Sweaty Palms and Feet Causes

Sweat is produced by the apocrine and eccrine sweat glands present in our body for the purpose of regulation of body temperature. Normally, we sweat while doing some hard physical labor or when exposed to a high temperature. However, there are some people who sweat continuously even in absence of these conditions. This is a medical disorder which is termed as hyperhidrosis or (excessive sweating). It is categorized into three different types: palmar hyperhidrosis that causes sweating in palms, plantar hyperhidrosis affects feet and axillary hyperhidrosis causes underarm sweating. Among them, sweaty palms and feet cause maximum discomfort as they often occur together.

Causes

Earlier, it was believed that sweaty palms and feet are triggered by some psychological factors only. However, research studies have found that it happens when the sympathetic nervous system of the body becomes overactive. This sympathetic nervous system plays a major role in controlling some of the most vital activities of our body such as release of important chemicals like adrenaline, secretion of sweat from the sweat glands, increasing heart rate and so on. When it starts functioning abnormally, then the eccrine sweat glands that are mostly found in the hands and feet get activated and results in profuse sweating. In some people, it is a hereditary problem. Usually, the symptoms are first observed in adolescence which tend to worsen as they grow older. Besides, certain health conditions like thyroid disorder, obesity, menopause can be responsible for overactive sweat glands. Side effects of some medicines, excessive consumption of alcohol, smoking are some of the other factors that can cause sweaty feet and palms. Sometimes, emotional factors like anxiety and stress can also induce uncontrolled sweating of palms and feet.

Treatment

There are several treatment options that can help reducing and preventing sweating palms and feet. When the condition is mild to moderate, doctors prescribe antiperspirant deodorant for application on feet and palms. It should be applied at night and washed off the next morning. An ointment with aluminum chloride content has been proved to be helpful in this regard. Oral medicines like anticholinergic drugs are also used for this condition. However, the medicines cannot be used for a long period of time as they have some side effects.

Iontophoresis is a technique used to reduce sweating in hands and feet. Here, hands and feet are immersed in water and electricity from a special device is passed through it. Initially, the intensity of the electric current is kept low and is increased gradually. The main drawback of this treatment is that it is expensive and it shows results after a prolonged treatment. Many people have got relief from the problem after administration of botox injections on palms and feet. Though it cannot cure the problem permanently and the injections have to be given repeatedly after regular interval of time. When all these non surgical methods of treatment fails to show any effective results and the symptoms are severe then doctors avail the surgical option. This option should be availed only after a thorough discussion on the consequences of the surgery.

Sweaty palms and feet cause no serious harm to your physical health. However, they have a negative influence on the lifestyle and personality of the person suffering from it. Many people who are having this problem often hesitate to make physical contacts like shaking hands with others. They may also avoid wearing shoes as it causes bad foot odor. When one gets sweaty palms and feet at night, then it badly disrupt his or hers night sleep.