Sweaty Palms and Feet

Before we learn about the causes of sweaty palms and feet, lets get to know what causes excessive sweating. Sweating is mostly genetically related, though researchers working in the field of medicine have successfully found a correlation between sweating and and over-activity. The phenomenon of excessive sweating is called is hyperhydrosis. So what is hyperhydrosis? When there is excessive and consistent amount of sweat produced in the body, it is called hyperhidrosis. It can be divided into three types:

Palmer Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating of palms)
Axillary Hyperhidrosis(excessive sweating of arms)
Planter Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating of feet)

Causes of Sweaty Palms
Medically known as Palmer Hyperhidrosis, sweaty palms are the most common form of hyperhidrosis. Sweaty palms can be quite severe in some people, affecting their day-to-day life both functionally and socially. Studies show that for more than 50% people, the problem is genetic. It starts during early childhood, gets more severe in the teenage years and then into early adulthood. It is further divided into four subgroups. In one group the concerned person experiences mild hand sweating, which may not cause any functional or social problem. For another group the level of sweating is described to the point of dripping, which affects them on a daily basis. These people do not gain much benefit from conservative measures such as Drysol, Drionic, oral medications or Botox. Now, the question is what causes sweaty palm? Excessive sweating of the palm primarily happens due to the increased activity of the sympathetic chain, which is a part of the autonomic nervous system. It is located within the chest cavity and has nothing to do with the motoric and sensory functions of the voluntary nervous system.

Causes of Sweaty Feet
People with sweaty hands often suffer from sweaty feet also. It is medically known as Planter Hyperhidrosis and though the symptoms may not be as severe as hand sweating, either functionally or socially, it is still a problem. People who go through this, suffer from moisture in their socks and shoes. From there on starts their never ending battle against really bad foot odor which may lead to toenail fungus and other infections. Not only that, the person may not be able to wear sandals and his/her shoes may also be ruined. Sometimes the problem of sweaty feet can be as bad as that of sweaty palms.

Cure for Sweaty Palms and Feet
If you want immediate relief from your sweaty palms, you can wash your hands with water and soap which will stop the sweating temporarily. You can use tissue papers whenever required and remember to powder your hands. As for your feet, make sure that your shoes have enough breathing space. Your shoes should be preferably made of leather and your socks should be made either of cotton or wool. Your feet also need to be powdered, so do it whenever you will be going outside. You can use detachable insoles to keep bad smell off your feet, but this will only cover up the bad smell, not eliminate it.

Whatever you experience sweaty palms and feet, consult your doctor and discuss the problem. He may recommend lumber sympathectomy surgery for the treatment for sweaty palms and feet, but keep it only as the last option. Be open to alternative treatments to stop sweaty palms and feet. These medications may include topical antiperspirants, antiperspirants that can be taken orally, botox, etc.