How To Treat Sweaty Palms?
Sweaty palms can have a negative impact on one’s overall well-being, as it may lead to feelings of embarrassment and cause one to avoid actions that involve physical contact, like shaking hands or hugging. Even everyday tasks like holding a pen or turning a doorknob can become difficult.
This condition, known as hyperhidrosis, can be limited to specific areas of the body, such as the palms, soles, or underarms, or it can affect the entire body. While focal hyperhidrosis often has no clear cause, it’s important to rule out any secondary causes, such as underlying medical conditions like hyperthyroidism, menopause, tumour, diabetes, obesity, or medications.
Various methods are available to manage sweaty palms, including:
1) Antiperspirants: Aluminium salt-based antiperspirants are most commonly used. These are typically based on aluminium salts that can physically block sweat glands to prevent sweat production. Some antiperspirants may contain anticholinergic substances like glycopyrrolate or diphemanil methylsulfate, which work by reducing sweat gland activity. While these topical treatments are easy to use, they may cause skin redness, burning, and irritation.
2) Iontophoresis: This involves using a low-voltage electrical current to shut down the sweat glands in the palms. Each treatment takes around 20 to 40 minutes and needs to be done three to four times per week. Typically, six to ten treatments are required to see results, followed by maintenance treatment that can vary from weekly to monthly.
3) Botox injection: This treatment involves injecting small amounts of botulinum toxin into the palms to temporarily block the nerve signals that stimulate sweat glands. It is highly effective but requires maintenance treatment every four to six months.
4) Oral medication: Anticholinergic medication can be used to reduce sweating of the entire body but it may cause systemic side effects such as dry mouth, dry eyes, palpitations, blurred vision, and constipation.
5) Surgery: Sympathectomy is a permanent surgical method that involves cutting nerves to stop sweaty palms. It is usually done when all other treatments are ineffective, as it carries surgical risks.
In addition to the above methods, making lifestyle changes like avoiding triggers such as spicy food, alcohol, caffeine, and MSG (monosodium glutamate) is recommended. For more information, you may consult our doctors at Healthsprings Clinic. We have 3 outlets located conveniently near you – Orchard, Bukit Panjang and Woodleigh (Bidadari).
