Treatment FAQ

what is the treatment for sweaty hands and feet

by Lempi Littel Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

Several treatments are available. An aluminum chloride solution (brand name: Drysol) can be applied to the skin on the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet. Another treatment is tap-water iontophoresis. In this treatment, a mild electrical current is passed through water and applied to the skin.Mar 1, 2004

How can I stop my hands and feet from sweating?

The following suggestions may help you cope with sweating and body odor:Use antiperspirant. ... Apply astringents. ... Bathe daily. ... Choose shoes and socks made of natural materials. ... Change your socks often. ... Air your feet. ... Choose clothing to suit your activity. ... Try relaxation techniques.

Is there a permanent cure for sweaty hands?

Botox. Botulinum toxin , better known as Botox, can also help treat sweaty palms by blocking receptors that tell the sweat glands to start sweating. The treatment lasts for approximately 6 months . It involves a healthcare provider injecting Botox into the skin.

What is the reason for sweating in hands and feet?

Eccrine sweat glands are numerous on the feet, palms, face, and armpits. When your body is overheated, when you're moving around, when you're feeling emotional, or as a result of hormones, nerves activate the sweat glands. When those nerves overreact, it causes hyperhidrosis.

What is a natural remedy for sweaty hands?

Baking soda Because baking soda is alkaline, it can reduce sweating and make sweat evaporate quickly. Mix a couple teaspoons of baking soda with water to create a paste. Rub the paste over your hands for about five minutes and then wash your hands.

How can I stop sweating naturally?

Treatment optionsUse topical antiperspirants. Tired of the sweat stains on your shirt? ... Wait between showering and dressing. ... Shave your armpits. ... Avoid sweat-inducing foods. ... Eat more foods that reduce sweat. ... Stay hydrated. ... Wear breathable, loose-fitting clothing. ... Skip the caffeine.More items...

Can hyperhidrosis be cured?

There is no cure for hyperhidrosis, but help is available. Your provider may recommend a prescription-strength antiperspirant. Newer therapies offer you even more ways to lessen symptoms. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 10/09/2020.

How can I stop sweating so much?

Things you can do to help with excessive sweatingwear loose-fitting clothes to minimise signs of sweating.wear socks that absorb moisture and change your socks at least twice a day if possible.wear leather shoes and try to wear different shoes day to day.

Is sweaty palms a disease?

Most people who get sweaty palms a lot don't have a health problem. But there is a medical condition called hyperhidrosis (pronounced: hye-pur-hye-DROE-sis) that can cause a person's palms, feet, armpits, and other parts of the body to sweat heavily. When a person has hyperhidrosis, it usually begins around puberty.

How to get rid of sweaty hands?

You simply need to mix 2 to 3 spoonful of baking soda with warm water and stir until it completely dissolve.

What is the treatment for sweating underarms?

Botulinum toxin: in this case, a patient is given sweating injections of botulinum toxin which is the same medicine used for wrinkles. Botox is a medicine that is approved in treatment of excessive sweating in the underarms but it can as well be used in the case of palms and soles of feet.

How to stop sweating from a cold?

Cold water will bring down the body temperature and therefore this will reduce sweating. I this case you just have to dip your sweaty palms and feet into cold water and this will stop the sweating immediately although it will not heal the underlying condition. Cornstarch or talcum powder.

Why do my hands sweat?

Ranging from spicy foods, hot weather, stress, vigorous exercise and even panic attack . All these can cause your hands and feet to become sweaty. To be general, excessive sweating of the body can be the reason why you are having sweaty palms and feet, also known as palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis. There are many other reasons including health ...

What are the two types of hyperhidrosis?

Types of hyperhidrosis. There are two types of hyperhidrosis namely: primary and secondary hyperhidrosis. A primary hyperhidrosis which is also referred to as focal hyperhidrosis is whereby there is excessive sweating in the palms of hands, underarms, face, and feet with no major reason.

Which part of the body has the most sweat glands?

It has been discovered that the palms of hands and the soles of feet have the most number of sweat glands as compared to other parts of the body. That is why if you happen to have a sweating condition, your palms of hands and soles of feet are the most affected. This type of problem is common and can affect anyone regardless of age and gender.

