Understanding Excessive Hand Sweating: Causes, Symptoms and Solutions

Home > Health & Wellness > Understanding Excessive Hand Sweating: Causes, Symptoms and Solutions

Health & Wellness

You may be surprised to learn that palmar hyperhidrosis is a relatively common condition, about 1-3% of people have it. Sweating, of course, is a natural and necessary function of the body, which works to cool us down, but people with hyperhidrosis produce much more sweat than the body requires for thermoregulation to be considered normal. This disorder can occur at any age, is see in childhood or adolescence, and can be lifelong if not treated. The negative effects of chronically clammy palms reach beyond mere discomfort, often manifesting in severe social anxiety and professional obstacles for sufferers.

The Science of Excessive Sweating

Before we dissect palmar hyperhidrosis, we need to understand how sweat glands work. It may seem like we have sweat glands everywhere, but we actually only have two to four million of those tiny sweat-producing holes in our bodies, and these little nozzles can bombard you with a million of those swamps on a normal day, with the armpits, palms and soles leading the charge. These eccrine sweat glands are regulated by the sympathetic nervous system, which is one arm of our autonomic (involuntary) nervous system. These glands do not properly switch on for most people in response to warmth, exercise or stress. However, in hyperhidrotics, the sweat glands overreact to typical triggers and create exceedingly more sweat than what is needed.

Recent studies indicate the overactivity may result from malfunctioning in the hypothalamus or in nerve transmissions between the brain and sweat glands. Genetic predisposition is significant with the disease having a family history in 30-50% of patients. The sweat is often symmetrical and thus equally on both sides, which is one of the clues that this is stress-induced sweating, versus sweating from other medical problems.

Holistic Therapeutic Strategies

Luckily, you will find several different management choices in today's medical world from conservative to invasive. Treatment choice is based on severity, patient preference, and past treatment response.

1. Topicals: Aluminum chloride hexahydrate solutions (Drysol is an example) still are front line. These antiperspirants work by blocking the sweat ducts and are usually applied before bed. Though effective in mild cases, they can lead to skin irritation and should be used with caution in combination with moisturizers. Recent preparations which contain glycopyrronium tosylate seem to be more effective and have fewer adverse effects.

2. Iontophoresis: Billed as a medicine-free solution, patients place their hands in shallow water through which a low-level electrical current is then passed; the FDA-approved method is then repeated several times a week until the excessive sweating is under control. It's not completely clear how it works, but temporarily blocking sweat glands could be a factor. Patients generally require 2-3 20-minute sessions per week at the beginning, then maintenance treatments. For home use of course it may be convenient with today's machines, but it takes discipline.

3. Oral Medications: Anticholinergic medications, such as glycopyrrolate and oxybutynin, can decrease sweating systemically by limiting acetylcholine, the brain's chemical messenger that activates sweat glands. Effective as they are, they also carry side effects, dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, that can make such treatments unsuitable for long-term use. If anxiety is a major trigger, beta-blockers or benzodiazepines, can be beneficial.

4. Operative Options: Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) is the most radical procedure and is done by cutting or clamping the nerves of the sympathetic chain behind the chest wall that are responsible for sweating of the hands. It's very effective (most patients achieve >95% improvement in hand sweating), but it can cause problems such as compensatory sweating (excessive sweating with other body parts), Horner's syndrome and, rarely, even life-threatening complications. Newer approaches, such as sympathetic nerve reconstruction are intended to decrease these risks.

Hyperhidrosis of the hand is more than just an annoying, physical inconvenience, it's a condition that can drastically interfere with the quality of life and social interaction. The great news is that there are many things that you can do to treat it, from home remedies to medical intervention. If palmar hyperhidrosis impacts your life, know that that you're not alone, and there is effective help.

Disclaimer:

The content provided on our blog site traverses numerous categories, offering readers valuable and practical information. Readers can use the editorial team’s research and data to gain more insights into their topics of interest. However, they are requested not to treat the articles as conclusive. The website team cannot be held responsible for differences in data or inaccuracies found across other platforms. Please also note that the site might also miss out on various schemes and offers available that the readers may find more beneficial than the ones we cover.

