can u be a nurse with hyperhidrosis?

KareBear0609 · Mar 31, 2011

I had surgery for this in May of 2007. I had the nerves cut along my ribcage - my insurance did pay for it. Cured me of this awful disease. Let me know if you want any information.

kirslet · Mar 31, 2011

I had surgery for this in May of 2007. I had the nerves cut along my ribcage - my insurance did pay for it. Cured me of this awful disease. Let me know if you want any information.

i have the same problem..

can you tell me more about this surgery? the risks and recovery time and etc?

resumecpr · Mar 31, 2011

My hands get very sweaty when I am nervous, I learned early on in nursing school that sweaty hands did not go over well when trying to put on sterile gloves, and keep them sterile. It was especially difficult when trying to do a procedure in front of an instructor, YIKES!
I learned to keep a small bottle (sample) of baby powder in my pocket I just rub some on my hands before putting on gloves.
If you want to become a nurse then go for it :)

Please!! No baby powder! Some of us (and patients) have reactive airway disease, asthma etc and powder can cause a severe bronchospasm.

OP: You can do ANYTHING you put your mind to.

kmccl0013 · Mar 31, 2011

How did you get through nursing with this problem? I have heard about the surgery, and even though it sounds very tempting, I have heard it can be very dangerous and I also know that you can have side effects like sweating in other areas of your body, so get rid of one problem, but create another? Not so sure I am willing to take that chance.

Lola89, LPN, LVN · Apr 9, 2011

Hi there,

I am currently a nursing student, I saw this post a couple of days ago and I at the time I couldn't replied so I sent myself the link to reply later. I too suffer from this embarrassing condition and I too wondered the exact same thing you are wondering about. I came to the conclusion that that could not stop me, if I made decisions based on this...I wouldn't leave my house!

You were wondering about the patients, well you will be wearing gloves most of the time that you are touching patients so they are not even going to notice :yeah:

The one thing that I do struggle with is putting on the gloves. Some times the nurse preceptors actually have to wait until I put them on, 'cause it takes forever! I usually say, 'oh, my hands get so sticky from this purell' (unfortunately the one at the hospital is not the same as you buy in the drug store, I think it has something else in it so as not to dry your hands). Most people just agree. They do look at me weird sometimes, but I just don't pay any mind to it.

I make sure that there is a box full of large gloves available, since it is easier to put on. Also, there are sinks in every patient's room (for the most part) so I make sure to wash my hands a lot, and that helps. Also, before putting on the gloves I move them around to unstick them and when inserting my hands I try to put pressure with the back of my hands to make it a little easier since that part is not so sweaty ( this a little difficult to describe). I just started doing my practicum working the night shift and I noticed that my body temp is not so high at night so there's less sweating.

I wish that I could tell you, just do this and it cures it. Unfortunately, we have to live w/this. I heard about the surgery but I am too scare to try it since one of the side effects is compensatory sweating in some unusual parts. At least is "normal" to sweat from your hands. I am considering medication for some days.

Do not let this stop you, you will be surprised how creative you can get. If this is your passion, go for it!!!

kmccl0013 · Apr 11, 2011

Hi there,
I am currently a nursing student, I saw this post a couple of days ago and I at the time I couldn't replied so I sent myself the link to reply later. I too suffer from this embarrassing condition and I too wondered the exact same thing you are wondering about. I came to the conclusion that that could not stop me, if I made decisions based on this...I wouldn't leave my house!
You were wondering about the patients, well you will be wearing gloves most of the time that you are touching patients so they are not even going to notice
The one thing that I do struggle with is putting on the gloves. Some times the nurse preceptors actually have to wait until I put them on, 'cause it takes forever! I usually say, 'oh, my hands get so sticky from this purell' (unfortunately the one at the hospital is not the same as you buy in the drug store, I think it has something else in it so as not to dry your hands). Most people just agree. They do look at me weird sometimes, but I just don't pay any mind to it.
I make sure that there is a box full of large gloves available, since it is easier to put on. Also, there are sinks in every patient's room (for the most part) so I make sure to wash my hands a lot, and that helps. Also, before putting on the gloves I move them around to unstick them and when inserting my hands I try to put pressure with the back of my hands to make it a little easier since that part is not so sweaty ( this a little difficult to describe). I just started doing my practicum working the night shift and I noticed that my body temp is not so high at night so there's less sweating.
I wish that I could tell you, just do this and it cures it. Unfortunately, we have to live w/this. I heard about the surgery but I am too scare to try it since one of the side effects is compensatory sweating in some unusual parts. At least is "normal" to sweat from your hands. I am considering medication for some days.
Do not let this stop you, you will be surprised how creative you can get. If this is your passion, go for it!!!

