Excessive sweating on the hands, also called palmar hyperhidrosis, occurs due to the exaggerated functioning of the sweat glands responsible for excessive sweating in this region.
This situation is more common in women and usually starts in adolescence, but then stops, however in some cases it can remain for life and can also affect other parts of the body, such as feet or armpits.
There are some ways of disguising sweat above normal, with the use of aluminum salts, talcum powder or wipes, but the definitive and most effective treatments must be recommended by a dermatologist or plastic surgeon, with some options being the application of botox, use of the medicine oxybutynin or sympathectomy surgery.
Main symptoms
The symptoms of palmar hyperhidrosis usually appear on both hands without any other associated condition. The palms of the hands may become colder, moister and the color may vary from white to red, and in some cases the fingers may swell.
The episode of excessive sweating on the hands begins immediately, and may or may not be related to stressful situations, occurring more intensely on the palms and fingers, and less intensely on the back of the hands.
Possible causes
Excessive hand sweating is mainly caused by genetics and can occur in some families.
Excessive hand sweating can occur in situations of stress, tension or nervousness, such as in a job interview or when taking a test, in situations of anxiety, fear or even due to heat.
How the treatment is carried out
Treatment for excessive hand sweating should be guided by a dermatologist, and may be recommended:
1. Antiperspirant products
The use of powder or handkerchiefs helps to disguise and improve the grip of the hands, but a good alternative is the use of antiperspirant deodorants, which are antiperspirants based on aluminum salts, which reduce or inhibit the release of sweat by the glands during the day. whole, such as Perspirex, Rexona Clinical, Nivea Dry Impact and DAP, for example.
It is important not to try to wear gloves or cover your hands to hide the humidity, as the increase in temperature causes sweat production to increase even more.
2. Iontophoresis
It is a technique for applying ionized agents to the skin, using an electric current to facilitate the absorption of these substances into the skin. These ions, when absorbed, gradually reduce perspiration in the area of the skin where they were applied. The treatment should be done daily, for around 10 to 15 minutes, and will later be changed to fortnightly or monthly sessions.
It is also possible to perform iontophoresis at home, however it is recommended that it be carried out under the guidance of a professional, as it can cause irritation, dryness and the formation of blisters in the hair. Therefore, it is important to go to a specialized clinic for a complete evaluation.
Iontophoresis is not a definitive treatment, so it must be done regularly to generate results.
3. Botulinum toxin
This substance, also called botox, can be applied to the skin to block the production of sweat by the area’s sweat glands. Treatment with botulinum toxin, however, has a temporary effect and must be done with a certain frequency, which can be quite uncomfortable for the person. Understand what botox is and what it is for.
4. Medications
The use of medications that have an effect on reducing sweat, such as Glycopyrrolate and Oxybutynin, which are anticholinergics, can be taken daily, according to medical advice.
Despite showing good results, anticholinergic medications can cause some side effects, such as dry mouth, difficulty urinating or dizziness.
5. Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is indicated with the aim of controlling anxiety and insecurity, if necessary.
Excessive hand sweating occurs in people under 25 years of age, especially teenagers, which can interfere with the teenager’s emotional development, making psychotherapy possible.
6. Surgery
The surgery performed to control excessive hand sweating is known as sympathectomy, in which the nerves that stimulate the sweat glands are cut so that they stop producing excess moisture. Understand better how surgery to stop sweating works.
Despite guaranteeing good results, sympathectomy can have the side effect of compensatory hyperhidrosis, that is, a place on the body where there was no excessive sweat production, now has it. Furthermore, it can also have the opposite effect, where hands become very dry, making it necessary to apply moisturizing creams. Thus, surgery is indicated for cases in which hyperhidrosis cannot be resolved with other forms of treatment.
How to avoid sweaty hands
Sweating on your hands, in light to moderate amounts, is a normal reaction of the body, especially in situations of heat or stress. To avoid this type of discomfort in unwanted situations, such as dates or meetings, it is recommended to wash your hands frequently with soap and water and carry tissue paper or antibacterial gel to keep your hands clean and dry.
Avoid excessive stress, with alternative therapies such as yoga, aromatherapy or acupuncture can help reduce sweating on these occasions. Additionally, there are natural homemade recipes that can help reduce sweating, such as sage tea. Check out a sage tea recipe.
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