Hi fellow HH sufferers. Recently, we had the honour of talking with Maria Mickiewicz, a passionate advocate, writer, and the heart behind My Life as a Puddle — one of the most recognized blogs dedicated to raising awareness about hyperhidrosis. Since launching the site in 2011, Maria has become a leading voice in the community, using her own experiences to help others feel seen, understood, and empowered. In our eyes, she truly is the OG of hyperhidrosis advocacy.
We asked her a few questions, so take the time to read those, as those are pure gold.
What inspired you to start My Life as a Puddle?
I was a patient volunteer at a dermatology symposium that focused entirely on patients with hyperhidrosis. It was the first time in my life that I felt truly seen and understood. Not once did I have to apologize for or hide my sweaty secret. In that room, on that day, my life changed.
I met others who were going through similar experiences, and I felt less alone. After years of suffering in silence, I was finally surrounded by health care professionals who knew that hyperhidrosis is a recognized medical condition; they were there to try and help me live a drier life. When I left the symposium, I felt lighter and floated out of the room on a natural high. It was then that I began to think maybe people would want to hear what I have to say. Shortly after that, things began to fall into place; God was sending me signs to make my sweaty mess my message: a friend who was taking classes to build websites offered to do mine for free, another friend who already had a blog gave me some tips, things like that.
How has your personal experience with hyperhidrosis shaped your advocacy efforts?
My stories are your stories. Chances are, if you’ve struggled with something, I have too, and I’ve probably written about it.
From a professional/career standpoint, I put myself through college working as a Certified Pharmacy Technician. From there, I went on to work in communications and marketing in several health care settings. My career experience provided me with a deeper level of knowledge when it comes to the medical aspect of living with hyperhidrosis. I’ve got a good balance between being a patient and also knowing how to navigate the health care system in a variety of settings, whether it’s the pharmacy, insurance, talking with your doctor, etc.
What were the biggest challenges you’ve faced since starting your blog?
Probably time. In the last four years, I’ve become a mother and have taken a break from my career outside the home. When my son was seven months old, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. I had to stop breastfeeding him earlier than I wanted to in order to complete cancer treatment. A cancer diagnosis – especially as a new mother – was absolutely devastating. I had two separate thyroid surgeries followed by radioactive iodine treatment. Needless to say, recovering from surgery and trying to find my new normal was challenging, which didn’t make it easy to devote the time I’d like to blogging and advocacy.
How did you become an #OMagInsider, and how has it impacted your mission?
In 2017, O, the Oprah Magazine, put out a call that they were looking for influencers to be part of Oprah’s Inner Circle. Over 1,000 people applied, and I was one of just 50 selected for the inaugural group. It was a one-year commitment, and I learned so much about myself and what I’m capable of despite having an excessive sweating condition that interferes with my daily life. My experiences included an Alaskan cruise and being a model on stage in a Chico’s fashion show. Talk about making me sweat! You can read about my OMagInsiders experiences here: https://mylifeasapuddle.com/omaginsiders-posts/
Can you share some memorable experiences from speaking publicly about hyperhidrosis?
I was honored to be a featured panelist speaker at the first-ever Patient-Focused Drug Development Meeting (PFDD) on Hyperhidrosis in Washington, D.C. I spoke to members of the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and the pharmaceutical industry about what it’s like to suffer from excessive sweating and what we need for better clinical trials and treatments in the future. While there, I met several other attendees of the conference who had hyperhidrosis. Some of them even recognized me/my name in the program materials, which was so validating to know that my advocacy work has helped them in some way. I even exchange annual Christmas cards with some of them now.
The most rewarding experience thus far has been with a little girl who lives in England. While we’ve not yet met in person, she and her family have become so dear to me. Her name is Jess, and her mom Hayley found my blog when she was desperate for ways to help her daughter. We’ve grown close via email, snail mail, and video chats, and I hope one day to meet Jess and hold her sweaty hand.
What kind of responses have you received from the hyperhidrosis community?
Thankfully, all of the feedback and comments I receive are positive. People are grateful for the work that I do to bring awareness to a condition that can be mentally, emotionally, physically, and professionally debilitating.
Could you discuss any significant collaborations or partnerships you’ve had through your advocacy?
I’ve filmed commercial work with Carpe, done influencer work with Dermadry, and was the featured on-camera talent for a continuing medical education (CME) activity with Pharmacy Times.
What practical coping strategies do you recommend for managing daily life with hyperhidrosis?