Why do women sweat at night?

Menopause is the main reason why women sweat at night excessively with hot flashes that appear 30 seconds to 10 minutes duration. Caffeinated drinks and alcohol. Drinks such as coffee are said to raise the temperature of the body whenever they are taken.

How to treat sweaty hands and feet?

Unlike deodorants, antiperspirants plug the sweat pores, because they contain aluminum salts. Iontophoresis therapy, which involves passing a mild electrical shock while your hands are submerged in water.

Why do potatoes help with sweaty hands?

They can help you deal with sweaty hands and feet. That’s because they are rich in potassium, which allows them to absorb the excess water out of your skin.

How many sweat glands are there in the human body?

If you want to know it, the average person has around 2 million sweat glands. And most of them are eccrine sweat glands. These glands are mainly located on the hands, feet, armpits, and face. Why some people have primary hyperhidrosis is still a mystery. However, doctors believe that it could be hereditary.

What are the two types of hyperhidrosis?

Well, hyperhidrosis can be two types: Primary Hyperhidrosis. Secondary Hyperhidrosis. Primary hyperhidrosis occurs when the sweat glands don't turn off at all. It causes excessive sweating, which usually affects the hands, face, feet, and underarms.

Why do I sweat at night?

Parkinson's disease. Rheumatoid arthritis. This type of hyperhidrosis can represent as night sweats. Since secondary hyperhidrosis might be due to a serious illness, you should talk with your doctor if you're sweating more than usual, especially if it happens during the night, and you don't have an explanation for it.

What is sandalwood powder?

Sandalwood powder is made from crushed and dried sandalwood, a type of tree considered sacred to many cultures. The sandalwood’s benefits for the skin are well-proofed because sandalwood has antiseptic, astringent, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Why should I avoid synthetic shoes?

Avoid synthetic fabrics because it traps moisture. Look for shoes made of breathable fabric. Excessive sweating is not a medical emergency, but it’s an embarrassing condition that can affect the quality of your social life. Fortunately, you don’t have to suffer in silence.

What is the treatment for sweating in the hands?

Iontophoresis (the no-sweat machine) If excessive sweating affects your hands, feet, or both areas, this may be an option. You will use this treatment at home. It requires you to immerse your hands or feet in a shallow pan of tap water. As you do this, a medical device sends a low-voltage current through the water.

What is the best way to stop sweating underarms?

Prescription cloth wipes. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved this treatment for people who have excessive underarm sweating and are 9 years of age or older. How it works: These individually wrapped cloths contain an active ingredient, glypyrronium tosylate, that can reduce underarm sweating.

How long does it take for a sweating injection to work?

How it works: The injections temporary block a chemical in the body that stimulates the sweat glands. Most patients notice results four to five days after receiving treatment. Reduced sweating lasts about four to six months, and sometimes longer. When the excessive sweating returns, you can be retreated.

What is the medical device that destroys sweat glands?

Hand-held medical device destroys sweat glands. This is a newer treatment approved by the FDA. A medical doctor such as a dermatologist must give these treatments. If this is an option, the dermatologist uses a machine that emits electromagnetic energy. This energy destroys the sweat glands.

How long does it take for a sweat gland to shut down?

Most people need about 6 to 10 treatments to shut down the sweat glands. To get improvement, you begin by using the device as often your dermatologist recommends. At first, you may need two or three treatments per week. A treatment session usually takes 20 to 40 minutes.

What is the test for sweating?

This helps the doctor understand why the patient has excessive sweating. Sometimes medical testing is necessary. Some patients require a test called the sweat test. This involves coating some of their skin with a powder that turns purple when the skin gets wet.

What is the procedure to treat hyperhidrosis?

Laser surgery (vaporize) Sympathectomy is another surgery used to treat hyperhidrosis. This is major surgery, which a surgeon performs in an operating room. During sympathectomy, the surgeon tries to stop the nerve signals that your body sends to the sweat glands.

How to get rid of sweaty hands and feet?

