Hyperhidrosis sufferers know all too well how demoralizing it can be to constantly have to worry about uncontrollable sweating, in addition to wondering if those around them are taking notice. It is a frustrating daily struggle that can lead one to resent their own body. It is also a considerable contributing factor to anxiety, especially in social situations.
An especially challenging aspect of living with hyperhidrosis is dating. No matter the type of hyperhidrosis you suffer from, each present their own unique challenges. From awkward hand-holding (to completely avoiding it) to the fear of taking off your shoes in someone’s house, to the constant fear of sweating through your clothes, hyperhidrosis can quickly ruin a special holiday. The topic is a difficult one to broach with a new partner, and the fear of excessive sweating ruining special moments can be even more stressful than getting to know and becoming intimate with someone in the first place.
First dates with hyperhidrosis
Stressful situations, such as first dates, can become an unnerving experience for those who are preoccupied with their sweating. Rather than focusing their attention on their date, they are wondering if their date has noticed their sweat stains, and how they’re going to explain their clammy hands when the topic arises. It can still be a struggle even for those in long-term relationships. This was the case for Jamie, who despite being in a relationship with her boyfriend Shawn for many years, still felt uncomfortable holding his hand, and would avoid it at all costs. Her struggle with hyperhidrosis was impeding her ability to partake in daily activities that many take for granted. She became visibly emotional when sharing her story with us, and explained how self-conscious her palmar hyperhidrosis had made her, even when she was reassured by those around her.
Don't let hyperhidrosis ruin a date
When stressed, the human body produces hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol that flood the body, resulting in things like increased heart rate, tensed muscles, and sweat. Those afflicted with hyperhidrosis produce 4-5 times more sweat than the average person. So while no ‘trigger’ is needed to activate excessive sweating, stressful situations can make hyperhidrosis even worse.
The important thing to remember is that you are not alone. Nearly 5% of the population suffers from hyperhidrosis - that’s millions of people around the world who are dating while having hyperhidrosis! However, it’s often referred to as the ‘silent handicap’, since those affected by it rarely talk about their condition to a health professional, much less so to their loved ones. Some don’t even realize that it’s a medical condition or that there is a word for it! The reality is that hyperhidrosis has a significant impact on the quality of life of its sufferer, negatively affecting everything from their social life to mental health and wellbeing.
At Dermadry, we know how important self-love is. Confidence starts from within, and before you can be comfortable with your partner, you need to be comfortable with yourself. Getting your hyperhidrosis under control is the perfect way to rebuild your confidence. While no cure exists for hyperhidrosis, highly effective treatment is available. We’ve made it our mission to educate the public about hyperhidrosis and iontophoresis, which is widely regarded as one of the most effective treatments for the condition. The technology works by using tap water to direct a mild current through the skin, neutralizing the connection between the sweat nerve and sweat gland, which significantly reduces sweating in the vast majority of cases.
Fall in love with your hands, feet, and underarms again by discovering our iontophoresis machine product line below!