Hyperhidrosis: Stop Sweaty Palms and Feet

Sweaty palms and feet are the cause of concern for many people across the globe. It affects almost 2 out of 100 people. So what causes sweaty palms and feet?

Before we learn about the causes of sweaty palms and feet, let us get to know what causes excessive sweating. Sweating is mostly genetically related, though scientists working in the field of medicine have successfully found a correlation between sweating and hyper-activity. The phenomenon of excessive and consistent sweating is called hyperhydrosis - Profuse sweating that occurs at inappropriate times even when you are not hot and you haven't been exercising.

There’s a physiological basis for this condition: an unknown problem with the sympathetic nervous system. A malfunctioning system not only reacts to anxiety-producing situations with disproportionate response levels, but it goes on to produce even more anxiety and thus more perspiration because of the stress it causes. It’s a problem that’s self-escalating.

It can be divided into three types:

Palmer Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating of palms)
Axillary Hyperhidrosis(excessive sweating of arms)
Planter Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating of feet)

Causes of Sweaty Palms
Palmer Hyperhidrosis or sweaty palms are the most common form of hyperhidrosis. The condition can be quite severe in some people, affecting their day-to-day life, both functionally and socially. Research shows that for more than 50% of the cases, the problem is usually genetic. It starts during early childhood, gets more severe in the teenage years and then into early adulthood. It is further divided into four subgroups. In one group, the concerned person experiences mild hand sweating, which may not cause any functional or social problem. For another group the level of sweating is described to the point of dripping, which affects them on a daily basis. These people do not gain much benefit from conservative measures such as Drysol, Drionic, oral medications or Botox. Now, the question is what causes sweaty palm?

Excessive sweating of the palm primarily happens due to the increased activity of the sympathetic chain, which is a part of the autonomic nervous system. It is located within the chest cavity and has nothing to do with the motoric and sensory functions of the voluntary nervous system.

Causes of Sweaty Feet
People with sweaty hands often suffer from sweaty feet also. However, the symptoms may not be as severe as hand sweating, either functionally or socially. People who suffer this condition, have moisture in their socks and shoes. From there, starts their never ending battle against offensive foot odor which may lead to toenail fungus and other infections. Not only that, the person may not be able to wear sandals and his/her shoes may also be ruined. Sometimes the problem of sweaty feet can be as bad as that of sweaty palms.

Cure for Sweaty Palms and Feet
If you want immediate relief from your sweaty palms, you can wash your hands with water and soap which will stop the sweating temporarily. You can use tissue papers whenever required and remember to powder your hands. As for your feet, make sure that your shoes have enough breathing space. Your shoes should be preferably made of leather and your socks should be made either of cotton or wool. Your feet also need to be powdered, so do it whenever you will be going outside. You can use detachable insoles to keep bad smell off your feet, but this will only cover up the bad smell, not eliminate it.

Whenever you experience sweaty palms and feet, consult your physician and discuss the problem. He may recommend lumber sympathectomy surgery for the treatment for sweaty palms and feet, but keep it only as the last option. Be open to alternative treatments to stop sweaty palms and feet. These medications may include topical antiperspirants, antiperspirants that can be taken orally, botox, etc.

Steps to try:

Step 1 Try clapping cornstarch or talcum powder between your palms. Medicated powders are available to soak up moisture, too.
Step 2 Use an unscented, aluminum salt-based antiperspirant, preferably a product made for palms and feet.
Step 3 Wipe your palms often on tissues or a hand towel.
Step 4 Apply aluminum chloride paint to the area for persistent clamminess.
Step 5 Make an appointment to see your health care provider if over-the-counter remedies don't help.
Step 6 Get several opinions; some things help some folks and not others.

Other Home Remedies for Hyperhidrosis

    * Carry a hand towel with you at all times
    * Rub anti-perspirant on your hands; use an aluminum-based anti-perspirant rather than deodorant
    * Control your stress through such means as biofeedback. To get through stressful situations at work, concentrate on the second hand of a clock or watch for a full minute, breathing deeply all the while. Or take yourself to a “happy place" in a daydream
    * Lose weight
    * Soak up sweat with talcum, cornstarch, alum, or medicated powder (though this could make matters worse, leaving you with sweaty, caked-up hands)
    * Single-handedly restore the custom of wearing white gloves; change them as they moisten.
    * Sniffle loudly and tell the other party you can’t shake hands because you’re contagious, then keep them hidden
    * Talk to your doctor about iontophoresis, a technique that involves applying low electrical currents to the skin while the hands are immersed in water. We don’t know whether it’s effective, but we have read reports that it’s uncomfortable at best and painful at worst. It must be done daily and it is said to be effective for only six hours.

How to Stop Sweaty Hands Surgically

    * Thoracoscopic sympathectomy (TST), performed by a thoracic surgeon, snips the sympathetic nerve controlling sweat production by the hands and feet but does not affect sweating in other parts of the body, such as under arms. (Another surgical procedure, retrodermal curettage, is done to stop arm pit sweating.) A procedure similar to TST deactivates the nerve but does not snip it, so that the operation is reversible.
    * Botox, used to block the chemical transmitter that causes arm pit sweats, has been tried without much success to stop sweating in hands. Injections at that site are painful, too.

Pharmaceutical Cures for Sweaty Hands

The oral medications, Ditropan, Robinul, and Probanthine, all anti cholinergics which, in essence, block the neuro transmission responsible for the production of sweat, are sometimes prescribed. None of the drugs are specific to the treatment of sweaty hands, but one of their side effects is dryness. Blurred vision and dry mouth are other side effects and the success rate is limited.

Some sweating is induced by medications such as antidepressants. An experimental drug, terazosin, has already been approved for the treatment of hypertension (Learn how to get rid of hypertension) and is currently being tested to see whether it should be added to the antidepressant. It controls sweating. Another drug for hypertension, the first beta blocker that came on the market, Inderal, has been used for treating stage fright; it also reduces sweating. Other beta blockers might accomplish the same thing. Check with your doctor.