Constantly sweaty hands are not just uncomfortable; they can hinder everyday tasks such as writing, driving, or even shaking hands. This is an everyday reality for those who have palmar hyperhidrosis. Although often minimised, it can significantly impact daily activities and personal relationships.
Palmar hyperhidrosis can have various causes, and fortunately, there are solutions. This article explains how to recognise it and explores options to control it.
How to tell if you have palmar hyperhidrosis
Palmar hyperhidrosis is marked by excessive sweating on the palms, which occurs without an obvious trigger, such as heat or physical activity. Recognising the signs of palmar hyperhidrosis is straightforward. Affected individuals may notice constant sweating, whether in a chilly environment or performing activities that wouldn’t usually cause sweating. It’s also important to consider how often and how much this sweating impacts your daily life. If you find yourself avoiding certain social or work situations because of sweat, you may be experiencing palmar hyperhidrosis.
In many cases, palmar hyperhidrosis is accompanied by plantar hyperhidrosis, leading to excessive sweating in both the hands and feet. This combination creates additional discomfort when walking or wearing closed shoes, further complicating daily tasks.
Palmar hyperhidrosis in children is often overlooked, as it is assumed they sweat more due to high activity levels. However, it’s essential to watch for these symptoms and consult a healthcare professional if suspected. Early diagnosis of palmar hyperhidrosis in children can help find the proper treatment to improve their quality of life.
What triggers palmar hyperhidrosis? Causes you should know
One of the primary causes of palmar hyperhidrosis is the overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system. This system, responsible for controlling sweating, sends excessive signals to the sweat glands, prompting them to produce more than is physiologically necessary. This activation may stem from genetic predisposition or, in some cases, be associated with factors such as stress, anxiety, or underlying medical conditions.
How to cure palmar hyperhidrosis
Treatment for palmar hyperhidrosis varies based on its severity and impact on daily life. There are various options, from non-invasive treatments to surgical interventions.
Options to combat palmar hyperhidrosis: Treatments and recommendations
Among the most common treatments are antiperspirants containing aluminium chloride, which help block the sweat glands and reduce sweating. However, advanced therapies such as iontophoresis may be used for more severe cases. This involves applying a mild electric current to reduce the activity of the sweat glands.
Botulinum toxin, commonly known as Botox, is another effective and popular option. Botox temporarily blocks the nerves that activate the sweat glands, significantly reducing sweating for several months. While Botox treatment for palmar hyperhidrosis isn’t permanent, it can reduce sweating for several months and, in some countries, may be covered by the national health service.
Consult your doctor to check which palmar hyperhidrosis treatments are covered by social security, as only some may be financed.
A definitive solution for palmar hyperhidrosis: Surgery and its risks
Surgery for palmar hyperhidrosis may be an option for patients who don’t respond to non-invasive treatments. The most common surgical intervention is endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy, which involves cutting or blocking the nerves responsible for activating the sweat glands in the hands. In many cases, this operation is a definitive solution, as it permanently eliminates excessive sweating.
However, there are associated risks. One of the most common side effects is compensatory sweating, where other parts of the body begin to sweat more to compensate for the lack of sweat in the hands.
Help to control palmar hyperhidrosis with Ecrisens®
Current treatments block pores, interfering with the thermoregulatory role of sweat, or they’re invasive, as with Botox or sympathectomy.
Ecrisens® is the first neurodermatological cream, developed by Prospera Biotech, designed to help control excessive sweating without impacting the body’s thermoregulatory needs. Beyond caring for the skin, its nociceutical compounds work by modulating the activity of sweat glands, making them less sensitive to heat and reducing activation.
It can be applied to any area, helping to treat palmar, plantar, axillary, or facial hyperhidrosis. Its gel-like texture and non-comedogenic composition make it suitable for facial application.
Want to know more?
Remember that our guide contains everything you need to know about hyperhidrosis. Find valuable information on the causes of excessive sweating, how it can impact your daily life, an extended look at the treatments available, and some recommendations to help you live better with it.
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References
- Schlereth T, Dieterich M, Birklein F. Hyperhidrosis–causes and treatment of enhanced sweating. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2009 Jan;106(3):32-7. doi: 10.3238/arztebl.2009.0032.
- Nawrocki S, Cha J. Botulinum toxin: Pharmacology and injectable administration for the treatment of primary hyperhidrosis. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2020 Apr;82(4):969-979. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2019.11.042.
- Hornberger J, Grimes K, Naumann M, Glaser DA, Lowe NJ, Naver H, Ahn S, Stolman LP; Multi-Specialty Working Group on the Recognition, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Primary Focal Hyperhidrosis. Recognition, diagnosis, and treatment of primary focal hyperhidrosis. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2004 Aug;51(2):274-86. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2003.12.029.
