Sweating palms can be embarrassing, uncomfortable, and inconvenient. When your palms are sweating so profusely that they’re consistently damp and sometimes dripping with sweat, it’s called palmar hyperhidrosis.
Palmar hyperhidrosis affects about 1% of the world’s population and can significantly impact quality of life.
What is palmar hyperhidrosis?
Palmar hyperhidrosis is a medical condition that leads to excessive sweating of the palms of the hands.
It can range in severity from a mild nuisance to a debilitating and socially isolating condition that can affect a person’s ability to do basic tasks, like writing or shaking hands.
What causes palmar hyperhidrosis?
The causes of palmar hyperhidrosis are not entirely understood. Some researchers believe that it is caused by a problem with the autonomic nervous system that causes the sweat glands in the palms to be overactive.
Others believe that it may be due to genetic factors or hormonal imbalances.
What are the risk factors for palmar hyperhidrosis?
There are several risk factors for palmar hyperhidrosis, including:.
- Family history: If someone in your family has palmar hyperhidrosis, you are more likely to develop it yourself.
- Age: Palmar hyperhidrosis often begins in childhood or adolescence.
- Gender: Women are more likely to develop palmar hyperhidrosis than men.
What are the symptoms of palmar hyperhidrosis?
The main symptoms of palmar hyperhidrosis are excessive sweating of the palms, which can be profuse and constant. This can make it difficult to hold objects or use touch screens, and can cause social embarrassment.
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In severe cases, the sweat can drip off the hands and affect other parts of the body, such as the face and feet.
How is palmar hyperhidrosis diagnosed?
If you are experiencing excessive sweating of the palms, you should consult a doctor. They can perform a physical examination and review your medical history.
They may also conduct tests, such as the starch-iodine test, to confirm the diagnosis of palmar hyperhidrosis.
What are the treatment options for palmar hyperhidrosis?
There are several treatment options for palmar hyperhidrosis, including:.
- Antiperspirants: Over-the-counter and prescription-strength antiperspirants can be applied directly to the palms to reduce sweating.
- Iontophoresis: This involves using a small electric current to reduce sweating.
- Botox: Botox injections can be used to temporarily block the nerve signals that cause sweating.
- Medications: Prescription medications, such as anticholinergics, can reduce sweating.
- Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be recommended to remove the sweat glands in the palms.
Can palmar hyperhidrosis be prevented?
There is no known way to prevent palmar hyperhidrosis. However, there are ways to manage the condition, including avoiding triggers, such as stress and anxiety, and using antiperspirants and other treatments.
Conclusion
Palmar hyperhidrosis is a medical condition that causes excessive sweating of the palms of the hands. It can be an embarrassing and debilitating condition, but there are several treatment options available.
If you are experiencing excessive sweating of the palms, you should consult a doctor to determine the underlying cause and explore treatment options.
