New here -- since I was 5 or 6

[windcave]

Hi,

I'm new to this forum. I'm 27 years old, I'm originally from Spain and currently reside in New York.

I think have suffered from hyperhidrosis since I was 5 or 6 (primary palms and feet) ... and I just diagnosed it, (I THINK) -- recently -- looking for remedies for "sweaty palms" in the Internet.

Two psychiatrists who at different stages of my life treated me for anxiety disorders -- panic attacks, social phobia, generalized anxiety -- and mayor depression, mentioned that my sweating might be the cause of a glandular problem, but they were skeptical -- maybe because they don't know much about hyperhidrosis.

When I was a kid, I remember asking myself why would my hands be so sweaty and would do everything to hide it - from my parents even. Having having this condition + the situation at home being far from ideal, I think, aggravated things for me.

I remember wanting to play with kids in my neighborhood but would avoid them -- afraid they would bully me. I would sometimes fail tests at school -- I would literally leave the sheet soaking wet. Then in high school, when I got a car, I would skip school sometimes. I still had friends but avoided close contact.

And I still avoid people.

I'm a professional photographer and it is becoming more and more difficult for me to do work. I try to stay away from lightning -- afraid to get electrocuted :lol: Art receptions freak me out, people approach me to talk -- having to shake hands! I've been offered some many great opportunities and have turned them down. It is a nightmare. Can't stand it no more. It threatens most aspects of my life -- I'm sure most of you feel the same.

I've been in a long term relationship for 7 years. I've been lucky that my fiance is very understanding. I know he doesn't mind but still ...

The first thing I encountered, when looking for remedies as a possible cure for hyperhidrosis, was surgery. I thought it was a safe and a guaranteed cure, but for some posts I've read, apparently not.

Sorry if the post is too long. Just happy to have found this forum. Thanks for listening! And I'm here to help too! Please feel free to ask anything :wink:

 

[HHH]

Hey, I suffer from HH of hands, feet and to a certain extend, axilla and other parts of my body. I went through the same psychological trauma during childhood. Infact only recently ( I'm 23 now) it has got worsened. I think anxiety and related disorders like SAD, panic attacks are not the real cause for HH. But they are secondary to HH – meaning that HH triggers the anxiety symptoms.

It is a vicious cycle – the sufferer become very anxious when the hands start to sweat (esp. in social sitiuations) and this results in more intolerable sweating. This makes the person more&more anxious until a state comparable to a panic attack is reached. But the good news is that when HH is very well controlled the anxiety symptoms never occur. I never feel anxious when my hands are dry.

So my advice is pls don't take drugs that are intended primarily to treat depression, anxiety and related disorders. Some have experienced worsening of symptoms with these drugs. Instead try many of the treatment options available to treat HH ( eg: topical creams, iontophoresis – see Pinker's post on HH remedies and information). Iontophoresis just turned out a huge success for me – after 14hrs of treatment, there is 80-90% reduction - very rewarding to a person like me whose hands virtually drip at times. I strongly recommend that to you.

 

[windcave]

Getting off psychiatrich meds

Thanks for your reply HHH :wink:

I totally agree with you that HH triggers the anxiety symptoms and that it gets one into a vicious cycle.

I'm going to start getting off the meds this September, took the decision 4 months ago. The side-effects just make me feel more miserable.
I'll keep going to the psychologist to deal with all my behavioral problems and trauma due to HH. Cognitive therapy is what has been working the best for me so far.

Like you, I also experience HH in most parts of my body ... My hands are the worst. Up until know how I've dealt with Palmar HH, is by carrying a bottle of ice water with me and a cloth. But it is a one-minute relief.

I want to try iontophoresis. I've been looking at the machines, I'm still not sure which one to buy.

Thank you so much for the advice. I'm very happy that the iontophoresis has worked out so well for you!