Excessive sweating of the palms, or palmoplantar hyperhidrosis, often begins around the age of 13 and continues throughout life. Sweaty hands can be embarrassing and interfere with activities. But the good news is that regular care and medical treatment of this problem can help control hand moisture. Learn about quick solutions and long-term solutions to sweaty hands.
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Part 1 of 3: Quick Treatment
Step 1. Wash your hands
Sweaty hands don't dry out on their own, so you'll need to wash your hands more often than anyone else to keep them dry. Wash your hands when sweat starts bothering you, then dry them with a towel.
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When you are not washing your hands for dinner or after going to the bathroom, wash your hands only with water, don't use soap. This method is done so that the back of the hand does not dry out from using too much soap.
Step 2. Carry an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (not an antibacterial one) whenever you can't wash your hands with water
A little alcohol can work to remove sweat temporarily.
Step 3. Bring a handkerchief or tissue so you can dry your hands when you need them
Use it before a situation where you are about to shake hands with someone else.
Step 4. Cool hands
Many people have sweaty hands when they are too hot, so cooling off can be a quick and effective way. Place your hands in front of a fan or air conditioner to dry the moisture from your hands and slow down sweat production.
- To quickly cool your hands when you're not at home, find the bathroom and run your hands with cold water, then dry them with a tissue.
- If possible, avoid overheating beforehand. Do not use space heaters unless absolutely necessary and turn down the thermostat in the room.
Step 5. Pour the powdered material on your hands
If you're at home and don't mind if your hands are a little white, sprinkle some powdered material to temporarily absorb sweat. This method is useful if your sweaty hands interfere with daily activities such as lifting heavy objects, jumping rope, or doing household chores that require a firm grip. Try the following types of powder materials:
- Baby powder, either with perfume or without perfume.
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Baking soda or cornstarch.
Part 2 of 3: Lifestyle Solutions
Step 1. Do not use objects that can cause more sweat
Keeping your hands away from clothes and objects that interfere with airflow will keep your hands moist and not dry. Gloves and other items to cover hands. Wear them when it's cold outside. Do not wear gloves indoors or when they are not needed. Gloves are effective if you want to hide sweaty hands, but they will also warm your hands, resulting in more sweat.
Step 2. Petroleum-based lotions and other skin products
Petroleum jelly is used by people with dry skin to keep their skin moisturized. This lotion has the same effect on sweaty skin. Petroleum jelly doesn't dry out sweat and will cause your hands to become greasy. This also happens if you use coconut oil and other oil-based cosmetics that are used to keep the skin moist.
Step 3. Use antiperspirant products
It may not occur to you to use antiperspirant products on your hands, because these products are usually used in the armpit area. However, the same chemical that prevents the armpits from sweating excessively can also help with sweating on the hands.
- Choose an antiperspirant without perfume with “clinical strength” that contains aluminum zirconium that has been proven to be effective.
- There are also prescription antiperspirant drugs that are hard which contain aluminum chloride. Consult this drug with your doctor.
Step 4. Be calm
Excessive sweating is often triggered by anxiety and stress. Do meditation, yoga, or other activities that will help reduce stress and prevent sweat glands from overproducing.
- If you sweat while thinking about a particular problem that bothers you, think of a solution and face it. If you need help, consider consulting a counselor.
- For a quick solution to dealing with sweating associated with anxiety, the trick is; Sit down, close your eyes, and take a deep breath. Try to calm your mind before going through your activities.
Part 3 of 3: Medical Measures
Step 1. Consider the iontophoresis method
This procedure is performed by using water to deliver an electric current under the skin, which temporarily prevents sweat from forming.
- During the iontophoresis procedure, the hand is submerged in water, while an electric current is sent through the water. There is a tingling sensation that may be felt, but the procedure is painless.
- Iontophoresis kits are available for home use. Consult a doctor if you intend to have this equipment so you can use it anytime.
Step 2. Treat it by taking medicine
Medications to take known as anticholinergics will stop sweating as a side effect, so doctors sometimes prescribe them to treat excessive sweating on the hands.
- This method may be a good choice if you are not an athlete. However, if you are an active person, then this drug can be dangerous and interfere with the body's production of sweat which serves to cool the body when it becomes hot from exercise.
- Anticholinergics can cause dry mouth and other side effects.
Step 3. Familiarize yourself with the botulinum toxin injection method
Botox injections, which are often used to remove wrinkles on the face or make lips look fuller, can also be used to block the nerves that produce sweat. However, botox injections can be painful and can only temporarily stop excessive sweating.
Step 4. Consider a sympathectomy method
This procedure requires surgery to remove the nerves in the chest and permanently disrupt the nerve signals that control body sweat.
- This surgery should be considered as a last resort, as in some cases, the body compensates by producing excessive sweat in different parts of the body. The sweat on your hands may go away, but you may be sweating profusely on your back or other parts of your body.
- If you intend to have this procedure, find a doctor who has performed this operation before. Don't take the risk of having this procedure done by someone inexperienced.