I’m currently typing this with a fan next to my keyboard, LOL, so that’s my first practical tip. I find I can control my sweating a lot better if I can feel air flow moving across my body. Fans are my besties. Here are some other tips:
- Bring a change of clothes, socks, shoes, etc. to work or wherever you’ll be
- I love wearing boxer briefs under skirts and dresses to prevent and also absorb groin sweat when it happens.
- Use an antibacterial soap to help get rid of the odor of sweat
- I’m never without a velvet steering wheel cover in my car. It makes a huge difference in helping me get a better grip on the wheel and not worrying about slipping and sliding when turning a corner.
- I always have a hand towel nearby to wipe sweat from both my hands and feet.
- Polyester fabric hides sweat well; but, it can also trap odor and not allow your skin to breathe.
- Cotton, linen, and bamboo fabrics are the best for letting air circulate and help to keep you cool
- Shoe choices, especially sandals, can be difficult. I love Summer Soles shoe inserts, though. My favorite shoe brands are Sanuk, Gumbies, and Aerothotic (like Berkenstocks but way more affordable). Here’s a post about shoes for sweaty feet.
How do you handle the emotional and social impacts of hyperhidrosis?
I have good days and bad days. I find, though, that depending on the audience/situation, I worry way less about dripping if I give the disclaimer that I have hyperhidrosis. It’s much easier to talk about it in medical settings, like doctor appointments, since it’s a medical condition. My family and friends obviously know about it and are good about helping me cope with it.
I try to stay positive and just love myself through all the sweaty moments and live life without hyperhidrosis dictating it. Try to do something scary every day. When you come out on the other side, it will help to build your confidence so you can try more things. I was 36 years old before I had my first pedicure for crying out loud. But once I did it, I was so happy to feel like a “normal” person. Now I get them every so often.
What advice would you give someone who has just been diagnosed with hyperhidrosis?
It’s not your fault, and you are not alone. You know your body best, so you must be your own best advocate when it comes to your health. Don’t let anyone tell you, oh, it’s just a little sweat and maybe you’re just anxious. We’re not sweating because we’re anxious; we’re anxious because we’re sweating. There’s a difference.
If you’re seeking treatment, do your research and understand the side effects of each treatment option. Also know that what works for one person may not work for another; each person’s body is different.
Finally, if you are considering ETS surgery, PLEASE make sure you understand the common side effect of compensatory sweating (CS). I’ve met people in person whose CS is so much worse than their original sweating, and they deeply regret their decision to get ETS. Just because ETS comes up first in an internet search doesn’t mean it’s necessarily the best option; that might just mean it’s paid digital advertising.
What changes would you like to see in the healthcare system regarding hyperhidrosis treatment and awareness?
I’d love to see more of a focus on palmar (hands), plantar (feet), and craniofacial (head and face) hyperhidrosis treatments. The market right now is saturated with treatments for axillary (underarm) hyperhidrosis. Another problem is health insurance coverage; many treatments are not covered by health plans or require a prior authorization. Easier access to treatments could go a long way in helping those with hyperhidrosis lead drier lives.
For those who prefer natural or homeopathic forms of treatment, the options in this category are few and far between. I’d love to see a focus on Eastern medicine options.
Beyond treating hyperhidrosis, looking at the root cause of hyperhidrosis is important. Some say it’s caused by an overactive sympathetic nervous system, our body’s fight or flight response. So, how do we better shift ourselves into a parasympathetic state instead? This is where my head’s been at lately, for a variety of reasons beyond just my hyperhidrosis.
How can society better support and understand individuals with hyperhidrosis?
Be willing to listen when people have the courage to tell you about their hyperhidrosis.
If someone shakes your hand and theirs is wet, 1) don’t wipe your hand off and 2) don’t assume they must be nervous. It may just be their life.
Ask what you can do to help.
If someone could only visit four posts on your blog, which ones would you recommend?
Ooh, this is a tough one! I’ve got 14 (FOURTEEN!!) years of content on my blog. I’d have to say these:
- Hyperhidrosis Takes Center Stage at PFDD – my very personal story
- How to Sweat Less interview
- Sweaty? Check Out These Treatment Options for Hyperhidrosis
- Hyperhidrosis and Mental Health
What future goals do you have for My Life as a Puddle?
I’d like to be blogging more on a regular basis to start with. It’s been a challenging last few years for me, so getting back into a more regular content production schedule would be nice. And very simply, I just want to help more people. I’ve got some other projects I’m sweating over, but those will stay close to my heart while I’m in the creative process.
Where else can people find and follow your work?
You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, and X: @mylifeasapuddle
