School Nurses, Sweaty Students, and Spreading Hyperhidrosis Awareness!

If you happen to be a school nurse, then you may already be aware that Hyperhidrosis is most likely to strike during puberty. This fact puts you right on the front lines, in the first position to do something about it – but what? Fighting back against Hyperhidrosis is only possible if we can keep spreading awareness among students and teachers. Can you spot the signs?

Hyperhidrosis: Bad for Self Image (And Then Some)

Hyperhidrosis is the common term given to the disorder that contributes to excessive sweating, which can be around the hands, feet, underarms, or even across the whole body. It might not seem harmful, but students who suffer from this terrible condition have low self-esteem, don’t involve themselves in group activities, and are susceptible to mental health problems. If you want to refresh your medical knowledge of this disorder you can have a read about it on WebMD, otherwise, read on to find out what signs you should look out for as a school nurse.

Signs of Hyperhidrosis in Students

Some signs of Hyperhidrosis among your students might include:

• Students drop their pens or pencils more than is usual or have sports equipment or canteen trays fall from their grip
• Students’ socks are wet when they take off their shoes on a dry day
• Students who bring one or more changes of clothes to school may be worried about being damp and having to change
• Students being bullied or made fun of for excessive sweating

Since Hyperhidrosis can also be a secondary condition, talking to the student to ascertain if there is an underlying issue might be advisable. It may be that the student is suffering from another condition which the teachers – or even their parents – have not recognized. Spotting Hyperhidrosis and treating it when understood, can halt the damage it is doing to your patients and reverse any issues it has caused before they have a chance to take root.

Hyperhidrosis Affects Student’s Mental Health

It is a known fact that excessive sweating can undermine a student’s confidence and make it almost impossible for them to interact socially on a healthy level. This study, in the NCBI library, can summarize what impact the disorder has on a patient’s quality of life if it is left unchecked. Early intervention becomes one of the many vital duties carried by the school nurse.

Treatment for Hyperhidrosis

There is an effective, FDA-approved treatment that students can purchase for in-home use with a prescription from their doctor. This treatment is known as Iontophoresis. Contact our Treatment Specialists to learn more.

RA Fischer Co. is an industry-leader in dermatological treatment for Hyperhidrosis, so we know what your students are going through. Get to the heart of the matter, devise a treatment plan, and help keep your students in good health. Together, we can maintain high school sweat to a minimum!