Say Goodbye to Sweaty Palms

Did you know that our hands have sweat glands that can be affected by different triggers? DR HARISH MITHIRAN explores the complexities of excessive sweaty palms, shedding light on its triggers and the treatments available.

Social interactions and everyday activities can become daunting for many who grapple with excessively sweaty palms and clammy hands, a medical condition known as palmar hyperhidrosis. It can induce considerable apprehension and discomfort despite efforts to control it.

A common condition

Palmar hyperhidrosis is a relatively common condition, affecting approximately four percent of the population. Although its exact cause remains elusive, there is a genetic predisposition, with symptoms typically manifesting in infancy, puberty or early adulthood.

Living with sweaty palms can significantly impact one’s quality of life. Some people resort to excessive use of paper towels to keep their hands dry, while others may avoid social interactions involving handshakes or holding hands. The emotional toll can be profound. I’ve spoken with patients who, as children, were terrified of teachers asking students to hold hands, or who, as adults, dread meeting new people.

How sweaty are your hands? If the word “clammy” is an understatement, you’re constantly using tissues while typing for fear of frying your keyboard or there isn’t enough chalk in the universe to keep your hands dry, it might be worth considering treatment options to stop your palms from sweating excessively.

While sweating is a natural mechanism for regulating body temperature, the overactivity of sweat glands in the palms can pose challenges in various situations, from using touchscreens or driving to engaging in physical contact. Surprisingly, this condition can occur independently of typical triggers such as heat or physical exertion. Research suggests faulty nerve signals in the sympathetic nervous system in the chest may be responsible for this overactivity rather than anxiety-induced sweating.

Treating the problem

While hyperhidrosis can pose significant challenges for daily life, advancements in medical technology and surgical techniques offer tangible solutions for those with sweaty palms. By understanding the condition and exploring available treatment options, you no longer have to struggle with simple daily tasks or be anxious about social gatherings.

Botox injections in the hand or the use of an iontophoresis device may only temporarily block sweat glands, but now a viable and permanent solution exists. A minimally invasive surgical procedure, known as endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS), is performed in a short day surgery. It involves creating a small incision on the side of the chest to disconnect the nerves responsible for activating sweat glands, effectively and permanently reducing sweating in specific body parts, particularly your hands. Thoracic surgeons who specialise in treating surgical conditions of the chest regularly perform this procedure.

ETS for sweaty palms has a high success rate. For individuals looking for long-term relief without the need for recurring injections or lifelong medication regimens, surgical intervention offers a promising alternative and might be a good option for you.

Dr Harish Mithiran is a thoracic surgeon based in Singapore and a senior consultant at Gleneagles and Mt Alvernia Hospital. He leads a multidisciplinary team at Neumark Lung & Chest Surgery Centre and specialises in thoracic surgery.

For more information about minimally invasive outpatient surgery for sweaty palms, visit neumarksurgery.com.