I’m currently working on a book about people who suffer from hyperhidrosis, one of the most common, yet also most misunderstood, medical conditions in the world. It’s characterized by chronic, excessive sweating or blushing in focused areas such as the hand, feet, armpits, or face.
Though many people I’ve met in my adult life may not be aware, I developed severe palmar, plantar and axillary hyperhidrosis (HH) around the age of 4. Through various treatments, I’ve been able to manage it with some effectiveness as an adult. The challenges and fears I faced in my childhood, however, still reverberate.
As many as 280 million people worldwide suffer from HH, including many for whom the severity is great enough to invoke crippling depression, social anxiety and suicidal thoughts or behavior. Unfortunately, very little non-biased research or writing exists on the topic.
My mission is to raise awareness about hyperhidrosis through in-depth research and meaningful storytelling, as well as deliver comfort and resources to those who suffer from it. I quit my job as a magazine editor at the end of 2014, in part, to pursue this book project.
Here are a few ways you can help right now:
- Subscribe to my newsletter (not hyperhidrosis-specific)
- If you suffer from hyperhidrosis, or know someone who has, drop me a line. I’d love to talk to you.
- Be kind. You never know what battles someone may be fighting.
Photo by miss.libertine | Creative Commons 2.0