Also, you can drink 1 cup of fresh tomato juice daily for a week, and slowly reduce the dosage to 1 cup every other day for another week. 6. Activated Charcoal. You can also try activated charcoal to deal with the problem of sweaty hands and feet.

What is the best remedy for sweaty hands?

In fact, it is an age-old remedy for treating sweaty hands. It helps dry up the excess oils and prevents excessive sweating. Plus, sage tea is rich in vitamin B and magnesium, which help reduce overactivity in the sweat glands.

How to stop sweating on palms and feet?

One of the most effective home remedies to deal with sweaty palms and feet is apple cider vinegar. Advertisements. It has natural astringent properties that help control excessive sweating by keeping the pores tight. Also, when taken internally, apple cider vinegar helps balance the body’s pH level.

How to get rid of sweaty skin on a swollen ear?

Then, use a cotton ball to apply some raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar on the area. Leave it on overnight. The next morning, take a bath or shower and then apply some baby powder.

How to get rid of sweaty odor?

Plus, lemon helps eliminate bacteria and keeps you smelling nice and fresh. Squeeze the juice out of a fresh lemon into 1 teaspoon of baking soda and mix it up into a smooth paste. Apply it on the areas where you sweat most profusely. Wait 10 minutes, then rinse off the paste.

Why do my palms sweat?

One of the causes of sweaty palms and feet can be a deficiency of magnesium in the body. Magnesium helps control sweat gland activity to prevent excessive sweating. It also neutralizes odor-producing chemicals.

How to treat hyperhidrosis?

Cornstarch. Another home remedy to deal with hyperhidrosis is cornstarch. It works as a natural antiperspirant, which helps absorb moisture and neutralize any unpleasant odor. Plus, as cornstarch is easy enough to carry around with you, it is also a convenient option for people who travel a lot.

How long does it take to get rid of sweat on your feet?

1. Iontophoresis: During this treatment, you sit with your hands, feet, or both in a shallow tray of water for about 20 to 30 minutes, while a low electrical current travels through the water. No one knows exactly how this treatment works, but experts believe it blocks sweat from getting to your skin's surface.

How to get rid of sweaty skin?

Dry yourself completely afterward, and before applying antiperspirant. Use underarm liners and shoe inserts to absorb sweat so it doesn't ruin your clothes or start to smell.

How to stop sweating?

The easiest way to tackle excessive sweating is with an antiperspirant, which most people already use on a daily basis. Most antiperspirants contain aluminum salts. When you roll them onto your skin, antiperspirants form a plug that blocks perspiration.

What is the best treatment for hyperhidrosis?

Surgery: You may have seen plastic surgeons advertising surgical procedures for excessive sweating. Surgery is only recommended for people with severe hyperhidrosis that hasn't responded to other treatments. During surgery, the doctor may cut, scrape, or suction out the sweat glands.

What to wear when you sweat in the heat?

Don't wear heavy clothes that will trap sweat. Instead, wear light, breathable fabrics such as cotton and silk. Bring along an extra shirt when you know you'll be exercising or outdoors in the heat. Your feet can sweat too, so wear socks that wick moisture away from them (merino wool and polypro are good choices).

What is the procedure to remove sweat glands in armpit?

Another surgical option is endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS), in which the surgeon makes very small incisions and cuts the nerves in your armpit that normally activate the sweat glands. This procedure is very effective, but it's used only as a last resort on people who have tried every other treatment.

Is sweating a real problem?

Heavy sweating ( also known as hyperhidrosis) is a very real and embarrassing problem, but there are some effective ways to treat it. Before you hide under bulky sweaters or move to a chillier climate, you can try these proven techniques for combating excessive sweating.

How to stop sweaty feet?

Dry yourself thoroughly, especially between the toes and under the arms. Choose shoes and socks made of natural materials . Shoes made of natural materials, such as leather, can help prevent sweaty feet by allowing your feet to breathe.

How to get rid of sweat glands in armpits?

If excessive sweating occurs just in your armpits, removing the sweat glands there may help. A minimally invasive technique called suction curettage may be an option, too, if you aren't responding to other treatments. Nerve surgery (sympathectomy).

What test is used to determine the severity of a sweating disorder?

