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Excessive hand sweating, or hyperhidrosis, typically begins around the age of 11 and can last a lifetime. This condition may lead to feelings of embarrassment and hinder certain activities. However, the good news is that consistent attention to the issue, combined with medical treatments, can help manage the moisture levels. Explore the quick fixes and long-term solutions below to address sweaty hands effectively.
Steps
Quick Fixes
Wash your hands. Sweaty hands don’t dry on their own, so you’ll need to wash them more frequently than others to keep them dry. Wash your hands when the sweat becomes uncomfortable, then dry them thoroughly with a towel.
- When washing your hands before meals or after using the restroom, consider using plain water instead of soap. This approach helps prevent excessive dryness caused by frequent soap use.
Carry a drying hand sanitizer containing alcohol (not the antibacterial kind) for times when you can’t wash your hands with water. A drop of alcohol can temporarily dry out sweaty hands.
Keep a towel or a pack of tissues handy to dry your hands when needed. Use this method especially when you’re about to shake someone’s hand.
Cool down your hands. Many people experience sweaty hands when their body temperature rises, so cooling off is a quick and effective solution. You can place your hands in front of a fan or air conditioner to dry the moisture and reduce sweating.
- A quick way to cool your hands when you’re outdoors is to find a restroom and rinse your hands with cold water, then dry them with a paper towel.
- If possible, avoid heating your hands. Avoid using heaters unless absolutely necessary, and turn off heat sensors in your room.
Sprinkle some powder on your hands. If you’re at home and don’t mind your hands looking a bit white, dust them with a bit of powder to temporarily absorb sweat. This is also helpful when sweaty hands interfere with daily activities like weightlifting, jump roping, or household tasks that require a firm grip. Try the following powders:
- Baby powder, scented or unscented.
- Baking soda or cornstarch.
Lifestyle Solutions
Avoid using products that make your hands sweat more. Refrain from holding items made of fabric or products that prevent your hands from breathing, as they can trap moisture and prevent natural drying. Steer clear of the following:
- Gloves, fingerless gloves, and any hand coverings. While these are useful in cold weather, avoid wearing gloves indoors or when unnecessary. Gloves can hide sweaty hands but may cause overheating, leading to increased sweating.
Moisturizers containing lanolin and other skincare products. Lanolin is often used by individuals with dry skin to retain moisture, but it can exacerbate sweating in already moist areas. As a result, lanolin can leave your hands feeling damp rather than dry. The same applies to coconut oil and other cosmetic oils designed to hydrate the skin.
Use antiperspirants. While you might think antiperspirants are only for underarms, the same chemical formulations can effectively reduce sweating on your hands.
- Opt for a clinical-strength, unscented antiperspirant containing Aluminum Zirconium, known for its effectiveness.
- Consult a doctor for a prescription-strength antiperspirant with Aluminum Chloride Hexahydrate, a potent sweat-reducing chemical available on the market.
Relax. Excessive sweating is often triggered by anxiety and stress. Practice meditation, yoga, or other stress-relieving activities to calm your mind and reduce overactive sweat glands.
- If sweating occurs when you’re anxious about a specific issue, address the problem directly. Seek advice from a counselor if needed.
- A quick fix for anxiety-induced sweating is to sit down, close your eyes, and take deep breaths. Clear your mind before resuming other tasks.
Medical Treatments
Explore the process of Iontophoresis. This method involves using water to conduct a mild electrical current through the skin, temporarily blocking sweat production.
- During Iontophoresis, both hands are submerged in water while a gentle current passes through. You may feel a tingling sensation, but the process is painless.
- Home Iontophoresis kits are available. Consult your doctor to purchase one for convenient at-home use.
Consider oral medication. Anticholinergic drugs, which have the side effect of reducing sweat production, are sometimes prescribed to treat excessive hand sweating.
- This option is suitable if you’re not an athlete, as blocking sweat can be dangerous during physical activity, as sweating is essential for regulating body temperature.
- However, anticholinergics may cause dry mouth and other side effects.
Try Botox injections. Botox, commonly used for cosmetic purposes, can also block the nerves responsible for sweat production. However, the injections can be painful and provide only temporary relief.
Consider Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy (ETS). This surgical procedure involves cutting a sympathetic nerve in the chest to permanently disrupt the signals that trigger excessive sweating.
- This surgery should be a last resort, as 50% of patients experience compensatory sweating in other areas. While hand sweating may stop, you might notice increased sweating on your back or elsewhere.
- If you opt for this treatment, ensure you choose a surgeon experienced in performing ETS to minimize risks.
Tips
- Unless sweaty hands significantly interfere with your daily activities or social life, don’t let it distress you. This is a common issue many people face.
- Experiment with antiperspirant creams and wipe your hands with a clean, dry towel.
- Staying calm is crucial when you feel anxious. Remaining composed or distracting yourself with something enjoyable can help manage sweaty hands.
