Excessive sweating of hands, also known as palmar hyperhidrosis, affects from 1-2 % of the population. Technically this is more of a social issue than a medical one, as people with this condition are often ashamed to shake hands or hold hands with others. Stress and anxiety can also trigger sweaty palms. Sweat from the hands can range from slight moisture to a seriously dripping-wet situation. There are multiple ways to address this problem, including taking oral medications, applying a strong antiperspirant and surgery. There are natural remedies you can employ to lessen excessive sweating of the hands.
- Determine what causes the excessive sweat production from your hands. If it is triggered by stress and anxiety, you may want to consult a doctor who can refer you to a relaxation therapist. Controlling anxiety and stress can help minimize sweat from your hands as well.
- Apply a strong antiperspirant on your hands. There are a lot of over-the-counter antiperspirant products you can use as a cure for your sweaty hands as well as your underarms. Popular brands include Drysol and Driclor. To use these products, apply them to your hands several times a week. Itching and excessive dryness may occur if you apply too much, however.
- Lose weight if you are overweight. Being overweight can be a cause of over-sweating. As part of the topical treatments you do to minimize and cure sweaty palms, you might want to include a daily weight loss program to maximize effectiveness of the whole regimen.
- Avoid foods that might cause you to sweat. Spicy foods in particular can make you sweat, so avoid eating such things. Try also to avoid hot weather conditions and stressful occasions.
- Apply talcum powder after taking a bath. Talcum powder can help minimize excessive hand sweating. Rub a moderate amount between your hands after you get out of the shower.
- Use tea. Tea has an active ingredient called tannic acid that works as an astringent to shrink your pores, which in turn minimizes sweating. Boil a quart of water and soak five tea bags in it. Allow the tea bags to steep for 15 minutes, then place the tea water in a container large enough to fit both your hands. After the tea has cooled, soak your hands and leave them submerged for about 30 minutes. You can do this every day if you wish to or thrice a week to control excessive sweating from the hands.
- Use astringents to control sweaty hands. Astringents shrink pores and prevent sweat production. You can apply it directly to the sweaty area. Astringents can balance sweating. Alcohol wipes are good instant treatments. Before a stressful situation or hanging out with friends, generously apply alcohol to your hands. This will keep your hands dry and cause pores to shrink, thus keeping everything under control.
