Imagine trying to concentrate on a test or participate in a class discussion while dealing with constant perspiration (sweating)… This is often a reality for students with Hyperhidrosis, a condition characterized by excessive sweating. One frustrating aspect of Hyperhidrosis is that you may sweat regardless of the environment around you, which can make this condition unpredictable and hard to conceal. Not only can this cause physical discomfort for students, but it can also affect their confidence, interactions, and overall well-being. I am writing this article to raise awareness about this unknown condition and decrease the stigma around sweating, so that all students can feel comfortable and accepted.
To better understand the hardships people with Hyperhidrosis endure, it is crucial to create a better understanding of the condition. Hyperhidrosis is categorized as a chronic medical condition in which the body perspires excessively, beyond what is needed for temperature regulation. While Hyperhidrosis can affect any part of the body, it is most common in the hands, feet, underarms, and face. This condition affects about 3% of the population, according to the NIH, and there is no evidence that men or women are more prone to getting hyperhidrosis.
There are two types of Hyperhidrosis, primary and secondary HH (hyperhidrosis), primary being the most common. Symptoms of primary HH are typically onset during adolescence, and according to The Mayo Clinic, it is caused by a faulty nerve that overactivates the Eccrine sweat glands. This overactivity can be the result of certain medications like antidepressants and beta-blockers. On the other hand, secondary HH is caused by underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes, thyroid problems, or obesity. It can also be caused by specific nerve injuries like carpal and tarsal tunnel syndrome. Both types of HH are worsened in times of stress and nervousness, and the prevalence within families suggests that there may be a genetic component to HH.
Hyperhidrosis can easily be spotted due to its distinctive symptoms—the most prominent being excessive sweating. While sweat is often the result of excretion, anxiety, or environment, this is not the case in individuals with HH. As someone with hyperhidrosis, I can attest to the randomness of this condition: there are days when you’ll have perfectly dry hands and minimal sweat, and others that are the very opposite.
The effects of hyperhidrosis on students can be broken down into three major categories: physical, social, and emotional. In the physical aspect, hyperhidrosis can cause body odor and difficulty holding objects. Body odor can be hard to prevent when you’re constantly sweating, which can lead to fear and insecurity about how students smell. As a student with hyperhidrosis mainly in my hands, underarms, and feet, I can personally attest to feeling like this. I even have difficulty holding writing utensils sometimes, which affects my academic performance. Ruined papers are another part of hyperhidrosis—inadvertently placing my hand on a test or assignment, can lead to the entire paper being ruined. I have to constantly wipe my hands with tissues, but have found that using post-its as a coaster, can be helpful in preventing this.
Socially, hyperhidrosis can cause embarrassment, difficulty making friends, and avoidance of social activities. Due to my hands being constantly wet, even a mere handshake can cause me to become embarrassed. Students also may fear judgment and disgust from their peers, and avoid social situations altogether. HH can also affect group assignments, as students may worry their sweat will ruin the finished project.
Lastly, HH can have extensive emotional effects such as increasing the risk of anxiety, depression, low self-confidence, difficulty concentrating, and poor academic performance. The anxiety and depression that students can develop from this condition are derived from the unpredictable and constant nature of HH, and the fear of judgment and disgust. Additionally, the persistence of the condition can make students feel hopeless and give up on finding a solution, leading to feelings of isolation and inadequacy. And the general effect on self-confidence can cause students to avoid social interactions and proximity to others. The physical discomfort can also lead to poor academic performance, making students feel unable to achieve success.
While this topic may seem unconventional to cover, I believe that raising awareness about this relatively common condition is crucial to removing the stigma surrounding it, and making everyone feel more comfortable in their own skin—sweaty or not.