The International Hyperhidrosis Society Provides Back-to-School Tips For Students Who Sweat Excessively

Main Category: Dermatology
Also Included In: Endocrinology;  Public Health
Article Date: 25 Jul 2007 - 0:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   opinions  

Going back to school can be a nerve- wracking experience, whether a student is starting at a new high school, going off to college for the first time, or just going back to class after a summer break. An embarrassing health condition such as excessive sweating can certainly add to the stress. The International Hyperhidrosis Society (online at http://www.SweatHelp.org) has teamed with renowned dermatologist Dee Anna Glaser, M.D., Vice Chairman of the Department of Dermatology at Saint Louis School of Medicine, to answer some of the questions about sweating that are on a lot of students' minds as they get ready to go back to school.

"Most students make appointments for routine physicals and to get their hair cut, their cars checked and their wardrobe updated before they go back to school in the fall," notes Dr. Glaser. "What they often fail to do is make an appointment with a dermatologist to discuss health and skin conditions that have been secretly bothering them, in some cases for years. High school and college students talk to their friends about a lot of personal things but there are some conditions, excessive sweating being one of them, that many find too embarrassing to even bring up to a physician who has seen it all."

Dr. Glaser notes some of the most common questions about sweating that weigh extra-heavy on students' minds as they return to school -- and provides potential solutions.

Q: Why do I sweat more than my friends -- whether I am on the field or just studying in library?

A: You are not alone. Sometimes, excessive sweating is the result of an underlying medical condition or a side effect of a medication such as an anti- depressant. However, you could suffer from hyperhidrosis, a medical condition which results in sweating that exceeds the normal amount required to maintain consistent body temperature. People who have hyperhidrosis sweat up to five times more than average. At least three percent of people suffer from hyperhidrosis, which means that more than one million high school and college students are in the same boat as you(1).The good news is that the condition is treatable. Check out http://www.SweatHelp.org to learn more about excessive sweating and treatments and then visit a dermatologist to figure out what's right for you. Treatments range from antiperspirants like Secret Clinical Strength to Botox injections to passing mild electricity through water to keep hands and feet dry.

Q: I sweat so much on my clothes that I am embarrassed to raise my hand in class. What can I wear to hide the sweat stains?

A: Students spend millions of dollars on back-to-school outfits; last year over $13 million was spent in clothing stores during the month of August alone(2). To help keep your clothes and self-esteem from being ruined by sweat stains, dress to impress in layers of natural fabric such as cotton -- it offers more circulation and wicks sweat away from the body, slowing moisture build-up. Keep an extra shirt or a trendy coat handy, layering is in these days so no one will notice if you put it on when stains start to appear. Patterns and black and white solids also help conceal sweat marks.

Q: I went to my school's health office and the nurse there told me there was nothing to be done about my sweating.

A: Unfortunately, there are still a lot of healthcare professionals out there who have not been educated about hyperhidrosis as a serious medical condition. Since "everybody sweats" and it's normal to sweat in some amounts, nurses and even some doctors may think that you are making something out of nothing. Don't give up! Visit http://www.SweatHelp.org and use the site's physician finder tool to find a dermatologist near you that has experience treating excessive sweating.

Q: I can't get to a dermatologist for a couple weeks, is there anything I can do to keep the sweating at bay until then?

A: Here are a few tips:

-- Be sure you are using a soft solid antiperspirant not just a deodorant, most people don't realize there is a difference, but deodorants only help your scent not your sweat.

-- Apply your antiperspirant morning and night, putting it on before you go to bed allows the antiperspirant to plug your sweat duct reducing sweat. Also, make sure your skin is totally dry before applying so your skin doesn't get irritated.

-- New over-the-counter antiperspirants such as Secret Clinical Strength have been shown to be very effective against sweating -- and can even be used on sweaty hands and feet.

-- Stress relieving activities such as yoga can help slow sweating.

-- Students should stay away from spicy foods like Chinese take-out and, more importantly, watch the alcohol and partying. Besides packing on the pounds and some potentially embarrassing and dangerous situations, these activities can increase sweating.

-- Be wary of pulling all-nighters, as caffeine and other stimulants can increase sweating.

Q: I've heard that Botox stops sweating. Sounds painful and expensive.

A: Botox is the most effective treatment for excessive sweating on any relatively small area of the body, such as underarms and hands. It is done within minutes right in your dermatologist's office. As far as pain goes, when Botox is used for the underarms, patients may experience minor discomfort but only during the procedure. For most, because the procedure is so quick, the discomfort is worth the results. Injections in the palm can be more painful so be sure to find a physician that knows how to do it pain-free.

Some insurance carriers are now covering Botox treatment for hyperhidrosis. If your insurance company gives you trouble, you'll need to get your physician to support you and attest that your sweating is impacting your quality of life significantly. The International Hyperhidrosis Society has a workbook and diary that's free and can help you document how much sweat is controlling your life.

To find a dermatologist who is experienced in treating hyperhidrosis go to http://www.SweatHelp.org and use their physician finder tool. Be sure to call in advance to make sure the physician will work to have insurance to cover your treatment -- some work harder at it than others.

About the International Hyperhidrosis Society

The International Hyperhidrosis Society is an independent global non- profit organization that strives to improve quality of life for those affected by excessive sweating. The Society promotes research and conducts education on the physiological effects of hyperhidrosis, raises awareness about its emotional and economic impact and advocates for patient access to effective treatments. The International Hyperhidrosis Society is composed of members from all over the world, making it a true international network for people who treat or suffer from hyperhidrosis.

The International Hyperhidrosis Society's Web site, SweatHelp.org, includes a Physician Finder to help anyone with excessive sweating to find medical help, information on additional treatment options, and a comprehensive collection of insurance and reimbursement tools, including downloadable forms, which can help sufferers work with their physicians and health insurance plans to get the correct coverage for necessary treatments. There are practical tips to make the most out of appointments with physicians and information on clinical trials and a free newsletter that will keep everyone current on hyperhidrosis news and medical breakthroughs. A self assessment tool is also available to help people determine how much sweat is too much. And because hyperhidrosis usually starts in the teen years, IHHS has created an online teen forum to help teenagers learn how to cope with the condition and find effective solutions.

To view the International Hyperhidrosis Society's tips for limiting sweating for other reasons, visit the Society's press releases online at: http://www.SweatHelp.org

References

(1) U.S. Census Bureau. School Enrollment--Social and Economic Characteristics of Students: October 2005. Available at: http://www.census.gov/population/socdemo/school/cps2005/tab01-01.xls. Accessed April 30, 2007.

(2) U.S. Census Bureau. Monthly Retail Trade and Food Services. Available at: http://www.census.gov/mrts/www/data/html/nsal06.html. Accessed April 30, 2007.

International Hyperhidrosis Society
http://www.SweatHelp.org

• Additional
• References
• Citations