DSM Foundation responds to ASH’s annual survey on youth vaping in Great Britain

The DSM Foundation, a charity dedicated to drug education, has welcomed new data released by Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) showing stability in vaping rates among young people aged 11–17 in Great Britain. 

However, the charity echoes ASH’s concern over a significant increase in those identifying as “ever smokers,” rising from 14% in 2023 to 21% in 2025.

The YouGov survey, which polled 2,746 individuals aged 11–17, reveals that rates of "ever vaping" (20%), "current vaping" (7%), and "regular vaping" (4%) have plateaued. These behaviours remain more prevalent among current or former smokers, and overall smoking rates among this age group continue to be low.

Among younger respondents aged 11–15, just 16% reported having ever tried vaping, a figure that has remained steady in recent years. Notably, 95% of this group do not currently vape, underscoring the relative rarity of regular use among younger teens.

The survey was conducted prior to the UK-wide ban on disposable vapes enacted on June 1, 2025, hence disposable devices remained the most commonly used, although popularity dropped from 69% in 2023 to 42% in 2025. When asked how they would respond to the ban:

25% said they would stop vaping altogether

59% indicated they would continue, with 67% planning to switch to reusable devices and 44% saying they would turn to illicit disposable products.

Concerningly, nearly half of youth vapers (47%) reported experiencing strong or very strong urges to vape – up from 26% in 2020 – indicating rising levels of dependence. Around 30% admitted to using nicotine concentrations at or above the adult legal limit (20mg/ml), while a similar proportion were unsure or declined to disclose their usual strength.

Social influence remains a dominant factor, with over three-quarters receiving their first vape from someone they knew, typically a friend. Despite legal restrictions, 46% of underage vapers said they had purchased devices from shops, while 25% sourced them informally.

Exposure to promotional content continues to play a role, with:

55% seeing vape advertising in shops

29% encountering promotions online, most commonly on TikTok, followed by YouTube and Instagram

“DSM founder and director Fiona Spargo-Mabbs OBE told That's Health: “This annual survey by ASH is such a valuable insight for us as a drug education charity into trends in young people’s experiences of vaping and smoking. It enables us to ensure our provision is relevant, current and of use to young people, and the adults in their lives, when it comes to managing decisions that affect their health and wellbeing. 

"With such significant shifts in policy relating to vaping, as well as in public perceptions and attitudes to vaping, smoking and other nicotine products, having current data is so important. Seeing this rise in young people smoking after so many years of steady low numbers highlights this importance – this is a real concern that we need to respond to urgently.”

https://www.dsmfoundation.org.uk

When Shingles Leaves More Than Scars: Understanding Excessive Sweating After Nerve Damage

Can shingles cause excessive sweating on the head or face? Learn how post-shingles nerve damage can lead to abnormal sweating and what treatment options are available.

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a painful viral condition caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox. 

Most people associate shingles with a blistering rash and sharp nerve pain, but some are surprised to find that sweating changes, particularly excessive sweating on the head or face, can also occur.

So what’s going on? Can shingles really lead to such a strange and uncomfortable symptom?

Shingles and Nerve Damage: More Than Skin Deep

Shingles tends to affect sensory nerves, causing a painful rash in a specific area of the body—usually limited to one side. However, the virus can also impact autonomic nerves, which control involuntary functions like blood pressure, digestion… and sweating.

When shingles affects areas like the face, head, or neck, the damage can disrupt normal sweating patterns. The nerves that usually regulate temperature and sweat production can begin misfiring, leading to excessive or abnormal sweating, even without heat or exertion.

Why Excessive Sweating Happens

This type of symptom is a form of autonomic dysfunction. It may happen because:

Damaged nerve fibres are sending the wrong signals to sweat glands.

The body is trying to "compensate" for reduced sweating elsewhere.

There’s cross-talk between nerves that previously had separate roles (a bit like crossed wires after an electrical fault).

In some cases, people develop a condition known as Frey’s syndrome, a type of gustatory sweating triggered by eating, but other times, the sweating is random, excessive, and unrelated to meals.

Is This Dangerous?

While not life-threatening, excessive facial or scalp sweating can be:

Embarrassing in social settings

Uncomfortable during daily activities

A clue that your nervous system is still under strain following shingles

This symptom can occur alongside other long-term effects of shingles such as:

Post-herpetic neuralgia (nerve pain that lingers after the rash has healed)

Itching, tingling, or burning

Numbness or altered sensation

What You Can Do About It

If you're experiencing excessive sweating following shingles, it’s wise to speak to your GP or a neurologist. You may be offered one of the following treatments:

Topical treatments – Clinical-strength antiperspirants or creams like glycopyrrolate

Botox injections – Can reduce sweating for several months by blocking nerve signals

Oral medications – Anticholinergics may help, though they come with side effects like dry mouth

 Pain management – If you also have nerve pain, medications like gabapentin or pregabalin might help regulate nerve activity overall

Self-Care Tips

Use absorbent headbands or face cloths discreetly during flare-ups

Stay cool indoors with fans or cooling towels

Avoid hot or spicy foods, which can trigger sweating episodes

Keep a symptom diary to track patterns and triggers

Shingles can leave a lasting impact on the body, but excessive sweating on the head or face doesn’t have to be something you live with in silence. With the right support and treatment, you can manage the symptoms and regain control over your comfort and confidence.

If you're struggling with post-shingles symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek medical advice—your experience is valid, and help is available.

Have you experienced unusual symptoms after a bout of shingles? Share your story in the comments below or get in touch—we'd love to hear from you.

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