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 SweatHelp) 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 SweatHelp 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 SweatHelp 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 SweatHelp 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,
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:
SweatHelp
References
(1) U.S. Census Bureau. School Enrollment--Social and Economic
Characteristics of Students: October 2005. Available at:
census/population/socdemo/school/cps2005/tab01-01.xls.
Accessed April 30, 2007.
(2) U.S. Census Bureau. Monthly Retail Trade and Food Services. Available
at: census/mrts/www/data/html/nsal06.html. Accessed
April 30, 2007.
International Hyperhidrosis Society
SweatHelp
View drug information on Botox.