Sweaty Palms – What You Should Know
Most of us have sweaty palms when we are nervous or anxious about something like when we are about to give a speech in front of many people or during an interview and such like scenarios. However, if your hands are constantly sweating to the extent of dripping sweat even when you are not nervous it could mean that you are suffering from a condition medically called palmar hyperhidrosis. If you experience this condition you certainly know how embarrassing and annoying it can be.
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Two Types Of Sweaty Hands: Palmar Hyperhidrosis – Primary And Secondary
There are two types of palmar hyperhidrosis – primary and secondary. Primary hyperhidrosis is genetic and starts before of during puberty. Secondary hyperhidrosis on the other hand, may be associated with medical conditions like diabetes mellitus, menopause, tumors, and gout or by taking certain drugs. Palmar hyperhidrosis can be mild and containable or severe enough to affect a person’s day to day activities like writing, signing checks, playing instruments, driving, using the computer and the TV remote for long because they leave prints and puddles whenever they touch things.
What causes sweaty plams has not yet been established but it happens when excessive sweat is produced by glands in the palms responsible for sweat production due to a malfunctioned sympathetic nervous system that is overactive. For most people it is genetic but for others relate it to stress which is quite unfortunate as having sweaty palms is reason enough to make you more stressed, hence exacerbating the situation. Sweating is the body’s way of regulating temperature.
Sweaty palms lower a person’s self-esteem as the affected people tend to think that they are not normal. It does not help much when others keep making fun of you and calling you names like water tankers or sweat machines. This condition also affects a person’s social life and intimacy as it becomes embarrassing to shake and hold hands.
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Sweaty Palms – It Is An Uncomfortable Condition
Having sweaty palms is an uncomfortable situation but it is not a death sentence so you need not worry too much. Most importantly, you should know that there are many others out there facing the same condition. About two percent of th American population have suffer this condition. You can use any of the following methods to stop or contain the disorder: The best and extremely effective method is Iontophoresis which works by placing hands in shallow trays containing water with an electrical current passing in the metal plates in the trays. This dries the hands for about 3 weeks. Instead of going to the hospital after every three weeks you can purchase your own kit and do it yourself at home. Iontophoresis works great for getting rid of sweaty palms!Β However, Iontophoresis devices cost up to $800.
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Mild Cases Of Sweaty Palms: Antiperspirants, Powder, Towels And Hand Wipes Will Do the Job
Antiperspirants, powder, towels, hand wipes and holding cornstarch in the hands work for mild cases of palm sweating and work by absorbing sweat. Be careful with the powder to avoid it forming a paste on your hands; oral medicines can be used as prescribed by the doctor. Unfortunately, they are not very effective and have side effects like causing memory deterioration; Botox is very quick as compared to surgery but is very expensive and painful. Side effects for Botox include numbness of the hand and a weakened grip; eating fruits like grapes and apples help in restoring hormonal balance.
Sometimes all you need to do is be calm and relaxed for in most cases sweaty palms are just because one is stressed and anxious (see: sweaty palms anxiety). You can do breathing and relaxation exercises like yoga to relax your body and mind. An ETS surgery should only be done as a last resort when all the above mentioned treatments fail.
Sweaty palms might not seem like a big problem but people with this disorder seek treatment because this condition causes them great distress and negatively affects their life. Some even isolate themselves and choose professions that require minimum interaction with others.