A number of tests are available to pinpoint the areas of sweating and estimate the severity of your condition, including an iodine-starch test, skin conductance and a thermoregulatory sweat test.

What is the best medicine for hyperhidrosis?

Medications. Drugs used to treat hyperhidrosis include: Prescription antiperspirant. Your doctor may prescribe an antiperspirant with aluminum chloride (Drysol, Xerac Ac). This product can cause skin and eye irritation. It's usually applied to the affected skin before you go to bed.

How to stop sweating and body odor?

The following suggestions may help you cope with sweating and body odor: Use antiperspirant. Nonprescription antiperspirants contain aluminum-based compounds that temporarily block the sweat pore. This reduces the amount of sweat that reaches your skin. This type of product may help with minor hyperhidrosis.

How to treat hyperhidrosis?

Surgical and other procedures. Other hyperhidrosis treatments include: Microwave therapy. With this therapy, a device that delivers microwave energy is used to destroy sweat glands. Treatments involve two 20- to 30-minute sessions, three months apart. Possible side effects are a change in skin sensation and some discomfort.

Why do I feel embarrassed when I have hyperhidrosis?

You may have trouble working or enjoying recreational activities because of wet hands or feet or wet stains on clothing. You might feel anxious about your symptoms and become withdrawn or self-conscious. You may be frustrated or upset by other people's reactions.

What is the best treatment for sweaty palms?

Botulinum toxin (Botox) has also been used to treat sweaty palms by releasing acetylcholine, a chemical compound that acts as a neurotransmitter to reduce the amount of sweat the glands in your palms produce.

What to do if you have sweaty palms?

It’s often recommended that in addition to the standard medical treatments above patients also consider psychotherapy to help learn techniques and tools to cope with anxiety and insecurities living with sweaty palms.

What is it called when you sweat in your palms?

Sweaty palms, also known as palmar hyperhidrosis, is a condition that causes excessive sweating in the palms of the hands. Though it’s called sweaty palms, often times a person will experience both sweating in the palms of the hands and soles of the feet together (sweating in the feet is called plantar hyperhidrosis).

What is ETS for sweaty hands?

In severe cases of sweaty palms where other treatments prove unsuccessful, ETS can be performed. It’s a minimally invasive procedure that gets rid of the pathway from the nervous system to the palms of the hands, eliminating the ability for the palms to sweat. 6 .

Why do my palms sweat?

Causes. There may be a genetic inheritance to sweaty palms that makes the condition run in families. Certain conditions can also cause sweaty palms, or another form of hyperhidrosis, including anxiety, certain cancers, substance abuse, heart disease, hyperthyroidism, lung disease, acromegaly ...

How to stop sweating palms?

With iontophoresis, a medical device uses water and an electric current to pass an ionized substance through the skin in order to stop the palms from sweating. In severe cases of sweaty palms where other treatments prove ...

Can sweaty palms hurt?

When not caused by a separate disease or infection, having sweaty palms doesn't harm your physical health, but it can certainly affect your quality of life and emotional health. There are a number of treatment options depending on the severity of symptoms from sweaty palms.

How to stop sweating from hyperhidrosis?

There are several doctor-recommended hyperhidrosis treatment strategies that can slow down or stop the sweat. "Topical antiperspirants are the first line of treatment for all kinds of hyperhidrosis," notes Dr. Pol-Rodriguez. "A variety of antiperspirant strengths are now available over the counter. Stronger over-the-counter antiperspirants are usually labeled 'clinical strength,'" which means they have higher levels of active ingredients than other OTC antiperspirants. There are also antiperspirant sprays and wipes, which can be handy to use on your feet, hands, and face. Be sure to read the product's directions for the best results.

What are the two types of hyperhidrosis?

There are actually two types of hyperhidrosis: primary and secondary. Primary hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating that can't be chalked up to anything else, such as another health condition or a medication.

Is hyperhidrosis normal?

But with hyperhidrosis, your sweat glands get the message from your nervous system to go into overdrive. "The sweat glands themselves are normal, but they're hyperactive," Joyce Fox, M.D., a clinical professor of dermatology at the University of Southern California and a Cedars-Sinai medical group dermatologist, tells SELF.

