Difference between revisions of "Prevent Sweaty Palms"

[[Category: Sweating and Body Odor Hygiene]]

# Apply antiperspirant to your hands. There are many antiperspirants designed especially for hands and feet. Nonprescription antiperspirants will temporarily block sweat pores, which means less sweat will be produced on your skin.<ref name="rf1">http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hyperhidrosis/basics/lifestyle-home-remedies/con-20030728</ref> Make sure to choose an antiperspirant and not just a deodorant; these are different kinds of products for different uses.

# Drink lots of water to cool down your body. A warm body will sweat in order to cool itself. Staying hydrated is important because it allows your body to regulate its temperature. More than that, though, cold drinks, rather than room-temperature or warm drinks, can prevent excess sweating, as the intake of cold fluids keeps your core body temperature down.<ref name="rf2">http://goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/better-drink-warm-rather-cold-water</ref>

#* Water is best, but you can drink chilled teas or other non-calorie drinks that taste good--the better they taste, the more likely you are to drink them.<ref name="rf3">http://www.unm.edu/~lkravitz/Article%20folder/thermoregulation.html</ref>

# Avoid foods with added sugars. Sugar-laden foods can boost blood sugar, which can lead to dizziness, sleepiness, and sweating. If you are sensitive to sugar, eating more than you need may lead to increased sweating. Additionally, conditions such as reactive hypoglycemia may lead to sweating, jitteriness, and headaches after ingesting sugar.<ref name="rf4">http://goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/eating-sugar-makes-me-sweat-%E2%80%94-why</ref>  

# Stay away from spicy foods and caffeinated liquids. These should be especially avoided on warm days. Spice and caffeine activate specific neurotransmitters that tell your body to produce sweat.<ref name="rf5">http://www.mensfitness.com/nutrition/do-you-sweat-too-much-6-ways-to-stop-excessive-sweating/slide/2</ref> Choose milder foods and reduced-caffeine drinks and treats.

#* Contrary to popular conception, fruit and vegetables diets do not "detox" your body.<ref name="rf6">http://www.webmd.com/diet/a-z/fruit-flush-diet</ref> It is better to include such foods as part of a daily diet rather than as a crash diet.

# Limit your intake of foods that are high in iodine. These foods include turkey, onions, cranberries, dairy products, potatoes, broccoli, beef, and asparagus. Though these foods are healthful, consuming too much iodine may contribute to hyperthyroidism, a metabolic dysfunction. One symptom of hyperthyroidism is excessive sweating.<ref name="rf7">https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000356.htm</ref>

# Keep your weight at a healthy level. Excessive sweating can be more common in those who are overweight, obese, or otherwise unfit.<ref name="rf8">http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/features/is-your-excessive-sweating-caused-by-a-medical-problem</ref> Though exercise, especially strenuous exercise, causes one to sweat, you will sweat less in your everyday life if you are at a healthy weight and commit to a healthy activity level.

#* An alcohol-based hand sanitizer can also keep your hands cool.<ref name="rf9">http://sweatthroughit.com/sweaty-hands-and-feet-full-treatment-overview/</ref>

# Control your anxiety and stress. Stressful situations can make you sweat more than usual.<ref name="rf10">http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/stress</ref> Control your stress levels through daily exercises such as yoga, meditation, or massage. Consider practicing different relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and even laughter. Mix and match these techniques for your daily life in order to combat different kinds of stress--do yoga in the morning, for instance, and breathe deeply throughout the day.

# Consult with your doctor to find out if you have hyperhidrosis. This disorder is characterized by excessive sweating. It may be time to meet with a doctor if you have a sudden increase in sweatiness, if sweatiness disrupts your daily life, or if you experience night sweats without any apparent reason. Your doctor may ask general questions about lifestyle, or may request a history of your symptoms.<ref name="rf11">http://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/excessive-sweating/basics/when-to-see-doctor/sym-20050780</ref>

# Consider asking your doctor about iontophoresis. Iontophoresis is a process that involves applying low-level electrical currents to affected areas, such as palms. It has been shown in many cases to reduce sweating. This treatment is not permanent; it is administered twice a day for several days, after which you will have reduced sweatiness for several weeks. Then the procedure must be repeated again.<ref name="rf12">http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hyperhidrosis/basics/treatment/con-20030728</ref>

# Consider Botox injections. Botox, usually known as a treatment for facial wrinkles, can reduce sweating by paralyzing the nerves in your palms. This treatment can also work on other body parts, such as the soles of feet. This procedure may be more expensive than other options and is temporary, keeping sweat away for six to twelve months.<ref name="rf12" />  

# Talk to your doctor about surgery. Some surgical procedures can alter nerves that stimulate excess sweat production. Others can remove problematic glands in your palm. Surgical corrections become permanent about one month after the procedure, so there is room to reverse the changes.<ref name="rf13">http://sharing.mayoclinic.org/discussion/no-more-sweaty-palms/</ref> This doesn't mean surgery should be considered lightly; surgery can be expensive and may put you at risk for negative side effects.