How to Get Rid of Sweaty Hands?
There are several causes for sweaty hands. Some of them can be stopped, helping you get rid of sweaty hands in most situations. It’s important to remember that some people’s hands are more likely to sweat and others may find that their palms sweat a lot more than family members’ or friends’ hands.
If sweaty hands are a problem in your work or in your social life you may want to try one or two of the methods that will reduce the amount of perspiration. Even a minor change in the amount of sweat on our palms might be enough to put you at ease in groups of people and might make your work or home tasks easier to accomplish.
Why Palms Sweat
When the human body is in a stressful or threatening situation, the sympathetic nervous system kicks in. We can’t control this natural reaction. However, some people are unfortunate enough to suffer from an over-active system that produces more perspiration in such situations. If sweaty hands are viewed as an embarrassing problem that view can actually produce more anxiety and thus more sweat.
What Will Work?
Some people have resorted to putting antiperspirant on the palms of their hands. These over-the-counter products will help reduce the amount of moisture. However, we use our hands to work and play all the time so the antiperspirant will wear off quickly. People have used powder for decades to dry the palms of their hands. This is effective but it is also temporary. You may not have access to powder and antiperspirant on a regular basis. If you use powder or alum your hands may be in worse shape when your hands sweat and the stuff turns to a doughy mess.
Some people have resorted to carrying a hand towel wherever they go. This may be a bit less troublesome than carrying powder or antiperspirant but it is still a temporary measure.
Iontophoresis? What in the world is that? In recent years some people have tried this method of reducing moisture. Some were willing to invest hundreds of dollars to get rid of sweaty hands. This procedure involves putting electrical current on the skin at low levels. This is done while your hands are submerged in water and should only be used to get rid of sweaty hands after you consult with a doctor. Some who have tried it report that it is uncomfortable, even painful. While it does seem to stop the hands from perspiring, it is also temporary.
Surgery Etc.
While surgery may be very effective in reducing or eliminating sweaty hands it certainly is a very permanent step. Surgical specialists can cut the nerve leading to the hand to stop the sympathetic nervous system from creating perspiration. Sometimes the nerve can be “deactivated.” The process can be reversed in the future.
Some people may have success with the self-help technique of deep-breathing to reduce anxiety or redirecting their thoughts away from the cause of stress. Botox treatments have also been used for reducing and eliminating excessive perspiration. There are also some medicines that may help with sweaty hands but you should approach this method with caution and consult with your doctor first.
Category: Diseases & Conditions, Health
