How to Cure Sweaty Hands Permanently: Your Comprehensive Guide to Lasting Solutions
By Dr. Shubham Pandey +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Shubham Pandey
Last updated: Apr 17, 2024Click to rate this article!
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By Dr. Shubham Pandey +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Shubham Pandey
Last updated: Apr 17, 2024Table of Contents
Sweaty hands might seem like a nuisance, but they can be more than that. They can hurt your self-esteem and social comfort. Palmar hyperhidrosis is the medical term for sweaty hands which affects millions of people worldwide. This article can help you understand the science behind sweaty hands better. We will discuss about their causes, how they are diagnosed, and how they affect your daily life. We will also go through several management options, some home remedies that may help, and ways to avoid them. Lastly, we will discuss some frequently asked questions regarding the same.
Studies have indicated that natural ingredients such as sage, chamomile, valerian root, and St. John’s wort might have the potential to decrease the amount of sweat released from the hands. In my opinion, one may consider these after a consultation with their doctor.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, MD
Knowing why your hands sweat is key to figuring out an effective management plan. Your healthcare provider will conduct a thorough check of your medical history and symptoms, possibly suggesting laboratory tests to diagnose the condition.
There could be several factors like genes, overactive sweat glands, health conditions, and even certain drugs and food supplements that result in sweaty hands. Your doctor will try to find the exact cause, which will help them to guide you towards the best management option.
They help in finding out if any underlying conditions are causing your symptoms. So these tests typically involve testing blood, urine, and other body fluid samples.
Your doctor may suggest sweat test like an iodine-starch test. They help trace areas of excessive sweating. They also assess the severity of your condition. These tests measure sweat production in a certain time period. They provide crucial insights about your condition.
Your doctor might need more tests to rule out the causes of your sweaty hands. These tests could include blood sugar checks for diabetes, thyroid tests for hyperthyroidism, or blood tests for infections and other possibilities.
Did you know?
Hyperhidrosis is the medical term for excessive sweating. It’s divided into two: primary and secondary.
In primary hyperhidrosis, excessive sweating has no known cause. If sweating issues run in your family, you may have a higher risk. Primary hyperhidrosis often starts in childhood or the teenage years. The cause may be unknown but there are certain traits that may put you at risk of developing primary hyperhidrosis. If your parent(s) have it, chances are you might develop it, or some individuals may have overactive sweat glands. They sweat profusely even when not triggered by heat, physical exertion, or stress. This abnormal level of activity can cause relentless, uncontrollable sweating. Common areas affected include the hands, feet, armpits, and face.
Unlike its primary counterpart, secondary hyperhidrosis is caused by an underlying health issue. It could also be a side effect of medication or supplements. Handling the root cause often solves the excessive sweating linked to secondary hyperhidrosis.
Several health problems could potentially spark secondary hyperhidrosis, which are as follows.
When blood sugar levels are high, some people may sweat excessively. This is the body’s way of regulating its temperature.
People with anxiety disorders often sweat more when stressed. This frequently results in sweaty hands and other damp areas.
In my opinion, sweating may be triggered by heat, anxiety, and certain foods and drinks due to the body’s natural response to regulate temperature, stress, or reactions to specific compounds in food and beverages. I would suggest reducing the intake of food items containing MSG, and caffeine, which is present in chocolate, as well as coffee and tea, spices, and alcohol might potentially reduce sweating.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
Once your healthcare provider has pinpointed the cause of your sweaty hands, a range of suitable management options will be proposed. These options could involve medications, surgeries, or a combination approach.
If your sweaty hands are fairly bad and have a known cause, your doctor might suggest one or several medicines. They are as follows.
Prescription-strength antiperspirants with aluminum chloride may be effective. They block sweat pores and lessen sweating in affected areas. You should use these products as your doctor directs for the best outcomes.
Oral medicines like anticholinergics, beta-blockers, or benzodiazepines may reduce sweating too. They do this by blocking the nerves that set off sweat glands. They may also lessen the physical effects of anxiety. These are to be taken only when prescribed by your doctor.
I recommend employing stress-reducing techniques to manage sweaty hands affected by anxiety. Additionally, avoiding medications known to trigger increased sweating might assist in controlling excessive perspiration.
Dr. Smita barode, BAMS
For more severe sweaty hands, surgical solutions or other procedures might be needed. These are as follows.
This procedure sends a slight electric current through the water. The aim is to momentarily block nerves that activate sweat glands. It is non-surgical.
Injections with botulinum toxin (Botox) may temporarily halt the nerves that set off sweat glands. This may relieve excessive sweating for up to six months.
ETS is a surgery where part of the nerves that cause hand sweating are removed or damaged. This provides a longer-lasting solution for sweaty hands. This option is usually used for serious cases that haven’t responded to any other management options.
Apart from medical options, trying home fixes and lifestyle changes may help. They are as follows.
Numerous natural remedies may help bring down hand sweating which are as follows.
A paste made by mixing baking soda with water could be applied to your hands. It may lessen sweating by balancing your skin’s pH levels and promoting sweat evaporation.
Using apple cider vinegar to clean your hands or adding it to your daily diet may balance your body’s pH levels. This may potentially reduce sweaty hands.
Including sage leaves in your meals or dipping your hands in sage-infused water may lower hand sweating as sage has astringent properties.
Adopting good hand hygiene practices like washing your hands often and drying them fully may help keep your hands dry and clean all day long.
It’s important to identify triggers that worsen your hand sweating. These could include certain foods, drinks, or emotions. Understanding these triggers may help you manage your condition better.
Living with sweaty hands may be tough and affect your mental state. Seeking support from loved ones, or support groups may help overcome the emotional and social challenges of sweaty hands.
Interacting with others who also deal with sweaty hands may be a great source of emotional support. Online forums and local support groups for people with hyperhidrosis may provide you with resources and connections.
If sweaty hands cause you anxiety or steer you towards depression, professional counseling, or therapy may be helpful. Health professionals can help you come up with ways to cope with the emotional challenges linked to sweaty hands.
When you plan a doctor’s visit to discuss your sweaty hands, it’s crucial to plan well. This ensures that your conversation is fruitful. The two most important questions to ask are what causes the excess sweating and what management options are available to deal with it.
Adopting measures to avoid excessive sweaty hands in your daily life may greatly aid in the control of sweaty hands.
Keeping a balanced diet and staying hydrated may help bring balance to your body’s internal environment. This may help reduce excessive sweating.
By using techniques like breathing exercises, staying active, and meditating, you may be able to reduce sweating caused by anxiety.
Sweaty hands can be a chronic and annoying problem that influences your daily life. Nonetheless, with proper care, it’s possible to find relief and regain control. Know the triggers, use a mix of management options and home remedies, and find support groups. These are crucial steps in dealing effectively with sweaty hands. Always consult your doctor and explore every option to find the right solution for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
There isn’t a true permanent cure for sweaty hands. But, many management options may lessen or stop symptoms for long periods.
To fully stop your hands from sweating, you first have to identify the main cause. Then, you need to use a mix of management options that are available. These include medicines, surgeries, and changes to your lifestyle.
There isn’t a guaranteed forever solution. However, options like endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) or Botox injections may provide long-term relief from sweaty hands.
You may use home remedies like baking soda, apple cider vinegar, or sage leaves to reduce palm sweating. Good hand hygiene and tracking triggers may also help manage your condition.
If basic self-care and home remedies don’t improve your sweaty hands, or if this problem harms your day-to-day life and social interactions, it’s key to speak to a doctor for further tests and management.
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