No sweat!

For 12 years she suffered from a severe form of hyper hydrosis - known as 'sweaty hands' syndrome.

Life was a constant embarrassment as she avoided shaking hands with people in case they wiped their hands afterwards.

Her hands were continually so wet that books, papers and magazines simply dissolved under her touch.

Now, thanks to an operation, Helen, of Maple Close, South Milford, near Selby, can enjoy the simple things in life - like driving her car and writing letters.

She is also looking forward to sitting her A-level exams in history, biology and English after some trying times while taking her GCSEs at Sherburn High School.She said: "When I sat my GCSEs I had to have extra time because I kept making holes in my exam papers.

"Water just dripped off my hands on to the papers, which smudged the writing. I even had to wrap tissues around my pen so I could grip on to it.

"Now at least when I sit my A-levels, I'll be able to write the answers without worrying whether they will still be there when the examiner sees the paper".Helen's operation was carried out by vascular surgeon Mike Gough at Leeds General Infirmary.

An electrode was used to burn Helen's sympathetic nerves, which run from behind the lungs to the hands, and which are responsible for over-production from the sweat glands.

Helen said: "My hands are completely dry now, and the operation has changed my life."I've learned to drive, and I can finally eat sandwiches without the bread going soggy".

Mr Gough said: "Excessive sweating of the hands is a hidden problem, which causes acute embarrassment and is socially disabling."The condition usually affects young people below 30, and the water production is so great it dissolves ink, stains papers and causes pens to slip out of people's hands".

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