A lasting remedy for sweaty palms

27th May 2021
Botox, Hyperhidrosis (sweating)

Excessive sweating when the body doesn’t need to be naturally cooled down is called hyperhidrosis. It occurs in various parts of the body and can be a source of discomfort and embarrassment for the person managing it.

Hyperhidrosis can get to a point where it interferes with the sufferer’s quality of life, with lifestyle and self-confidence being adversely affected.

Hand sweating or palmar sweating can be very difficult to deal with, especially as so many aspects of life and relationships are associated with touch.

What is palmar hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis of the hands (Palmar Hyperhidrosis) is one of the most symptoms for those who suffer from excessive sweating.

There are two types of hyperhidrosis, and each has a different cause:

Primary hyperhidrosis

Primary hyperhidrosis affects at least 1% of the population (source: Hyperhidrosis UK) and there is no cure.

Where it isn’t triggered by other specific factors, it is thought that primary hyperhidrosis could be caused by a fault in the sympathetic nervous system, causing signals that stimulate the sweat glands.

Secondary hyperhidrosis

Secondary hyperhidrosis is a symptom of another condition or a side effect of medication.

If you experience any type of hyperhidrosis, it’s important to tell your GP in case it’s an indicator of an underlying condition.

Hyperhidrosis and quality of life

Having constantly damp hands can make holding implements more difficult and can make simple, everyday things more challenging such as using a computer or holding a pen.

When it comes to physical touch such as shaking someone’s hand, sweaty palms can be a source of embarrassment.

Sufferers can experience feelings of anxiety or depression if hyperhidrosis becomes a very important and overwhelming part of their life.

Certain times of the year can also impact the severity of hyperhidrosis, it may become more pronounced during the late spring and summer months.

Treatments for palmar hyperhidrosis

There are a number of suggested treatments for hyperhidrosis, however depending on your lifestyle and the severity of the condition, some may not be practical for you.

Antiperspirants

Whether they are over-the-counter or prescription strength, antiperspirants are not just for underarms and can usually be used on any part of the body including the hands.

However, this is perhaps not the most practical remedy for a part of the body which is so frequently washed.

Lifestyle changes

Keeping your body cool will naturally reduce the overall need to sweat. So, thinking about clothes that will help to manage this such those made from natural rather than manmade fibres may be helpful.

Certain triggers can aggravate hyperhidrosis for some people, therefore working out whether this is something that contributes to your sweating can help. Triggers might include drinking alcohol and eating spicy or strong-smelling foods.

Stress can also be a factor, so trying to minimise stress may help (although this is sometimes easier said than done!).

Botox treatment for palmar hyperhidrosis

Botox is a widely recognised way to help manage hyperhidrosis and something that we can provide.

Botox works by reducing the nerves’ ability to send signals to the sweat glands, thereby significantly reducing the production of sweat.

It is an effective treatment for primary hyperhidrosis sufferers. For those with secondary hyperhidrosis, treatment results can vary. Our expert practitioners will thoroughly assess treatment suitability during your consultation.

Botox isn’t a cure for hyperhidrosis, and regular treatments (usually every three to six months) will be required to maintain the benefits. However, it is a safe and effective way of managing the condition.