Excessively sweaty hands are seen in people with generalized or palmar hyperhidrosis. Palmar hyperhidrosis is the most common form of the sweating disorder, notes the Hyperhidrosis website. This condition can make many social and professional situations awkward and embarrassing, leaving those who suffer from it eager for successful treatment. Hand sweating often starts with emotional triggers, such as anxiety, nervousness or stress, but sometimes there is no particular trigger. Some tactics can help you decrease hand sweating, but hyperhidrosis treatment should be supervised by your doctor.
Step 1
Apply an antiperspirant made for the palms before bedtime. Wash it off the next morning and put it on again. Antiperspirants made with aluminum chloride hexahydrate are identified by the International Hyperhidrosis Society as the most effective.
Step 2
Take medications as prescribed by your doctor for the treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis. Beta-blockers or benzodiazepine may be used if your hand sweating arises often from emotional triggers, reports MedlinePlus. In addition, anticholinergics, clonidine and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors are drugs that can inhibit sweating, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Step 3
Perform iontophoresis as directed, usually twice a day, if your doctor recommends it. Soak your hands, and use your iontophoresis device to emit electrical currents into your palms. The procedure takes about 15 minutes and needs to be repeated every few weeks.
Step 4
Undergo an endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy if other treatment options fail to stop your hand sweating. Of the various types of hyperhidrosis, this procedure is considered most effective for palmar hyperhidrosis, according to MedlinePlus. One of several different techniques is used to interrupt the sympathetic nerve chain. The nerve chain may be clamped, cut or partially removed, explains the Hyperhidrosis website.
Tips and Warnings
- An over-the-counter aluminum chloride hexahydrate antiperspirant should be made with a 10 to 15 percent concentration. However, IHS notes that palm sweating often requires a stronger prescription concentration of up to 30 percent.
- Iontophoresis may be no more effective than clinical-strength antiperspirants, states the Mayo Clinic. It can be somewhat painful. Rarely, blisters or cracking skin result, cautions MedlinePlus. Compensatory sweating and Horner's syndrome, a condition causing diminished facial perspiration and drooping eyelids, are possible complications of an endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy. Other risks associated with anesthesia and surgical procedures apply as well.
Things You'll Need
- Aluminum chloride hexahydrate antiperspirant
- Iontophoresis device
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