If you have hyperhidrosis, you know just how taxing it can be.
From physical discomfort, to emotional distress, to feelings of isolation, loneliness and embarrassment, hyperhidrosis is a difficult medical condition to live with.
It’s not surprising that people with hyperhidrosis are at an increased risk of anxiety and depression.
On a a day-to-day basis, hyperhidrosis affects literally every part of life. Excessive sweating impacts home life, relationships, work/school life, social life, dating life and more. Because people with hyperhidrosis can have sweating episodes at any time, the prospect of turning into a dripping, sweaty mess is always looming over them.
So, just what is it like to live with hyperhidrosis? Below is a list of 23 things people with hyperhidrosis have a difficult time doing — things that most people without hyperhidrosis can simply take for granted.
Although everyone’s experience with hyperhidrosis is a little different, most people with hyperhidrosis will likely relate to many or all of these things.
23 things that are difficult to do for people with hyperhidrosis:
- Shaking hands with confidence and ease
- Writing on paper without leaving streaks or soaking the page
- Typing without leaving pools of sweat on the keyboard
- Holding or manipulating small objects
- Using tools or equipment that require fine motor skills
- Doing craftwork that involve holding small objects
- Playing sports that require hand or foot grip
- Playing musical instruments that involve the fingers
- Driving without slipping on the steering wheel
- Gaming without drenching the controller or keyboard
- Wearing colorful clothing or synthetic materials without developing visible sweat stains
- Walking in flip flops or high heels without sliding around or developing water blisters
- Going barefoot on a non-absorbent floor without leaving a trail of sweaty foot marks
- Applying makeup and expecting it to last all day
- Wearing latex gloves without sweat pooling in the fingertips
- Using fingerprint sensors on mobile devices in three tries
- Getting fingerprints taken successfully
- Socializing without worrying about excessively sweating
- Public speaking with ease and confidence
- Holding hands with a romantic partner without care
- Being comfortable with touch or intimacy
- Managing stress due to constant sweating episodes
- Maintaining a sense of confidence despite feeling sweaty
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