What Causes Sweaty Hands

Sweaty palms can be extremely inconvenient, especially when it comes to ruined paperwork and awkward slippery handshakes. Understanding what causes sweaty hands is the best first step in finding the cure.

WHAT CAUSES SWEATY HANDS

Like some other parts of our body, our hands have sweat glands and are affected by emotional, environmental, and medical triggers. We use our hands so frequently, so of course experiencing sweaty hands can be uncomfortable and awkward in some situations. Sometimes, one may experience sweaty hands for a period of time or continually for the rest of their lives. Everyone is different, and so is their skin!

Are sweaty palms normal or a symptom of anything?

Our hands have sweat glands and are affected by emotional, environmental, and medical triggers, just like other areas on our body.

Here are six of the most common causes of sweaty palms:

1. NERVOUS, ANXIOUS, AND STRESSFUL SITUATIONS

Sweaty palms are often triggered and made worse by stressful and uncomfortable situations.

Caused by an adrenaline rush, sweaty hands occur as part of your body's fight or flight response that is activated when you sense a threat.

2. EXCESSIVELY HOT ENVIRONMENTS

Just like a hot room or hot weather can cause you to sweat from your armpits, high temperatures could also be the cause of your sweaty hands.

3. POOR DIET

A number of foods and drinks can promote excessively sweaty palms, including:

Garlic
Onions
Caffeine
Spicy foods
Alcohol

4. SMOKING

When nicotine from smoking a cigarette enters your body it binds to neuron receptors in your sympathetic nervous system.

This stimulates your sweat glands, including those on your palms, and causes them to release sweat.

5. HORMONE IMBALANCES

Your hormones affect the nerve endings that stimulate your sweat glands.

These are some of the common conditions that cause hormone imbalances and in turn, excessively sweaty palms:

Thyroid disorder
Diabetes mellitus
Menopause
Prostate cancer

6. AN UNDERLYING MEDICAL CONDITION

When sweaty hands strike, and for no apparent reason, it’s called palmar hyperhidrosis.

Palmar hyperhidrosis often runs in families, and it can go on to negatively affect your personal and professional life.

If you suspect you have palmar hyperhidrosis, consult a qualified professional for an accurate assessment.

HOW TO STOP SWEATY HANDS

For many, a quick wipe is enough to fix sweaty hands. But for others, relief seems impossible and consistently sweaty hands can cause great emotional and physical distress. Read on to discover our top five tips on how to get rid of sweaty hands.