How many times have you refused handshakes because your palms were sweaty? And how many times have you found out that you are the only one in the room with sweaty palms? Well, if sweaty palms are a chronic problem for you, then you may be suffering from palmar hyperhidrosis. This is not a very common problem, given that only about 1 in 100 people suffer from it. But if you are unfortunate enough to be facing it, then fret not because help is here.

Sweaty palms are generally caused by a hyperactive sympathetic nervous system, which causes your sweat glands to work overtime to produce sweat even if it is really cold. And when this happens you find yourself in a spot of bother. However, the good news is that there are several ways to beat this problem and here are some of the best options you have:

Antiperspirants

Modern science has created quite a few ointments and antiperspirants to deal with sweaty palms. These things work if the problem of sweaty palms you have is mild to moderate. Before you apply them, wash and dry your hands properly. It’s best to do this at night when you are about to sleep and wash the ointment off with water in the morning.

You can start by using it once daily and if you find that it’s working increase the usage to twice daily. Again when your problem is almost cured, reduce the usage to twice or thrice in a week. However you should note here that if the skin of your palms is too thick, these ointments may not work properly.

There are some medicated powders which are also available for this purpose. But bets results have been seen from use of ointments, particularly those with 20% aluminum chloride content.

Iontophoresis

There is a procedure called iontophoresis, which may work for you. Here mild current is passed through the palm, while they are under water. Gradually, as the intensity is increased you get a stinging sensation. This treatment can be continued till the sweating in your palm decreases significantly. Ideally, if you undergo this treatment for one and a half hours everyday desired results will be there soon.

When results start to show you can reduce the frequency to once a week or month. The only problem with this treatment is that it is expensive and you have to be patient before seeing substantial improvement.

Botox

Perhaps a similarly expensive technique but one that can produce results quicker, is the administration of botox shots. Botox has the ability to inhibit sweat production in your palms by reducing the release of acetylcholine which stimulates sweating. However, you have to repeat this treatment every 2-3 months which may be cumbersome.

Surgery

Finally, there is surgery you can fall back upon, to relieve yourself of sweaty palms. If you go under the knife, you can end the problem for good, even though it is not cheap to do this. So, before you take the decision to get operated upon, carefully discuss the pros and cons with your doctor.

Hope this information helps you in making sweaty palms a thing of the past!