Excessive Sweating A Problem?

[Guest CIVILENGINEER04]

This question is very premature because I haven't even talked to a recruiter yet, but I wanted to get your guys opinion on something. Ever since I was a kid I've had a problem where my face sweats more than normal. Now my knowledge (from the internet) of this is not much other than it is called hyperhidrosis. From what i can tell the Air Force will DQ you if you have this of the hands or feet, but not of the face. It's not that my face sweats excessively all the time just when working out, when it's hot and very humid, and sometimes when I'm nervous. If it is real hot and humid out I can start sweating just standing outside. What I was wondering is if this will more than likely be a problem if I would get selected for UPT. Has anyone else had this problem? I've been flying in civilian planes a dozen times or so (just riding) and never got sweaty, but that was with shorts and t-shirt not flight suit and helmet. Does it get pretty hot in the cockpit with full gear on? I know this is kind of an odd question, but any help would be much appreciated. I would love to become an Air Force pilot and I am willing to give up my current career, but if my sweating will end up wasting mine and others time I would like to know.

[Scooter14]

It's not that my face sweats excessively all the time just when working out, when it's hot and very humid, and sometimes when I'm nervous.

That's when most people sweat, bro.

If it is real hot and humid out I can start sweating just standing outside.

Wait till you get to Al Udeid

Does it get pretty hot in the cockpit with full gear on?

You have no idea.

Dude, don't sweat it. (get it? Don't sweat it? I crack myself up). The guys on this board who know me and have flown with me (Wacky, Bergman) will probably think we're related. It sucks, but it will not disqualify you. You will sweat your balls off as a pilot. You should have seen me in the pattern at Altus on a nice hot September day. It was like that scene in Airplane...

Bottom line, unless you have been diagnosed with some disorder, I think you're gonna be just fine. Go be a pilot, just bring a towel.

EDIT: I don't think you need to see a doc about it either. Also, it seems the less soda/caffeine I drink, the less I look like that picture up there.

Hope this helps.

[Guest CIVILENGINEER04]

Thanks for the response. That's good to here that atleast someone else has gone through this. I feel like I sweat when most people would I just sweat more and it beads up. What would concern me the most is not wanting to mess up on a flight and get a little nervous and start sweating. Then I get upset because I'm sweating so I sweat more and affecting my flying. What's weird is I actually like pressure situations where I have to perform, but every now and then one makes me a little nervous. When my face starts sweating it beads up and starts running down my face. I figured that might be a problem with a helmet on. Thanks again. Any other input would be appreciated.

[Guest P27:17]

Couldn't have said it better Scooter...I'm sweating my ass off just typing...

[Guest F16crewdwgg]

They have this stuff you can buy that stops sweating in certain spots. You apply it and it neutralizes your sweat glands. Idk.. I've done it for times when I had to give a speech or something important where I didn't want my underarms soaked. It last for about 24hrs. Other than that... I don't think its healthy to use if you are active and your body needs to sweat.. But if you are interested in it for events such as interviews or speeches.. Let me know, I will get you the name of the stuff I've used.

[Guest Gumps]

Thanks for the response. That's good to here that atleast someone else has gone through this. I feel like I sweat when most people would I just sweat more and it beads up. What would concern me the most is not wanting to mess up on a flight and get a little nervous and start sweating. Then I get upset because I'm sweating so I sweat more and affecting my flying. What's weird is I actually like pressure situations where I have to perform, but every now and then one makes me a little nervous. When my face starts sweating it beads up and starts running down my face. I figured that might be a problem with a helmet on. Thanks again. Any other input would be appreciated.

Dude, this is like a football recruit finally admitting the ugly truth...he sweats! Flying is work, you are going to sweat, a lot!

Don't get some wacky shit and rub it on your face. Just be cool man, be cool.