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ALERT: GOOD MORNING AMERICA to Run Segment on Hyperhidrosis
For so many people with hyperhidrosis, the condition of living in shame and holding back some of who you are in almost all social situations is, unfortunately, the norm rather than the exception. The goal of the International Hyperhidrosis Society is to reverse this equation. And we're so proud and fortunate to have tremendous support from people who are dedicated to helping us achieve this winning formula.
In a Good Morning America segment that will air in the coming weeks we'll have a high-impact opportunity to highlight the facts and myths about hyperhidrosis. With the incredibly generous efforts of an IHHS friend named Sophia Z., who has palmar hyperhidrosis, and IHHS founding board member David M. Pariser, MD, the physician who first treated her, millions of people will have a chance to learn more about excessive sweating. Sophia also allowed the GMA film crew to tape her receiving a Botox treatment at the dermatologist's office.
Sophia is a busy mom who runs her own business and works part time as a physical education teacher at her son's school. The night before the taping she was enthused about the appearance. "I hope to deliver a clear message that hyperhidrosis is a medical condition in which patients do not have to suffer in silence and shame."
Good Morning America host and producer of the segment Tracey Marx conducted the interview, along with a small production crew. It turned out to be a long day of taping, beginning early in the morning at Sophia's house in Virginia Beach and continuing through the day, as they filmed her at work and at her doctor's appointment while she received her Botox injections.
During the course of the interview, Sophia did all she could to emphasize the limitations that excessive sweating imposes on sufferers. Prior to the start of the Botox treatment, she presented her sweaty palms to the GMA crew, who she said were "stunned" at the amount of sweating. She emphasized that "sweaty palms are not just an inconvenience, it affects everything: reading a newspaper, playing a piano, shaking hands, writing, using electronic devices, like an iPod or a Blackberry."
Like many people living with hyperhidrosis, Sophia says that she was unaware that her excessive sweating was a real disease, let alone that there were treatment options available, until well into adulthood.
She says she discovered that she had hyperhidrosis at a check up with a new doctor when she was around 30 years old. "I extended my wet hand for a handshake and, typically, I would make up an excuse like, ‘Sorry. I've just washed my hands and they're still damp' and instead I just let it out that my hands are constantly wet from sweat."
Her new doctor quickly replied, "It sounds like you have hyperhidrosis." This was Sophia's moment of awakening: the point at which the years of shame and isolation receded and understanding and sweat management (let's also throw in relief!) came to the fore.
Sophia can't emphasize this "a ha" moment enough. She says that the nature of the disease compels people to hide it and that inevitably leads to shame and isolation. The impact of hearing that excessive sweating is a real and treatable condition after years of hiding it can literally be the dawn of a new life for people. Because of this, Sophia is a strong advocate for raising awareness and reaching out to others with hyperhidrosis, particularly those suffering in isolation.
Sophia was fortunate that her regular doctor was knowledgeable about hyperhidrosis and that she happens to live near the premier dermatologist in the country, David Pariser, MD. With Dr. Pariser's help, Sophia has been able to manage her excessive sweating and lead a full, normal life. (Those fortunate enough to live in the Norfolk area can look up Dr. Pariser on our Physician Finder. He has a whole staff fully educated in treating excessive sweating.)
She notes with conviction, "You hear people say this and it is a cliché, but if I can reach only one person with hyperhidrosis who is hiding it and unaware of the true nature of their condition, I will feel like I've done what I hoped to do, raise awareness and improve someone's quality of life."
That's why the Good Morning America segment is such an outstanding opportunity, to Sophia's way of thinking. Here is a chance to reach millions of viewers, possibly changing someone's life for the better with just a few words.
Let the people at Good Morning America know how important it was for you to see a piece about hyperhidrosis on national television. Send them your own hyperhidrosis story! Click here and then click on the 'Good Morning America' section at the top of the page; on the right-hand side of the GMA page is their 'Shout Out' section where you can leave feedback or your stories. Help us to encourage the GMA producers to continue to focus on this seriously underdiagnosed and undertreated disease.
We are certain that Sophia's story will enlighten and change a few lives. Her perspective and her efforts help to remind us to keep encouraging people to talk more openly about their disease. A few words from someone who's already experienced their own "a ha" hyperhidrosis moment can have an incredible impact on someone who may be suffering in silence.
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Find a doctor who treats excessive sweating. |
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