Severe Sweating Condition Puts Young Woman at Risk of Homelessness
A 25-year-old woman from Sittingbourne, Kent, has revealed that her debilitating medical condition could leave her without a home, as excessive sweating prevents her from securing employment. Freya Baker suffers from hyperhidrosis, a disorder causing year-round profuse sweating, which she says has confined her to her house due to embarrassment and practical challenges.
Daily Struggles and Employment Barriers
Ms Baker explained, 'I am put off applying for jobs because I think they are not going to want me looking really sweaty. People don't realise that it can completely impact your life to the point where you don't have a quality of life.' Her previous role at a supermarket was limited to night shifts to avoid customer interactions, but she is now unemployed and reliant on benefits that she claims do not cover her rent.
'I am on no income whatsoever and what I get from my benefits doesn't even cover rent,' she stated. 'I am going to end up without anywhere to live at the rate this is going.' The condition is not temperature-dependent, meaning she sweats excessively even in cold weather, primarily from her underarms.
Physical and Emotional Toll
Freya described constant discomfort, wearing baggy shirts with old clothes tucked underneath to absorb sweat, which stains fabrics and causes painful rashes from frequent wiping. 'I can't wear a shirt for more than five minutes if that. I wouldn't even attempt to wear white now because I don't want it to get stained,' she said. This has severely dented her confidence, making her self-conscious and housebound despite regular showers.
Her symptoms began in 2019 after taking sertraline for anxiety and borderline personality disorder, a side effect she was unaware of. Even after stopping the medication, the sweating persisted. Hyperhidrosis typically affects areas like the face, armpits, and palms, but for Freya, the underarms are the primary problem zone.
Diagnosis and Treatment Delays
It took years of persistence to get a hyperhidrosis diagnosis from her GP, followed by further delays to see a dermatologist. Initially prescribed propantheline tablets, she experienced unpleasant side effects like dehydration with little improvement. In February, she was approved for NHS-funded Botox treatment, costing around £400 per session, which blocks nerves stimulating sweat glands.
However, she has received no updates on when this 'life-changing' treatment will start or how many sessions are covered. 'They just don't give you any information. I am tired of asking the same questions because no one is answering them anyway,' Freya expressed. She feels her twenties have been stolen by the condition and calls for faster action on lengthy waiting times.
Advocacy and Broader Impact
Ms Baker is now raising awareness, pushing for hyperhidrosis to be recognised as a disability. 'I have had dozens of messages now from people saying that they are in the exact same situation as me,' she shared. 'Why should we have to be ashamed and hide in our houses and be attacked on the internet when I say that I am struggling to go to work. We are made fun of and it is not alright.'
She emphasises that it is a common but under-discussed issue, affecting an estimated 1% of the UK population, or around 670,000 people. Dr Adil Sheraz of the British Association of Dermatologists noted the severe impact, including difficulties with daily tasks, mental health struggles, and social avoidance.
Hyperhidrosis often starts in childhood or adolescence and may improve with age, though family history can play a role. While there is no simple cure, management options include clinical-strength antiperspirants and specialist care, with surgery rarely recommended due to risks.
