4 Ways to Deal With Sweaty Hands

Do you get sweaty hands from stress, humid conditions, or simply existing? Your damp paws may do more than ruin paperwork or make you lose at a game of tug of war. It could dampen your confidence – pun intended – prevent you from making the first consensual move, and diminish your handshake to a clammy grip. Let’s not forget Bridget Jones sliding down a sliding pole ungracefully due to her slippery palms.

Sweaty hands aren’t debilitating, but they can be annoying. Read this article to keep your mitts dry without drying them.

Hyperhidrosis refers to excessive sweating, but when the perspiration zones in on your hands, the condition is called palmar hyperhidrosis. It’s no surprise: your palms, as well as the soles of your feet, have more sweat glands than any other part of your body, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Different reasons can cause your palmar sweat glands to go on overdrive. Genetics plays a role, and so do emotions and hyperactivity. Specific medical issues and medications could also lead to clammy hands.

Sweaty hands may not seem like a huge problem, but consequences beyond social discomfort can still occur. You might have to work harder on tasks that require gripping or dexterity. You could easily smudge the ink on important documents or even have difficulty navigating your touchscreen. Perpetually moist hands are also more prone to infections or irritation. 

It may not be a life-or-death condition (except in films), but you can manage it with these tips.

Antiperspirants aren’t limited to your armpits. These nifty products work by blocking those hardworking sweat glands, reducing perspiration. You don’t have to apply it every day, but rub some on when you’re anticipating a sweat-triggering incident or a situation that requires you to touch hands, such as a date or job interview.

If you’re sensitive to antiperspirants, try other sweat-reducing options, such as talc or foot powder.

Moist hands are an open bar for germs. Combat them by washing your hands regularly. The downside? Frequent cleansing may dry out your skin, opening a whole new can of worms.

Use gentle and moisturizing soap for your handwashing needs. Dove Nourishing Hand Wash Cucumber and Green Tea has that 1/4 signature moisturizing cream that nourishes your hands up to 10 layers deep. A bonus is the refreshing scent also revitalizes your senses.

You can also try Lifebuoy Antibacterial Hand Wash with Multivitamins+ Total 10, which cleans your hands thoroughly but gently. To maintain proper hand hygiene, make sure to dry your paws properly afterward.

Make the effort to relax if you know your sweaty hands are due to stress. Practice meditation, take a holiday, start a sport. Whether cooking or a breathing technique, find ways to reduce the tension in your life.

You may have heard of celebrities having botulinum toxin type A injected into their underarms to block the sweat-gland-stimulating nerves. Ask your dermatologist if you can do the same for your palmar hyperhidrosis. Doctors may also prescribe medications like anticholinergics or beta-blockers to manage profuse sweating.

You don’t need to sweat bullets over your sweaty hands. Just don’t neglect personal hygiene, and you’ll be fine.