Sweaty hands is a problem experienced by many people and in some cases it can be severe enough to cause impairment when working with objects that require a firm grip. For many people with sweaty hands, social interaction can be downright debilitating because actions such as shaking hands can become a source of embarrassment. According to Cedars-Sinai Medical Institute, the medical term for excessively sweaty hands is palmar hyperhidrosis, which affects approximately 1 percent of the population. It appears to be caused by an overreaction of the sympathetic nervous system to emotions, particularly stress, but there are several treatment options for this problem.
Step 1
Apply an antiperspirant to the palms of your hands in the evening before going to sleep. Remove the antiperspirant in the morning when you shower. For relatively mild cases of sweaty hands, this can be an effective way to decrease sweating significantly. Cedars-Sinai suggests using Drysol, which is available over the counter and online for the treatment of mild hyperhidrosis.
Step 2
See a dermatologist or physical therapist who specializes in tap water iontophoresis, a technique in which a very small electrical charge is used to administer medication or other substances through the skin. It's similar to the transdermal administration of medication through a patch, except iontophoresis uses ionized water to transport small electrical charges. The exact mechanism of how iontophoresis works to decrease the output of sweat from the palms but the treatment is FDA approved and has been used for over a century with positive results. Small iontophoresis units are available for home use however the International Hyperhidrosis Society recommends that you have it performed professionally, at least initially.
Step 3
Talk to your physician about anticholinergics drugs, which decrease stimulation of the sweat glands, or anti-anxiety drugs, which can help temper an overly sensitive nervous system response. These medications are not recommended for long-term use and several have significant side effect profiles. Some of these medications have been administered using the above named tap water iontophoresis and this combination has shown some effectiveness, according to the International Hyperhidrosis Society.
Step 4
Have Botox injections. Botox is a safe form of purified botulinum that blocks the nerve impulses to the hands. The United States Food and Drug Administration approved this treatment for people with excessive sweating under the arms and it has also been found to be effective for sweaty hands. The injections last about 7 to 16 months and can cause pain and swelling in some individuals.
Step 5
Consider having a surgical procedure known as an endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (see Resources). This minimally invasive procedure involves either clamping or severing of the nerves that stimulate the sweat glands. Although effective in stopping hands from sweating excessively, this is considered a choice of last resort because it is irreversible.
