Sweating is a natural response of our body that allows us to regulate our body temperature. It is a normal reaction and has an essential function in the proper functioning of our body, eliminating certain toxic substances. We may sometimes feel that we sweat excessively in some parts of the body, such as the hands. However, the function of sweating in the hands is different from that of other parts of the body and is linked to specific emotional factors. Likewise, excessive sweating can be caused by an alteration in the sweat glands. At FastlyHealwe give you the answer to why hands sweat, and we recommend some existing treatments and various home remedies that you can carry out.
Table of Contents
Why do we sweat
Why do my hands sweat? Many people wonder about this every time their hands start to feel clammy. The first thing to know is that sweating is an ordinary and necessary process for our body. When we talk about sweat in general, the cause that generates this reaction is regulating our body’s body temperature. Our body contains glands in different areas of the body in which you can experience increased sweating, such as the feet, hands, groin, and armpits.
When we talk about sweating in the hands, the causes are usually linked to an emotional response generated by an area of the nervous system known as the autonomic nervous system. Its function is to activate sweating as a reaction of the body to some behaviors of the human being, such as nerves, stress, excitement, or joy, among others.
We can distinguish between two types of sweat glands:
- Endocrine sweat glands. They are responsible for regulating our body’s temperature and are found in more significant quantities on the face and hands, although they are present throughout the body. They are part of the dermis, one of the layers that make up the skin, and they produce almost no odor.
- Apocrine sweat glands. It is found in the armpits, eyelids, external auditory canal, scalp, anogenital area, and mammary areola. Its function is to secrete a substance that acquires an odor on the surface and acts as a pheromone.
Palmar hyperhidrosis
When a person suffers from excessive sweating, they have hyperhidrosis. The causes that cause this excess sweating can be several. First of all, an overactive sweat gland can cause excessive sweating. Another reason could be genetic factors appearing in childhood or adolescence.
Palmar hyperhidrosis is divided into two types:
- Primary category. Sweating is a cause of stress and nervousness in some people, and it is worse at certain times when they intensify.
- Secondary category. The reason for sweating is some disease. Some of these diseases can be various types of cancer, Parkinson’s, thyroid, diabetes, or the consumption of some medications.
Problems of excessive sweating
The problem that palmar hyperhidrosis implies not only affects physically by constantly having wet hands but also involves other inconveniences that can harm the day-to-day of the person who suffers from it. In the first place, it makes interaction with other people difficult since, having wet hands, the person will avoid shaking hands in order not to be unpleasant for the other person. In turn, this situation can be stressful for the person who becomes obsessed with wanting to have dry hands, and, in some cases, this still generates more sweating as our body’s response to stress.
Treatment for excessive sweating of the hands
If your hands sweat excessively, don’t worry; there are some treatments that you can carry out to solve it:
- Antiperspirant. They contain agents that block the glands, thus preventing sweat secretion. This is due to its aluminum chloride content, which allows the glands to be stopped. The problem with this component is that when mixed with the water that sweat contains, it can cause skin irritation. In addition, it can be ineffective in those cases of more excessive severe sweating.
- Iontophoresis. It consists of a slight electrical discharge through the skin to block the sweat glands preventing sweating.
- The procedure consists of immersion in the hands’ water and executing a small electric shock carried out by a specialist. This treatment only takes about 30 minutes.
- Botulinum toxin. It involves selectively blocking the sweat glands to reduce sweating where the poison is injected. It is a very effective treatment used mainly to treat hyperhidrosis in the armpits and the hands.
- Sympathectomy. It is the most effective treatment for hyperhidrosis. Said treatment consists of a surgery by which the nerve pathway responsible for regulating sweating in the hands is cut with a scalpel or compressed by clips. It is performed under general anesthesia, and it is not necessary to remain under observation for more than 12 hours. One drawback that this intervention can cause is known as compensatory sweating, with which sweating occurs in other parts of the body.
Home remedies for excessive sweating
If your hands get sweaty and you want to remedy this situation from home, you can follow some tips. Remember that these will not solve the root problem but will have a temporary effect.
- Sodium bicarbonate. Baking soda has alkaline properties that help keep your hands dry. It’s as simple as adding a little baking soda to hot water and putting your hands in for a few minutes.
- Tea. Boil several tea bags in a pot and allow the water to cool slightly, to the point where you can put your hands inside.
- Sage tea. This plant can be very effective in fighting sweat. Prepare an infusion of sage and consume this tea for about 3 days.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Why do my hands sweat, we recommend that you enter our Wellbeing category.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.