Clammy Hands

Sweating of hands is a normal body process that cools and lubricates the skin. However, cold clammy hands occur due to excessive sweating. It is common in both men and women and seen in every 1 in 200 persons. Though it is not harmful, it can be a cause of embarrassment and may even prevent the sufferer from doing things that he/she may like to do, for example, meeting people, shaking hands, going on dates, etc. Such people usually develop low self esteem and lack confidence.

Causes

Clammy hands occur due to hyperactive nerves that send signals to the sweat glands in the skin in the sympathetic nervous system. The amount of sweating in the hands primarily depends on how hot are the conditions around and also on the stimulation of sweat glands by the nerves that supply them. Hence, clammy hands basically mean profuse or excessive sweating that occurs at times other than in hot conditions or after exercise. This condition which is characterized by abundant perspiration produced by overactive sweat glands is called hyperhidrosis which itself can cause anxiety, nervousness or distress for people who have it, that eventually leads to additional sweating. Clammy hands can also be a symptom of various chronic infections or disorders like:

• Acromegaly, enlargement of bones of hands and feet
• Anxiety disorders
• Cancer or carcinoid syndrome
• Glucose control disorders
• Cardiovascular diseases
• Hyperthyroidism
• Peripheral Arterial Disease
• Menopause
• Stroke
• Tuberculosis and other infections
• Use of certain medications

Treatment

Usually, people do not know how to combat this problem. However, there are different ways to get rid of clammy hands, but most of them are expensive like a surgery where all the sweat glands are removed from hands. Thankfully, there are many simple yet effective home remedies for its cure. For example rubbing talcum powder for a couple of days will help to get rid of excess sweat on the hands. In case it is not handy, one can also rub cornstarch as it has the same effect and helps in preventing sweaty palms. Soaking your hands in tea for half an hour, every week is also an effective treatment as the tannic acid present in the tea solution will dry out the hands. One can also apply antiperspirant on their palms, as it reacts with the electrolytes present in sweat to form gel plugs that obstruct the sweat ducts. Creams or powders containing aluminum chloride applied at night and washed off next morning, will also help to reduce the sweat on palms and feet. Medications like Drysol can also be used to treat clammy hands but, this medicine should be opted only under a doctor's prescription. However, if you are hesitant to use these methods, a simple remedy is to keep a napkin inside your pocket and whenever you feel clammy, wipe your hands and dry them.

Some time or the other, everyone gets sweaty hands either due to nervousness, heat or some other health disorder. In most cases, the hands stay clammy for a little while after which the sweat slowly disappears. However people who are stuck with clammy hands for their entire life, should try the aforementioned remedies to overcome this annoying problem. If you do not see any change in your condition, it is recommended to consult a doctor so that he can diagnose the underlying cause and elucidate the case.