Understanding the Cause Behind Sweaty Hands

Excessive sweating, known medically as hyperhidrosis, can occur in various parts of the body, including the hands. Sweaty hands are a common phenomenon experienced by many. However, if you find yourself constantly wondering, ‘why do my hands get so sweaty?’, it may be due to a condition known as palmar hyperhidrosis, a subset of the general hyperhidrosis condition which specifically affects the hands.

What leads to excessive hand sweating?

Normally, our body sweats to cool itself during strenuous activities, in a hot environment or in response to situations that make us nervous, anxious, angry, or afraid. However, with hyperhidrosis, sweating happens even without these triggers. Hyperhidrosis is primarily caused due to overactivity in the sweat glands which is typically a result of factors such as genetics, medical conditions, or side-effects of certain medications.

How to diagnose hyperhidrosis?

Professionals can usually diagnose hyperhidrosis based on the visible excessive sweating. Detailed patient history and a physical examination may suffice, but in some instances, certain tests like a thermoregulatory sweat test or iodine-starch test might be recommended.

Effects of Excessive Hand Sweating

Excessively sweaty hands can be more than a mere physical discomfort. They can be embarrassing, leading to self-consciousness and social anxiety. This can impact a person’s daily activities, performance at work, or interpersonal relationships. In addition, people with Palmar hyperhidrosis are more likely to develop skin conditions like warts and bacterial or fungal infections with consistent dampness in their hands.

Is there a Cure?

Is there a treatment for hyperhidrosis? Fortunately, yes. Treatments for hyperhidrosis aim at managing the condition rather than outright curing it. Over-the-counter antiperspirants, iontophoresis, Botox injections, prescription medication, and in extreme cases, surgical intervention can be beneficial. Antiperspirants use aluminium salts to block the sweat glands, while iontophoresis uses water to conduct a mild electrical current through the skin’s surface. Botox injections temporarily block the nerves that cause sweating, and prescription medications work by inhibiting the activity of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter which stimulates sweat glands. Surgery, although less frequently resorted to, involves removing a portion of the nerve supply to the sweat glands or removing the sweat glands themselves.

Conclusion

Having sweaty hands can be a nuisance and can create social and practical difficulties for those who suffer from it. However, understanding that it’s a medical condition and not something to be embarrassed about can ease a bit of the social discomfort. Treatments are available and working closely with a healthcare professional can help manage and significantly reduce the symptoms, offering a viable solution to the question – ‘why do my hands get so sweaty?’.