Previous Post Next post

Related Websites

Home & Garden
Evolution and Essentials of RV Furniture: Comfort Meets Functionality on the Road

Fascination for life in the open road—among a weekend travel of nomadic full-timers—has made recreational vehicles an emblem of liberty and experience. However, beneath the romance of moving house to house on wheels is one crucial factor that influences the riches of life, RV furniture. Traditional home furnishings are not up to the wear and tear or space saving that we see in modern RV furniture. This is because, over time RV furniture design and technology has advanced greatly to the point that cramped, utilitarian interiors are now stylish, multi-functional living spaces.
Automotive
LaFerrari vs Ferrari Enzo: A Clash of Generations in Ferrari’s Masterpieces

Few names in the automotive lexicon conjure as much respect as Ferrari, whose masterpieces include the Enzo and LaFerrari, bookend hypercars that bookend a decade-long breakthrough in high-concept performance technology. These cars are so much more than fast cars, though; they are churning testaments to Ferrari’s uncompromising nature, each one representing the technological and philosophical most of the time of its life. The two also share the prancing horse badge, and a heritage embedded in F1, but fundamentally the way they go about finding speed, and the way they feel and engage the driver are worlds apart. But comparing them is more than just a matter of horsepower and lap times; it’s a study in how automotive ambition mutates.
Automotive
Why Should We Choose Hertz Car Rentals?

In thisage of rapid globalization, nothing beatsconvenience,dependability and high-quality services in the transport sector. Whether you need to rent aset of wheels for business travel, family vacations or just a temporary replacement of your vehicle, partnering with the right car rental provider can make a world of difference. With all the options these days, Hertz Car Rental is one ofthe top choices formany customers around the world. Here aresome reasons why Hertz is a great option for your rental requirements.1.Global Reach and AvailabilityHertz is undoubtedly theoldest and most recognized name in the car rentals industry andhas operated in a whopping 150 countries and thousands of places. Hertz is likely to have a rental location by you if you’re flying into a big international airport or need a vehicle in a smaller city. And although it doesn’t happen as often, this extensive network means you can easily secure a Hertz rental wherever your travels take you, making ita reliable option for domestic and international trips alike.2.Wide Range of Vehicle OptionsHertzprovides a great spread of options to suit every need and desire. Solo traveler who wants to roam in a compact car, a family who needs space with an SUV, ora guy just looking to roll in a luxury car for a big date,Hertz has you covered. Also, for the environmentally minded customer Hertz offers the hybrid and electric option. This variety ensures that there's alwaysthe perfect car for you, whether you want fuel economy, comfort or style.3.Exceptional Customer ServiceHertz's reputation was built oncustomer service. Whether youneed as much help as deciding the right vehicle for you or questions about rental policies. Its team is trained for everything. Hertz's 24/7 customer support means you'll have someone to turn to when you need it most, whether it's the middle of the day or the middle of the night. And Hertz's strong focus on customer satisfaction differentiates it from a host of competitors.4.Technological SupportsHertz has harnessed new technologies to enhance therental experience. It also allows customer to easily book, modify orcancel anybookings on its customer friendly website or mobile application. Hertz also features its Gold Plus Rewards program that offers benefits,such as expedited check-in and check-out, customized offers and points for free rentals.Hertz is extending contactless rental with curbside pickup and digital contracts, in response to current health consciousness at the moment, especially widespread high hygiene awareness and COVID-19 pandemic.5.NoHidden Fees and Easy to Change PolicyHertz transparentpricing structure rental plans range from daily or weekly plans to long-term plans, so customers can select the option that fits theirbudget and schedule. Hertz has flexible cancellation policies,so you can change plans without steep penalties. This transparencyand flexibility establish Hertz as a reliable option for travelers.6.Firm Indicators of SafetyandCleanlinessHertzis following strict hygiene protocols to keep its customers safe.The vehicles are deep cleaned and disinfectedbetween rentals, paying particular attention to high touch-point surfaces.In an effort to reduceface time, Hertz has contactless rentals offering peace of mind for travelers.7.Corporate and Long-TermRental SolutionsHertz caters not only to leisure travelers but also to businesses and people who need long-term rentals. Through their corporate programs, they provide customized solutions for companies, such as discounted rates, line-itemized billing, and fleet management solutions. Hertz also offers long-term rental options for those who need a vehicle for an extended period; these rentals are more flexible and cost-effective than leasing or ownership.With its global reach, various car types and technological supports, Hertz is at the top of car rental industry and brings exceptional rental experience. Hertz gives you the reliability, convenience, and peace of mind that you require for a stress-free trip, whether you are traveling for work or play.So, next time you rent a car, rent withHertz and see for yourself.