This archive report was first published on 23 June 2020.
On a typical day, Martin Kimamo, a 33-year-old Kenyan, is no different from anyone else. He wakes up, gets dressed, and heads out to face the day. But what sets him apart is his condition - hyperhidrosis, a condition that causes excessive sweating.
For Martin, hyperhidrosis is not just a condition, it's a way of life. He has been living with it since he was a child, and it has taken a toll on his self-confidence and social life.
'As a child, I would avoid playing with my friends because I was too embarrassed to hold hands or play sports,' Martin recalls. 'I would make excuses to be alone, and it was a lonely and isolating experience.'
It wasn't until he was older that Martin discovered the cause of his excessive sweating. After researching and visiting hospitals, he was diagnosed with hyperhidrosis.
Hyperhidrosis, Martin learned, is a condition that causes excessive sweating that is not related to heat or exercise. It can disrupt normal daily activities and cause social anxiety and embarrassment.
Despite the challenges it poses, Martin has learned to manage his condition. He uses clinical-strength antiperspirants and topical treatments for his hands, and he has discovered a lotion that helps him manage the sweat on his feet.
But managing his condition is not just about finding the right products. It's also about making lifestyle changes. Martin has learned to choose his clothing carefully to avoid sweat stains, and he always carries handkerchiefs with him to wipe his hands and face.
He has also made changes to his diet, going vegan after experiencing issues with his blood cholesterol. He has read that a vegan diet can help him avoid producing sweat with an offensive odor.
Despite the challenges he faces, Martin is not about to be stigmatized by his condition. He has created a support group, Hyperhidrosis Awareness Kenya, to help others who are living with the condition.
'I have lost jobs and relationships because of my condition,' Martin says. 'But I want to help others feel less alone and more confident in their own skin.'
Through his support group, Martin hopes to raise awareness about hyperhidrosis and break down the stigma surrounding it. He believes that by sharing his story and connecting with others who are living with the condition, he can make a difference in their lives.
