How to Cure Sweaty Palms

The medical term used to describe sweaty palms is palmar hyperhidrosis. It is a condition in which the sweat glands present in the hands produce excessive sweat continuously. Sweat is produced in our body by the sweat glands when it is necessary to regulate the temperature of our body.

It is required when the body is doing some physical labor, very high ambient temperature, or sometimes because of stress. Under such circumstances, our body tends to get stimulated and sweat is released to bring the body temperature back to normal.

 In case of sweaty palms, even the absence of any of these reasons leads to perspiration. Before we learn about how to cure this condition, let us discuss the underlying causes.

The exact cause has not yet been ascertained. Most experts believe that it could be caused because the sympathetic nervous system becomes hyperactive. These are responsible for controlling different activities of our body such as the release of chemicals like adrenaline in our body, release of sweat from the sweat glands, squeezing of blood vessels, etc.

When the nervous system fails to function normally, these functions get activated at improper times. The other probable cause is ganglia. It is a condition that causes accumulation of fluids in the wrist joints.

Several treatment options are available, but most of them fail to cure the problem permanently. Some of them have some side effects too. Here, we shall discuss some in detail.

When the perspiration is mild or moderate, doctors prescribe a specific type of antiperspirant deodorant which is to be applied on the palms. Prior to applying this deodorant, the hands have to be dried thoroughly. Apply it at night before going to bed and let it stay on the palms overnight, and wash it off with plain water in the morning.

Initially, it is applied daily and later as the deodorant starts working, it has to be applied twice or thrice a week till the condition resolves. It may cause slight irritation and staining of clothes. Use of regular deodorant should be stopped during the treatment.

If the skin of the palms is too thick, then it may not work effectively. A medicated powder is also available which can help to keep sweaty palms dry.

Here, mild electric current is applied on the palms with the help of a special device, this prevents the sweat glands from producing sweat. For this, the palms are kept under water and electricity is transmitted through the device with a mild intensity. Gradually, the intensity is increased till the patient experiences a stinging sensation.

This treatment is continued till the perspiration reduces. For obtaining the desired results, it has to be done for one and half hours every day on each palm. Later, frequency of the treatment is reduced to once a week or once a month. The drawback of the treatment is that it is expensive and requires multiple sessions before results can be observed.

Botox injections have often shown good results if the perspiration is mild. Botox consists of a protein which, when injected on the palms, makes certain muscles inactive. As a result, the release of the chemical acetylcholine that stimulates sweating decreases. The duration of the treatment is almost of 2-3 months.

However, the effect of botox injection is temporary and has to be repeated frequently. Many people shy away from this form of treatment because it can be painful and expensive too.

Doctors prescribe some anticholinergic drugs that need to be taken orally which can decrease the release of the chemical acetylcholine on the palms and reduce sweating. It has to be taken once daily till the perspiration recedes. These drugs have been found to have some side effects as well. Lastly, there is a surgical procedure too.

It is known as Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy surgery, where the sympathetic nerves responsible for producing sweat are removed from the palms. Discuss the consequences of the surgery with your surgeon before you put your palms under the knife.

• Take 3-4 tea bags and boil them in a quart of water. Let them cool down and then soak your palms into it for half an hour. The tannic acid present in the tea acts as an excellent antiperspirant and is a good cure for sweaty hands.
• Drink lots of water to flush out the toxins that cause sweating. This will also help to maintain the body temperature.

• Wash your hands when the sweat starts bothering you. Dry them off with a towel. Always carry a pack of paper towels so that you can wipe off your hands whenever required.
• You can also sprinkle some talcum powder on your hands. This will help in keeping your hands dry.

So, these were some remedies to cure your sweaty palms. Don't go for extreme medications unless it is bothering you too much.

Disclaimer: This is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice. In case of any serious illness, please seek immediate medical help.