Sweaty Hands & Palms: 6 Common Causes

Are you struggling with sweaty hands? Discover 6 of the most common causes of sweaty palms to help you manage your hand perspiration. Stay fresh and confident!

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!

Why do my hands sweat so much?

You may experience sweaty palms occasionally or more frequently with more severe symptoms. Sweaty hands may be due to lifestyle factors, or in some cases you may have an underling medical condition which requires treatment. Learn more about why we sweat here.

Six Common Causes of Sweaty Hands

Our hands have sweat glands and are affected by emotional, environmental, and medical triggers, just like other areas of our body. Here are six of the most common causes of sweaty palms:

1. STRESSFUL SITUATIONS

Sweaty palms are often triggered and made worse by stressful and uncomfortable situations. When you are feeling anxious, your autonomic nervous system sends a rush of hormones prompting a physical reaction. When your body is in flight or fight mode, your body temperature rises, hence you start to experience sweaty palms. Try our Intense Protection Anti-Perspirant range to help reduce stress-induced sweating.

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. 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.

Sweating is the body's mechanism to cool itself. The nervous system automatically triggers sweat glands when your body temperature rises. The hands have a high concentration of sweat glands that can become overactive in response to heat; hence you may experience excessive hand sweating when you're in a hot environment.

3. DIET

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

Garlic & Onion: Contains allicin, when broken down in the body, this can produce sulfur-like compounds which are released through sweat and may produce a distinct body odour
Caffine: This will activate the central nervous system, triggering your sweat glands.
Spicy foods: Excessive hand sweating is common as your body is being tricked into being hot. Setting off your nerve receptors which respond to heat.
Alcohol: Sweaty palms may be triggered by an effect called vasodilation; the widening of the blood vessels in the skin.

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. Your body temperature will rise, your heart will beat faster, and this will cause your sweat glands to work overtime. Hence, you may experience excessive hand sweating.

Quitting smoking can help reduce sweaty hands due to reduced nicotine stimulation, lower stress and anxiety levels and improved circulation.

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

Hormones can influence the body's temperature regulation system. Changes in hormones can disrupt this system, leading to hot flushes and hand perspiration. You should always seek medical advice if you suspect any suffering from the listed conditions.

6. PALMAR HYPERHIDROSIS

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

Palmar hyperhidrosis often runs in families, and it can negatively affect your personal and professional life. The key symptoms include excessive hand sweating, and it will begin without any triggers. Other symptoms include:

Clammy or wet palms
Clammy or wet feet
Frequent sweating
Noticeable sweating through clothes
Feelings of self-consciousness
Social withdrawal

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

ARE SWEATY PALMS A SYMPTOM OF A SERIOUS CONDITION?

If you may not relate to the above symptoms, but still experience severe hand sweating, you may have secondary hyperhidrosis. This form of sweaty hands is triggered by an underlying medical condition or medication use. Such as antidepressants, pain relievers, or some diabetes or hormonal medications. Conditions which may cause this include:

Diabetes
Menopause
Nervous system disorders
Thyroid issues
Infections

Addressing the root cause can help manage these symptoms of hand perspiration more effectively. If you suspect you have secondary 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. You may want to try de-stressing techniques, cleaning techniques, or change in diet. Read on to discover our top five tips on how to stop sweaty hands.