Your parents should be on your team. But they may not be on it right away. If they're not ready to join, find another adult who is. Someone who will understand what you're going through, and someone who can help you get your parents on board too. You need an adult to take you seriously so that you can get the help you need. Help may just be finding out how to use antiperspirants the right way, or which antiperspirants are the best for you - and making sure you always have them in the house. But help may also be arranging an appointment with a dermatologist, driving you there, and helping to explain to the doctor what's going on.

1. Your doctor has seen, heard and, yes, even smelled it all. Trust us, your questions, problems and even icky rashes will not shock her.
2. Your doctor wants to help you, not judge you.
3. Your doctor is a great listener. Listening is part of her job and she knows that what you have to say is important.
4. Your doctor will respect your privacy as much as possible and will help you deal with your parents - even if they are basket-cases.
5. Your doctor can help you get treatment for excessive sweating so you can get on with more important stuff.

1. Write a list of questions you'd like to ask your doctor.
2. Write a list of things that you think your doctor should know about your health, your body, and your mind.
3. Bring your workbook and show your doctor your answers to the exercises and any Sweat Tracker diary pages that will help him to better understand why you're sweatin' the sweat thing.
4. If possible, find out if anyone else in your family has had sweat problems. Hyperhidrosis can run in families and your doctor will want to know about your family's health history.
5. Bring a buddy. A friend, brother, sister, or parent can help to explain things to the doctor and can help you remember what the doctor says.
6. If you hate going to the doctor, plan to treat yourself afterwards by meeting friends for pizza, going shopping, or relaxing in the bathtub.

We know what you're thinking.

"How's a cash-poor kid supposed to pay for a fancy-smancy prescription antiperspirant, let alone Botox!" But don't freak out. You may not have to break the piggy bank. And no, you don't have to choose between college and dry pits.

1. If your family has health insurance, your doctor visits and any prescriptions are likely to be covered.


2. Keep a special sweat diary (use the Sweat Tracker pages provided in the workbook). If your family's insurance company needs to be convinced that hyperhidrosis is a major medical problem for you, your diary can be proof. Keep track of how much you sweat compared to other people. Write down how sweat affects you and the stuff you do, or don't do. Use specific examples. Make a list of all the stuff you've used to try to control your sweating and whether it's worked, or not. For more help navigating the insurance maze, visit Insurance Tools.


3. Botox isn't just for celebs! Lots of people get Botox treatments for legit medical problems - hyperhidrosis included. If your doctor thinks you should have Botox, Allergan's Botox Reimbursement Hotline can help you figure out the financials. Here are the digits: (800) 530-6680.


4. Now hear this - you may be able to get treatment for hyperhidrosis FOR FREE. If you suffer from excessive sweating, you might be able to join a trial and get treated. Visit our Clinical and Market Research page to find out more.

Being able to hold your head up high, doing the stuff that makes you happy, hanging with your friends, having confidence, and knowing that you can be and accomplish whatever you want - that's priceless. Don't give up on getting help. There may be more resources available than you realize and you owe it to yourself to give it a shot.