Sweaty Hands: what causes it, and how to handle it?

Sweat is a normal mechanism of the body to cool itself. However, some people currently suffer from excess levels of sweat, usually on their hands or feet. The excess level of sweating heavily affects daily life, making them uncomfort and unconfident. This article will introduce you to a condition called “sweat hands” and ways to deal with them effectively. 

What is “sweaty hands”?

Sweaty hands, also known as palmar hyperhidrosis, are excessive sweating of hands that exceeds the normal amount caused by hot and humid conditions, strenuous exercise, or feeling anxious or agitated. Excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis, usually affects the hands, feet, underarm, or face and occurs on both sides of the body. Sweaty hands often make you annoyed, for example, it can ruin your document, making sweaty hands increase your degree of social anxiety and embarrassment. Also, excessive sweat can make your skin more prone to infections.

Currently, there are two major types of hyperhidrosis: Primary hyperhidrosis, which is caused by faulty nerve signals that make eccrine sweat glands, found in palms, soles, underarms, and face, becomes overactive, and Secondary hyperhidrosis, which causes by medical conditions like diabetes and thyroid problems, or some medications like antidepressants and hormonal medications.

Is it abnormal sweating?

To decide that it is abnormal sweating, it occurs when sweating disrupts your daily routine and causes emotional distress or social withdrawal, or it suddenly begins to sweat more than usual, or experiences night sweats for no apparent reason. If you are currently suffering from these conditions, we recommend that you visit your doctor for further consultation.

Meanwhile, if you have heavy sweating with dizziness, pain in the chest, throat, jaw, arms, shoulders, or throat, or cold skin and a rapid pulse, please seek immediate medical attention as it may be a sign of heart attack rather than hyperhidrosis.

Doctors diagnose hyperhidrosis through the use of iodine-starch tests to detect moisture or perspiration on your skin, and sweat tests to determine the level of chloride (or salt) within your sweat. Doctors may also require blood, urine, or other lab tests if doctors suspect that you are fit with the conditions of secondary hyperhidrosis.

Treatments available for sweaty hands

Sweaty hands and other types of hyperhidrosis can be treated through both medical and surgical procedures, which include

• Antiperspirant: Over-the-counter antiperspirant can help reduce the level of sweat, by applying it to completely dry skin at night before bed. Meanwhile, if normal antiperspirants are not effective enough, you can change to “clinical-strength” over-the-counter products. In some cases, doctors may prescribe a prescription-type antiperspirant containing aluminum chloride which helps temporarily block sweat glands
• Prescription creams and wipes:  Creams that contain glycopyrrolate may help hyperhidrosis that affects the face and head, while wipes soaked in Glycopyrronium tosylate may ease symptoms of the hands, feet, and underarms. 
• Nerve-blocking medications: This type of medicine is being used to block the nerves that trigger sweat glands, which can reduce sweating in patients with primary hyperhidrosis.
• Antidepressants: Some medications used for the treatment of depression can also decrease sweating. They may also help decrease anxiety.
• Botox: Botulinum toxin or Botox can be used to block the nerves that trigger the sweat glands, which each injection can be effective for six months and need to repeat for continuous effects. 

• Iontophoresis: Using mild electric current through the water to block the nerves that trigger sweating, Iontophoresis requires a process to soak the affected areas for 20 to 40 minutes 2 to 3 times a week until your symptoms improve.
• Microwave therapy: A handheld device called miraDry delivers a high level of microwave energy to destroy sweat glands in the armpits. Treatments involve two 20-30-minute sessions three months apart. 
• Sweat gland removal surgery: In the case of massive levels of sweat, especially in the armpit. Doctors may recommend the removal of sweat glands through curettage, liposuction, or a combination of the two (suction curettage).
• Nerve surgery: Nerve surgery or sympathectomy are removal of a small section of the spinal nerves that control sweating. Nerve surgery is recommended for sweaty hands but not an option for isolated head and neck sweating, and nerve surgery will only be considered for people who have tried many other treatments without good results.

Dealing with sweaty hands at Phyathai 1 International

Surgery Center at Phyathai 1 International are professional in dealing with sweaty hands and other types of hyperhidrosis. Our certified physician can provide you with a consultant and options of treatments for both medical and surgical procedures to significantly reduce the condition of your excessive sweat.

If you are currently suffering from excessive sweating, we recommend consulting with our specialist at the Surgery Center of Phyathai 1 International, which opens from 8 am to 8 pm To ensure the fastest procedure time, We recommend taking a reservation by e-mail at [email protected].