Can sweating cause mental health issues?

Excessive sweating can have physical and mental effects. "Hyperhidrosis can have serious social, emotional, and even professional consequences, such as if you're shaking hands at work and your hands are sweating or you're staining your clothes," says Dr. Fox. "It can make people self-conscious and more nervous.".

Can hyperhidrosis cause depression?

Adds Dr. Pol-Rodriguez: "Patients who suffer from hyperhidrosis may experience psychological troubles including depression, social isolation, and decreased confidence.". It can also take a toll on your skin. "Excessive sweating on the skin may cause skin irritation, infections, and skin breakdown," says Dr. Pol-Rodriguez.

image

Treatment

  • If an underlying medical condition is contributing to the problem, that condition will be treated first. If no clear cause can be found, treatment focuses on controlling excessive sweating. Sometimes you may need to try a combination of treatments. And even if your sweating improves after treatment, it may recur.
See more on mayoclinic.org
  • Therapy for hyperhidrosis can be challenging for both the patient and the physician. Both topical and systemic medications have been used in the treatment of hyperhidrosis. Other treatment options for hyperhidrosis include iontophoresis and botulinum toxin injections. Topical agents for hyperhidrosis therapy include topical anticholinergics, boric acid, 2-5% tannic acid solutions, res…
See more on emedicine.medscape.com
  • Many patients with hyperhidrosis try oral or topical medications, antiperspirants or herbal remedies to ease their condition, but these efforts have only temporary or no benefit at all. The only treatment with proven long-term results involves surgical interruption of the sympathetic chain. These nerves primarily affect blood flow to the skin and the function of the sweat glands. …
See more on surgery.ucsf.edu
  • Topical agents applied to the skin in the affected area are the first course of treatment for hyperhidrosis. Topical applications include anticholinergic drugs, boric acid, tannic acid solutions, and glutaraldehyde. Drysol, an aluminum chloride solution, is the most commonly used and most effective topical application; it is applied nightly on dry skin. Systemic medications may be take…
See more on encyclopedia.com

Prevention

  • Various types of treatment are available, in particular for focal or localized hyperhidrosis. The main forms of treatment include: 1. topical medications (applied to skin): Topical medications contain aluminum salts in higher concentrations than those found in regular antiperspirants. They are used to treat mild forms of hyperhidrosis. Some irritation may occur with this type of treatm…
See more on medbroadcast.com
  • Hyperhidrosis treatments help to prevent excessive sweating but may not entirely eliminate the condition. Hyperhidrosis can be managed by using simple daily personal hygiene methods, such as the following: 1. bathing daily to reduce bacteria 2. washing and changing clothes frequently 3. changing socks or pantyhose at least twice daily 4. airing out shoes and rotating shoes worn ea…
See more on encyclopedia.com

Description

  • Hyperhidrosis (hi-pur-hi-DROE-sis) is abnormally excessive sweating that's not necessarily related to heat or exercise. You may sweat so much that it soaks through your clothes or drips off your hands. Besides disrupting normal daily activities, this type of heavy sweating can cause social anxiety and embarrassment.Hyperhidrosis treatment usually helps, beginning with prescription-…
See more on drugs.com

Causes

  • 1. Pregnancy. 2. Anxiety. 3. Drugs - eg, anticholinesterases (pyridostigmine, neostigmine), antidepressants, pilocarpine eye drops, bethanechol, propranolol. 4. Substance abuse or withdrawal (including alcohol). 5. Heart failure, ischaemic heart disease, shock. 6. Respiratory failure. 7. Infections, including tuberculosis, brucellosis, HIV, abscess, and malaria. 8. Malignanc…
See more on patient.info
  • The cause of hyperhidrosis is overactive sweat glands. There are two types of hyperhidrosis: generalized and focal. In generalized hyperhidrosis (also known as secondary hyperhidrosis), excessive sweating occurs over the entire body. It is often caused by a medical condition such as an infection, a chronic disease, or a disorder that disrupts the body's natural balance of hormone…
See more on medbroadcast.com
  • Sweating is your body's mechanism to cool itself. Your nervous system automatically triggers your sweat glands when your body temperature rises. Sweating also normally occurs, especially on your palms, when you're nervous.The most common form of hyperhidrosis is called primary focal (essential) hyperhidrosis. With this type, the nerves responsible for signaling your sweat gl…
See more on drugs.com

