How to Stop Sweaty Hands

Excessively sweaty hands are more than just a hassle, and can be indicative of an underlying medical condition. While anxiety used to be interpreted as a main reason for sweaty palms, it is just one such reason among many. Almost 3 percent of Americans suffer from excessive sweating, called hyperhidrosis. Some treatment options include extra-strength antiperspirants, oral medications, electrical therapy and surgery. Unfortunately, there are no cheap solutions for sweaty palms; if caused by anxiety, relaxation techniques may help, but if it is a symptom of hyperhydrosis, you will need a doctor to oversee your treatment.

Instructions

1. Determine whether your sweaty palms are related to anxiety. If they are, then working with a therapist to relieve an anxiety response may minimize sweaty hands. If therapy alone is not enough to lessen anxiety, then you should talk with your doctor about oral medications.

2. Apply antiperspirants to your hands if the sweating is from hyperhidrosis. Drysol is a specially formulated prescription-strength antiperspirants. To use it, rub it on your hands and let it air dry. It can only be applied a few times a week, otherwise your hands may become over-dry.

3. Ask your doctor about alternative treatments. Botulinum toxin (Botox) has been shown to dramatically reduce sweating, as have a number of other medications, including Oxybutynin, Glycopyrrolate, propantheline bromide and benzatropine. Each of these has different serious side effects, so it is important to discuss them with your doctor. Each person is different, so you may find that one medication works for you while another does not.

4. Find out about whether local dermatology clinics offer iontophoresis, which uses electrical stimulation to lessen sweating. Many people report success using it, but it is ineffective for others. A common side effect is a weak grip. Again, talk to your doctor about your options.

5. Request information on surgery. The surgical procedure for hyperhidrosis is called endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy. It works by cutting off the sweat glands in your hands from the sympathetic nervous system. It has a high success rate, but may result in sweating shifting to other areas. On top of that, the nerves that tell your hands to sweat may regenerate, resulting in sweating. Most doctors will not let you do this procedure unless you have tried other methods of reducing sweating, because of its permanency. Before you go through with it, make sure you know all of the risks and benefits.

Tips & Warnings

• When you first start using extra-strength antiperspirants, you may need to use them daily until they are effective, then repeat once or twice a week.

• Many of these procedures have serious side effects. Make sure that you use medications with a doctor's supervision.