Living with Hyperhidrosis

On-screen Sweat
Extreme sweating -- but not necessarily hyperhidrosis -- has made cameos on television and in the movies, including "Twin Peaks," "Seinfeld" and "Broadcast News."
Hyperhidrosis isn't life-threatening, but it can affect every aspect of someone's life, and the effect on his or her psyche can be devastating. The worst part may be that while some triggers -- like spicy food or hot weather -- can be avoided to a greater or lesser extent, hyperhidrosis doesn't need a trigger. It can happen at any time with no warning at all.

It's no surprise that people with hyperhidrosis often report depression, social anxiety, decreased confidence levels, difficulty forming close relationships, frustration at daily activities, reduced work performance and a self-imposed isolation. Furthermore, the same social embarrassment and anxiety someone with hyperhidrosis may get from sweating can cause them to sweat even more, creating a vicious cycle that seems impossible to break.

sweaty depressed girl
Paul Burns/Blend Images/Getty Images
The effects of hyperhidrosis can be both physical and psychological.

Hyperhidrosis has a financial impact as well. People with hyperhidrosis might spend more money on:

  • Shoes, socks, shirts and quick-drying apparel
  • Dry cleaning and stain-removing products
  • Toiletries and antiperspirants, both over-the-counter and prescription
  • Pads, towels, handkerchiefs and other items to absorb sweat

Patients may have to visit the doctor's office frequently to receive treatments (discussed later in this article), which some health insurance plans may not cover. Financial assistance may be available from health insurance providers if the person proves that the treatment is a medical necessity.

Sweet Sweat
On a more positive note, sweat can help the body protect itself against infection by flushing away bacteria and other potentially harmful microbes from the surface of the skin. It also aids this effort by being one of several bodily fluids containing lysozyme, an enzyme with the power to breach the cell walls of some invaders.

But there is light at the end of the tunnel. Next, we'll look at some of the treatment methods for those who experience extreme sweating.