For most, sweaty hands are only a problem that occurs occasionally when engaging in extreme sports or rare events. However, for a certain portion of the population, this is a life-long issue that makes living a normal life difficult. In this article, we will address how to stop sweaty hands and offer 8 different ways to manage.
The problem of persistently sweaty hands can be troublesome in several ways. For example, it may be difficult to grip common items, like a doorknob or computer mouse. Problems can also arise in social or professional settings. It certainly makes shaking hands an embarrassing action. Similarly, holding hands with a loved one may be uncomfortable for both people.
Keep reading to learn how to get rid of sweaty hands so you can live a more comfortable and confident life.
Before discussing how to stop sweaty hands, it is important to know what causes them in the first place. A vast majority of people who deal with sweaty hands may have a medical condition known as palmar hyperhidrosis.
Hyperhidrosis usually results from overactive sweat glands being present in your body, which causes excessive perspiration. Normally, your body produces sweat when it feels overheated. But if you suffer from hyperhidrosis, then your body produces too much sweat without provocation.
Excessively sweaty hands may also result from an underlying medical condition, such as low blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease.
Now that we have discussed potential causes, it’s time to talk about ways to manage or treat sweaty hands. We'll first delve into remedies or treatments you can utilize at home before we look at common medical treatments.
The first way to treat hyperhidrosis hands is to use an antiperspirant. Contrary to popular belief, antiperspirants aren’t just for your underarms. They can also be applied to clammy hands as well. There are various strengths of antiperspirants, such as over-the-counter, clinical-strength, and prescription antiperspirants.
If you are new to using antiperspirant on your hands, start with a traditional product before advancing to clinical-strength products. You may also want to try antiperspirants formulated specifically for hands.
Another treatment for sweaty palms is baking soda. This is an inexpensive product that is likely already present in your home. To use on your hands, mix a small amount of baking soda with water. Once a paste has been formed, apply it to your hands and let sit for 5 minutes. The alkaline properties make it a great option to reduce sweating considerably. Repeat as needed.
Baby powder or corn starch is another effective treatment for hand sweat. Both of these powders are excellent at absorbing moisture and keeping skin dry. Since powder is easily portable, you can carry a small bottle with you. Simply apply it as soon as your hands start sweating.
When considering how to get rid of sweaty hands, apple cider vinegar can help in two ways. When ingested, it provides nutritional benefits and pH balance. To use, mix two teaspoons in a glass of water and drink once a day.
When used as a topical treatment, it acts as an astringent which constricts your pores. To use as a topical treatment, apply directly it to your hands. You can either rinse off your hands after 5 minutes or leave on overnight for the best effects.
Hand wipes are another tool that acts as a sweaty hands cure. They are available in small, portable pouches so they are handy to use away from home. Some wipes also include antiperspirant to stop sweat.
Have you ever considered herbal remedies to treat hyperhidrosis hands? There are several all-natural options for topical application, like organic rose water and coconut oil. These are products you can apply directly to your hands.
You can also create your own soaking solution using sage or black tea bags. Simply steep 4-5 bags of sage or black tea in a quart of water. Allow it to cool some before soaking your hands for 30 minutes.
Some popular herbal supplements like chamomile and St. John’s Wort work to calm your nerves and/or anxiety, which sometimes triggers excessive sweating. Be sure to consult your doctor before taking a supplement.
If home remedies or over-the-counter products don’t work for you, you should consult your doctor. During your visit, your doctor may discuss medications or medical treatments, depending on the severity of your symptoms. Below are a couple of common medical treatments for hand sweat.
One viable option is iontophoresis, an effective and non-invasive technique to stop excessive hand sweating. It involves passing a current through your skin, while your hands are submerged in water. The treatment, which lasts between 25 to 45 minutes, can be performed at a doctor’s office.
There are also home treatment machines available, like those made by Dermadry. For more information including video demonstrations and pricing, visit the Dermadry website.
Botox is known for eliminating wrinkles. However, a lesser-known use of Botox injections is to reduce sweating. Injections are made in the skin around the area where you experience excessive sweating. The treatment can be effective for up to a year before another injection is required.
Getting a grip on hand sweat is the first step in finding a sense of normalcy again. While finding an effective treatment may take time, it will be worth it once you learn how to stop sweaty hands.
If you are struggling with sweat in other areas, wear Ejis sweat proof undergarments (available from our shop or on Amazon) to prevent sweat marks on your clothes. All of our sweat proof basics are made of fabric fused with odor-fighting silver. The line also includes Ejis dress socks to combat smelly and/or sweaty feet.