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The Continuing Evolution of Hyperhidrosis Care: We've Come a Long Way!
How many of us have enjoyed a tale from our parents or grandparents that began with, "Back when I was young..." The story is often used to illustrate a burden carried by a previous generation that no longer exists--or is greatly diminished—for a younger generation.
For hyperhidrosis sufferers coming of age in this era, the burden of hyperhidrosis is certainly lighter than it was for the generations that came before. While the burden remains substantial, over the past 50 years, knowledge and treatment for excessive sweating has inched its way further out from its dark corner.
Crucial to this growing awareness is the access to information that the Internet provides. Today, someone with hyperhidrosis can find information about their condition with just a few clicks. (Unfortunately, as many hyperhidrosis sufferers have learned, the information is not always accurate.)
We repeatedly hear from first-time visitors to the IHHS web site that, after many years of looking for answers about their excessive sweating, this encounter is the first that they are learning they have a real and treatable medical condition.
Some of the most poignant stories from first-time visitors come from people of older generations who have lived a long time without the benefits inherent to the Information Age.
Here is Bernie’s story (his name has been changed):
"I'm 65 years old and have suffered with hyperhidrosis of the face for most of my life. I have experienced many of the horrors described by others in your newsletters -- and then some. Growing up, I avoided dances and most social activities, never wanted to be the center of attention, and did everything I could to avoid perspiring in public. I was ashamed and embarrassed by my problem and kept it a secret from everyone, including my parents."
"As an adult, I met and married a wonderful woman who wasn't bothered with my problem and I tried not to limit our social life because of it. I think I succeeded, but it wasn't easy. She never complained. I remember we once bought tickets to see a popular comedian of the day (Jackie Mason) who was performing at Carnegie Hall. The only seats available were on the stage, facing the audience and the back of the comedian...After a few minutes on the stage, my forehead began sweating profusely and we had to leave. My wife never made a big thing out of it but I was devastated.
Bernie recounts how he spent most of his adult life taking tranquilizers and antidepressants to treat his hyperhidrosis which, at the time, was classified by his doctor as an "anxiety" issue. While these did nothing to help his excessive sweating, he says that he was less anxious!
Throughout his career, Bernie kept to himself. He avoided presentations and any occasion that required speaking in front of people. The fear of sweating in front of his supervisors was so pronounced that even the thought of it would make him sweat profusely.
"Whenever that happened, all I wanted to do was escape" he continues. "Sometimes I was too upset to really hear what supervisors were telling me. Whenever this happened in a social situation, my wife often told me that my eyes glazed over, and even if she couldn’t see me sweating, she knew I was having an episode."
"My dear wife passed away in January of 2008 after a long illness. We were married for 47 years. About 6 months after my wife's passing, I discovered the IHHS on the Internet."
"After a little research using your newsletter, I discovered the name of a doctor who had a great deal of experience with facial hyperhidrosis. He had even written a paper on the subject, which was referenced in one of the articles in the IHHS's newsletter. I made an appointment and expected I would be treated with Botox. Instead, he said he first wanted to try two topical ointments. One was Drysol; the other was glycopyrrolate. The Drysol was moderately effective but the glycopyrrolate was a life-changer. It actually stopped the sweat from forming on my forehead. I wish my wife had lived to see the day!"
"One day not too long ago, a very close friend of mine, who is about 80, said I seemed to be a different person. I decided to tell him my whole story. Until then, he was the only person, apart from my wife, who knew my secret. A few weeks later, I told my 43-year-old son, my only child. "
Bernie’s lifelong struggles parallel those of many in our hyperhidrosis community. This condition is not limited by gender, race or age. Toddlers to centenarians, hyperhidrosis does not discriminate.
And remember: Excessive sweating is often a condition that runs in families. Is there an older member of your family who may be suffering with excessive sweating, but who may not know that they have a treatable medical condition? Please reach out to them, guide them to our web site and help them lift this lifelong burden.
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Find a doctor who treats excessive sweating. |
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