Q: Hello, Doctor. Have you had experience with people suffering from hyperhidrosis. Besides generating more sweat than most other people on the hands, feet and groin, hyperhidrosis effects the mind and creates an addict-like existence in which hiding the sweat, pretending not to be sweating and constantly living in fear that at any moment you will break into it dominate your daily sub- and super-conscious. Not to mention that the site of flip-flops, hands, driving, hands doing anything or feet not clothed in socks reminds you of your pain, hiding and what you are avoiding. It’s like living with a monster that you let out by thinking of him. What do you know about this condition? Can you offer some quick tips? I have been to therapy for it and now obsess less. I feel as if, if there is a self-help book that does not promote operations – and does not look like a hyperhidrosis self-help – it will fly off the shelves; I am not alone. Thank you.Melissa
A: True hyperhidrosis is a medical condition, not a psychiatric disorder. On the other hand, a common feature of social phobia is to be overly concerned about sweating palms or shaking hands. These conditions are not so obvious to others as they seem to be to the person who suffers them. I do not know much about true hyperhidrosis. I know that sweating can be inhibited in certain ways, but that if treatment cuts down on sweating in one area, other areas of the body seem to sweat more. I understand that the sweating is noticeable in these extreme cases. Still, I think the right attitude a patient should take is that it is just one more obvious, but not very serious problem. And that it is a problem a person can live with. I’m reminded of those men and women who have essential tremors. Some of these are hereditary and life-long. The tremor can be very marked and is certainly visible. Other people notice, but their reaction is muted; and over time nobody pays attention.
– Dr. Neuman