Diagnosis

  • During your appointment, your doctor will ask about your medical history and symptoms. You may also need a physical exam or tests to further evaluate the cause of your condition.
See more on mayoclinic.org
  • To make the diagnosis, your doctor will perform a physical examination to determine the presence of sweat, and will usually do medical tests to rule out any underlying conditions that might be causing generalized hyperhidrosis. Hyperhidrosis can also be diagnosed based on your history of experiencing excessive sweating. Simple tests to confirm the condition may also be used. Two …
See more on medbroadcast.com
  • Hyperhidrosis is diagnosed by obtaining a thorough history and physical examination. Your doctor will ask multiple questions related to the excessive sweating to get a sense of the extent of its severity and to get a sense of the extent of your condition. Some examples of the questions that may be asked are: How long you have been experiencing excessive sweating? What areas are af…
See more on surgery.ucsf.edu
  • Hyperhidrosis is diagnosed by physical examination. For suspected secondary hyperhidrosis, laboratory and imaging tests may be performed to determine the underlying medical condition causing the hyperhidrosis.
See more on encyclopedia.com

Signs And Symptoms

  • Hyperhidrosis is characterized by abnormal, profuse sweating that can affect one or a combination of the following: 1. Hands, called palmar hyperhidrosis 2. Armpits, called axillary hyperhidrosis 3. Feet, called plantar hyperhidrosis The excessive sweating often interferes with daily activities, such as employment, personal relationships, and recreational activities, and may …
See more on surgery.ucsf.edu
  • Most people sweat when they exercise or exert themselves, are in a hot environment, or are anxious or under stress. The excessive sweating experienced with hyperhidrosis far exceeds such normal sweating.The type of hyperhidrosis that usually affects the hands, feet, underarms or face causes at least one episode a week, during waking hours. And the sweating usually occurs on b…
See more on drugs.com

Complications

  • 1. Severe hyperhidrosis can cause extreme embarrassment that may lead to social and professional isolation. 2. Secondary infections. 3. Dermatitis.
See more on patient.info
  • Excessive sweating is the main symptom of hyperhidrosis. It may affect the entire body or just certain body areas, such as the armpits, hands, face, or feet. Because it causes increased wetness on the surface of the hands, the face, and other areas of the body, this condition may significantly affect a person's social life and workplace activities. Many people feel self-conscious about sha…
See more on medbroadcast.com
  • Complications of hyperhidrosis include: 1. Infections. People who sweat profusely are more prone to skin infections. 2. Social and emotional effects. Having clammy or dripping hands and perspiration-soaked clothes can be embarrassing. Your condition may affect your pursuit of work and educational goals.
See more on drugs.com

Definition

  • Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition characterized by excessive sweating in the armpits, palms, soles of the feet, face, scalp, and/or torso.
See more on encyclopedia.com

Use

  • Contact sensitization is increased, especially with formalin. Aldehydes are used to treat the palms and soles; they are not as effective in the axillae. Glutaraldehyde solution 2% is sold as Cidex. It is not as effective but less staining. The 20-50% solution can be diluted to 10% (more effective, especially for feet, but still staining occurs). Because of the limitations of other agents, Drysol (2…
See more on emedicine.medscape.com
  • The exact cause of hyperhidrosis is as of 2004 unknown. Excessive sweating in the affected area is caused by overactivity of the nerves linked to the sweat glands. Specifically, acetylcholine, a chemical in the body that transmits nerve signals, is released from nerve endings and stimulates secretion of sweat. Genetics may also be a factor, since 25–40 percent of individuals with hyper…
See more on encyclopedia.com

Research

  • A 2008 study found botulinum toxin type A to be more effective than topical 20% aluminum chloride for the treatment of moderate-to-severe primary focal axillary hyperhidrosis. [53]
See more on emedicine.medscape.com

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9