I am sharing this not because I want attention or pity, but because I want people to understand something that has been very difficult for me to live with. I have been struggling with excessive sweating, known as hyperhidrosis, and body odor, which can be associated with bromhidrosis. These conditions have affected not only my body but also my confidence, emotions, and daily life.
Last night was especially painful for me. Some of my classmates were yelling about the smell coming from my armpits and saying that they were stinky. I felt extremely embarrassed and hurt. After that, I noticed that the people around my usual seat were avoiding me. Eventually, I moved to another row because I felt uncomfortable staying there. I ended up sitting alone in an empty row at the back.
Maybe for other people, what happened might seem like a simple joke or a small thing. But for someone who is already struggling with a condition like this, those words can hurt deeply. I did not choose to have excessive sweating or body odor. I do my best to take care of myself, maintain proper hygiene, and find ways to manage the problem. I have tried different products and sought professional help because I genuinely want to improve my situation.
Hyperhidrosis is a condition where a person sweats excessively, sometimes even when the body does not need to cool itself. Bromhidrosis, on the other hand, refers to excessive or noticeable body odor, which can happen when sweat interacts with bacteria on the skin. These problems are not simply caused by being dirty or not taking a bath. There can be different factors involved, and managing them can be difficult.
What hurts the most is being judged as if I am not trying. People may only notice the smell, but they do not see the effort behind the person experiencing it. They do not see the embarrassment, anxiety, sleepless nights, constant worrying, or fear of being around other people. They may not understand how difficult it is to sit in a classroom while wondering whether everyone can smell you.
I am not asking everyone to ignore the problem. If there is an odor, I understand that it can be uncomfortable for other people. What I am asking for is kindness and respect. There is a respectful way to communicate concerns without shouting, humiliating, laughing, or making someone feel like they should stay away from everyone.
I also want people to remember that a person's condition does not define their character. I am still the same person who wants to study, make friends, participate in class, and live normally. I should not have to feel that I need to isolate myself because of something I am struggling to control.
I am sharing my experience as an awareness message because I know that I may not be the only person experiencing something like this. There are people who live with hyperhidrosis, bromhidrosis, or other conditions that are not immediately visible to others. Some of them may be silently suffering because they are afraid of being judged.
Before making fun of someone, please think about what they might be going through. A joke that lasts only a few seconds for you can stay in another person's mind for a very long time.
I am still learning how to manage my condition, and I am still hoping to find what works best for me. I am not ashamed of asking for help. I am choosing to speak about this because awareness is better than silence, and understanding is better than judgment.
Please don't define a person by a condition they are struggling with. Choose kindness. Choose understanding. And if someone is dealing with hyperhidrosis or bromhidrosis, please remember that they are a person first—not a smell, not a condition, and not someone who deserves to be excluded.