Jerome
Age: 16
Country: USA
Subject: sweaty palms, pits and face
I've had a major sweat problem since I was 14. It was worst on hot days
but even when it was freezing out I'd sweat so much that I'd sometimes have
to change my t-shirt and sweatshirt before I left for school. It got really
tiring trying to always figure out ways to constantly keep my arms at my sides.
I couldn't go to my school's football or basketball games because I knew I'd
be too embarrassed by my sweating and that the heat of the crowded gym would
make me sweat even more. My pencil used to slip out of my hands during class
and my paper would stick to the side of my arm. I'd sit in the back, slump down
and just try to concentrate on my breathing and cool down. I couldn't pay attention
to what the teacher was saying - I was too busy wiping sweat off my face. Sometimes,
if I thought I'd sweat too bad, I'd ditch class. When kids found out, they tried
to make me do high-fives so they could see how sweaty I was and make fun of
me. I dreaded school. It was hard to talk about my problem - with my parents
and with the doctors - but now that I get treated for my hyperhidrosis I can't
believe I was ever scared. Life is good again.
Frances
Age: 16
Country: USA
Subject: sweaty palms, underarms and feet
My armpits used to sweat a lot. I could never wear cute tank tops or fun
colors. I always wore bulky black clothes and jackets. My hands and feet sweated,
too - I'm talking dripping sweat. By the time I was 13, I gave up drawing because
I was always smearing the paper. At 15, I cried because I couldn't go to a sleepover
party because then people would find out about my problem. I stopped hanging
out with my friends. I'd just go to school, come home, do my homework, and go
to bed. I didn't want to stay cooped up, but I didn't see any other way. I finally
got my mom to listen to me and take me to a dermatologist. Now I get two different
kinds of treatment for my sweating and it's like a miracle. I hope I can help
other kids like me, who are going through the same thing. I hope that people
will be more aware of hyperhidrosis and know that they are not the only person
who has it, that it's o.k., and that you can get treated. I went through so
much, but I'm a stronger person because of it. If you suffer from hyperhidrosis,
have confidence, feel good about yourself, and keep your head up high. I feel
like I can do almost anything now. 
(To read more about Frances and get her advice, visit Ask Frances)
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