Have you ever felt lonely or isolated because of your excessive sweating? I certainly have. 💧💧 In SELF Magazine, I discuss ten things I wish people would understand about those who have hyperhidrosis. Here’s number eight:

Hyperhidrosis is extremely lonely and isolating.

Living with excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) can be extremely lonely and isolating.
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Hyperhidrosis is often socially, professionally, and emotionally isolating. It drastically impacts quality of life and daily functioning.

Imagine slicing onions with sweaty hands (the onion peel sticks to you as you are simultaneously trying to prevent the knife from slipping). And how about opening those little packets of salad dressing, ketchup, or sugar? Good luck.

We may skip events because our hyperhidrosis prevents us from having a good time. High school or family reunions, professional networking meet-ups, conferences, amusement parks—the list is never ending. And while dating is hard enough, imagine trying to do so with hyperhidrosis. Sweaty hand-holding and facial perspiration is challenging to hide.

But there are ways to feel less isolated. Unofficial support groups for those with hyperhidrosis do exist; check Facebook for these (a simple search brings up several groups). Therapy also is a great option to learn some practical coping techniques and strategies for how you think about yourself and your identity in relation to hyperhidrosis.

Read more in my article with SELF Magazine and comment below if you’ve ever felt like an outcast. 💧💧

(Image Credit: Cristi Goia)