Your response makes me feel all lot better thank you so much! It's nice to know that there are others out there that work with patients and have hyperhidrosis. I think there are to many side effects to surgery and this is something I have lived with my whole life and I've made it this far, I know I will find a way with out getting surgery. I have tried Drysol and it does seem to work on my palms, but not my fingers. Thank you again for your support!:)

Marshall1 · Apr 11, 2011

I know some who have used botox injections to help with the sweating..

cherrybreeze, ADN, RN · Apr 11, 2011

Note of caution on the Botox.....

If you impede the sweat glands in one area, other areas WILL sweat more profusely to make up for it. If you stop the sweating in your hands, it may be your armpits. If you stop the sweating in your armpits, it may be....down below.....JUST an FYI.

RNTOBE_1970 · Apr 11, 2011

My son was diagnosed with hyperhidrosis when he was 15 years old. I know that he suffers from anxiety as a result of this, and it can be debilitating as a young person. We tried the prescription anti-perspirant and he had an allergic reaction to it. Our next was Botox to each armpit. He received about 50 units per side, and it didn't take. He repeated the Botox about 6 weeks later, and continued to state he was sweating excessively. His dermatologist recommended Robinul to be taken several times a day. It works, but he overheats if outside or performing any moderately strenous task.

I have read about an ion type therapy that people used with reasonable results-mostly for hands and feet. Botox would be painful in those areas. Some people have recommended applying a roll on anti-perspirant to the hands or feet to decrease sweating. Others say brewing tea, and steeping so that it is very strong, and making compresses for the affected area-the tannic acid inhibits the sweat production.

Best of luck to you!

Birdbr · May 10, 2011

My son was diagnosed with hyperhidrosis when he was 15 years old. I know that he suffers from anxiety as a result of this, and it can be debilitating as a young person. We tried the prescription anti-perspirant and he had an allergic reaction to it. Our next was Botox to each armpit. He received about 50 units per side, and it didn't take. He repeated the Botox about 6 weeks later, and continued to state he was sweating excessively. His dermatologist recommended Robinul to be taken several times a day. It works, but he overheats if outside or performing any moderately strenous task.
I have read about an ion type therapy that people used with reasonable results-mostly for hands and feet. Botox would be painful in those areas. Some people have recommended applying a roll on anti-perspirant to the hands or feet to decrease sweating. Others say brewing tea, and steeping so that it is very strong, and making compresses for the affected area-the tannic acid inhibits the sweat production.
Best of luck to you!

I have to same problem, luckily I got prescribed the same medicine. I tried drysol and it didn't work, so I went back and my doctor prescribed that. As of right now that works the best, eventually, I hope they have pill that gets rid of it all, because when I get super nervous I sweat a little. But I would recommend Robinul as well.

KareBear0609 · May 11, 2011

The surgery I got was called Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy (ETS). I got in done in May of 2007. I had to fight really hard for my insurance company (BCBS of IL PPO) to pay for it - went through many appeals, etc. It was the best thing that I have ever done for myself. It was done as an outpatient surgery at UIC in downtown Chicago. Easy recovery, no side effects, nothing - just no more sweating/facial blushing. I had isolated myself for YEARS because of it. I would be a lot farther in school than I am (probably even done), but dropped out because it gave me the worst anxiety ever. I avoided people at all costs. I owe my life to the man (cardiothoracic surgeon) who performed this surgery on me.

kmccl0013 · May 11, 2011

The surgery I got was called Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy (ETS). I got in done in May of 2007. I had to fight really hard for my insurance company (BCBS of IL PPO) to pay for it - went through many appeals, etc. It was the best thing that I have ever done for myself. It was done as an outpatient surgery at UIC in downtown Chicago. Easy recovery, no side effects, nothing - just no more sweating/facial blushing. I had isolated myself for YEARS because of it. I would be a lot farther in school than I am (probably even done), but dropped out because it gave me the worst anxiety ever. I avoided people at all costs. I owe my life to the man (cardiothoracic surgeon) who performed this surgery on me.

Do you have any side effects like compensory sweating (sweating in other areas like your trunk)? I have read some people feel as if they have no energy due to this surgery. Did you consider your sweating to be severe or moderate before the surgery? Thanks for your help!