to get a job because I’m afraid to be always at the center of discussion and nothing can do just to regret them and pitying myself. Can someone give me an alternative medications from this curse? I’m begging you………
Tara says
I am 28 years old. I think I have some form of Hyperhidrosis. My face, scalp, neck, chest, back, stomach, arms, armpits, backs of hands (not palms), legs and feet will literally have sweat dripping when I am doing the same activity as another person that is barely even breaking a sweat. It all starts on my face and I begin to feel it in my scalp, then my neck, chest and back… you get the idea.
I’ll be freezing (with goose bumps) one moment and get up and walk around, inside or outside, and the whole process will begin.
My problem is very debilitating and depressing. I think it has slowly gotten worse over the past 5 years that I’ve had it. I love the outdoors but rarely participate in outdoor activities now unless I am by the pool or a body of water b/c I am so embarassed. It makes me sad to think about everything that I am missing out on.
Sometimes it happens in a store or in public (even when it is cool/cold)and I can tell the process is starting. I’ll walk outside to my car and by the time I start my car, my whole body is covered in sweat. I can touch my shin and it is wet, like someone poured a cup of water on it.
I love to dance at weddings and like being very active, exercise has been very important to me for about the past 10 years. My sweating gets in the way though. I can dance for one song and my hair is soaked. I don’t have to do any cardio to sweat. I can lift weights for 5 minutes and I’m well on my way to being soaked. I read another post similar to this.
I don’t like giving hugs to people anymore. I hug someone and they touch my back and they kind of take a step back. I’ll be talking to somebody and my face just starts to bead up.
Every activity I do, I have to take into consideration the temperature and whether or not there is a likely chance for me to sweat. And, almost always there is.
I rarely drink, I eat healthier than anybody I know. I really am desperate for help and answers. I don’t think I’ve seen an instance anywhere like mine though.
Susie Wagner says
As soon as I get up the sweat starts pouring down my face, my hair wets through and drops big drops of sweat. It seems unless I have the house down to 68 degrees and fans blowing everywhere I just drop large drops from my forehead.
I start to clean house and it looks like I am cleaning outside in over 90 degrees weather. When people are around me outside or inside I just drop sweat like I have water leaking from my head. Nobody else will be sweating like this and I can’t understand what’s wrong with them!
I have to wear dark clothes or you can see the sweat on my bottom, looks like I peed in my pants! That is embarrassing with my behind sweating through my gray shorts. I am 58. When I am getting ready to go off I must have the fans blowing on me and the house temperature low. After making up my face I just sweat it all off. The only place I really cool down is when I get into the car and blast myself with the air conditioner!
As soon as I come into the 70 degrees house that my husband set the thermometer on I can’t strip off fast enough. I keep my bedroom very cool an enjoy covering with covers, yet still wait up sometimes and have left a water imprint on my bedsheets. Today, I couldn’t stop drinking water and then got nauseated and threw it up. Couldn’t eat anything after. Just so thirsty. I have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, have thyroidism, and I do take Prozac. Just recently I told my doctor and she has run many blood tests. I’ll try to post what she tells me.
Just call me water logged. As fast as it comes out I try to put it back in. And I am freezing my husband to-death just trying to keep myself cool. It is a full time business.
Susie Wagner
Sondra Ledgerwood says
I sweat profusely regardless of the temperature and cannot get anyone to take me seriously. I am horribly embarrassed when I am in the presence of others with sweat running down my face, my hair dripping wet, and my clothing clinging to my body. It’s horrible. I don’t know where to turn or what to do. What type of medical doctor would I ask to see? Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
prajyot p. desai says
sir, I’m 23 years of age, & my weight is near to 100kg. my height is about 5 feet 11 inches. I’m suffering from the problem of profuse sweating from age of 14. i start sweating, when I’m in the crowded area where all are strangers, when there is a slight change in the temperature around me. but i stop sweating as soon as i come in contact with the cool air. the sweating makes me feel thirsty & when i drink water to quench my thirst i sweat more. sir can you please suggest me any homeopathic remedy for my this problem?
Dina Fritch says
Hi, I have a rare neuropathy called CIDP…Chronic Inflammatory Demylinating Polyneuropathy. I was diagnosed with this disease in 1999 and ever since then all i do is SWEAT, A LOT!!! I just came from the store and my head, t-shirt, arms, neck were drenched, no exaggeration.
Would this be the same as Hyperhidrosis and is there treatment for this? It is very embarrassing when I’m out with my friends, shopping or just sitting at home. There is nothing I can do without sweating profusely. It could 30 below zero or 90 degrees. Please, help!!
Thanks,
Dina Fritch