Treatment for Sweaty Palms and Hands

Sweaty Hands Are a Real Diagnosis

Hyperhidrosis is a condition characterized by excessive sweating that is not necessarily related to heat or exercise. Hyperhidrosis can affect a specific area, or it can affect the entire body. However, it most commonly affects the armpits, face, feet, and hands. Hyperhidrosis usually begins during adolescence, and an estimated 7.8 million Americans suffer from it.

The National Library of Medicine says:

Primary or essential hyperhidrosis is a disorder characterized by excessive, chronic, sweating acquired during rest, unrelated to the need of heat loss of the body. It can affect one or more areas of the body, occurring predominantly in the hands, armpits, feet, head, and also in the inguinal region. The prevalence of primary hyperhidrosis (PH), according to the literature, ranges from 1% to 3%. It occurs in all seasons, including winter. In situations of stress, anxiety, fear, and nervousness, there is worsening of symptoms. PH nomenclature is related to the anatomical locations: face and scalp (craniofacial hyperhidrosis), palmar region (palmar hyperhidrosis), armpits (axillary hyperhidrosis), inguinal region (inguinal hyperhidrosis), and plantar regions (plantar hyperhidrosis). It inflicts significant impact on the quality of life of patients, interfering with their labor, daily activities, social interaction, and leisure, and can cause emotional and psychological distress. (NLM)

Hyperhidrosis is not life-threatening, but it can cause extreme embarrassment, psychological trauma, and can be very uncomfortable. For some individuals, the symptoms are so severe that it affects their entire life.

What Causes Hyperhidrosis or Sweaty Hands?

There are two types of hyperhidrosis: primary and secondary. Primary hyperhidrosis, the most common, is caused by overactive nerves. There is no medical reason for this type, and stress and nervousness make the problem worse. Primary hyperhidrosis most often affects your palms, soles, and sometimes your face.

Secondary hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating that is due to an existing medical condition. It is less common and usually affects your entire body. Some of the medical conditions that can lead to secondary hyperhidrosis are:

• Infections
• Diabetes
• Thyroid problems
• Low blood sugar
• Menopause
• Some cancer
• Nervous system disorders
• Heart attack
• Obesity
• Spinal cord injury
• Alcohol abuse
• Substance abuse

Some medications can cause secondary hyperhidrosis. And opioid withdrawal can also cause excessive sweating.

What is the Best Treatment For Hyperhidrosis?

To find the appropriate treatment for hyperhidrosis, you first must find out what is causing it. If it is due to an underlying medical problem, then of course that would need to be treated first. If no cause can be found, then the treatment is focused on controlling the sweating.

Some of the medications that are used for hyperhidrosis include:

• Prescription creams or antiperspirants – these are applied to the affected areas usually at bedtime and then washed off in the morning.
• Nerve-blocking medications – some medications help block the chemicals that let certain nerves communicate with each other. This can help reduce sweating for some people.
• Botox injections – botox temporarily blocks the nerves that cause sweating. This treatment usually lasts for 6 to 12 months and then has to be repeated.
• Antidepressants – some medications prescribed for depression can help decrease sweating, and they may help to reduce the anxiety that can worsen hyperhidrosis.

Some surgical and other procedures can be done to treat hyperhidrosis. Microwave therapy, removal of the sweat glands, or nerve surgery can be done in some cases.

Lifestyle and home remedies may also help with excessive sweating. Bathing daily, using antiperspirants, astringent, and possibly try using relaxation techniques. Relaxation techniques can help to control any stress that may trigger sweating.

Get More Information on Hyperhidrosis

If you or someone you love is struggling with hyperhidrosis or chronically sweaty hands, our mental health experts are available to assist you around the clock. Voices of Mental Health has a standing passion for helping others achieve peace, serenity, and fulfillment. We will help you access top treatment centers with caring and supportive assistance. You don’t have to suffer any longer, call us today for more information on hyperhidrosis or other mental health conditions.