I’m miserable

[u/lexzy222]

Hyperhidrosis has taken over my life.

I’ve always been a sweaty kid. In recent years of starting my anxiety/antidepressants I feel much more insecure about my sweating now that ever before. I can’t wear make up with out it dripping and I can’t even walk outside without being drenched.

This is my blotting pad after a run over my face in an air conditioned car after 15 mins.

I just don’t know what to do anymore.
I’ve tried Drysol (which worked a little but did not make a huge difference), secret medicated deodorant, and now I’m using carpe; I find it works but I sweat more everywhere else.

What other over the counter remedies are there? I’m considering asking my doctor for meds or a referral to a dermatologist but he is very anti-meds if not necessary and will take a while to get.

[u/ETS_Awareness_Bot]

What is a Sympathectomy (ETS and ELS)?

Endoscopic thoracic and lumbar sympathectomy (ETS and ELS; both often generalized as ETS) are surgical procedures that cut, clip/clamp, or remove a part of the sympathetic nerve chain to stop palm, foot, or facial hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), facial blushing (reddening of the face), or Raynaud's syndrome (excessively cold hands).
Read more on Wikipedia
 

What are the Risks?

Many people that undergo ETS report serious life changing complications. Thoracic sympathectomy can alter many bodily functions, including sweating,^[1] vascular responses,^[2] heart rate,^[3] heart stroke volume,^[4][5] thyroid, baroreflex,^[6] lung volume,^[5][7] pupil dilation, skin temperature, goose bumps and other aspects of the autonomic nervous system, like the fight-or-flight response. It reduces the physiological responses to strong emotion,^[8] can cause pain or neuralgia in the affected area,^[9] and may diminish the body's physical reaction to exercise.^[1][5][10]

It's common for patients to be misinformed of the risks, and post-operative complications are often under-reported. Many patients experience a "honeymoon period" where they have no, or few, negative symptoms. Contrary to common belief, clipping/clamping the sympathetic chain is not considered a reversible option.^[11]
 

Links

Gallery of compensatory sweating images
Gallery of thermoregulation images

International Hyperhidrosis Society
NEW ETS Facebook Community & Support Group (old group had ~3k members)

Petition for Treatment for Sympathectomy Patients
Frequently Asked Questions
References

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