Sweat… is a mechanism to maintain balance, helping to reduce heat and cool down our body. The nervous system stimulates the sweat glands to work when our body temperature rises.
However, for some patients, sweating may occur only in specific areas, such as the hands and feet, more than usual, unrelated to heat or increased body temperature from exercise.
The adverse effects of excessive sweating on the hands or abnormal sweating may lead to itching and inflammation in areas with excessive sweat, body odor from bacterial accumulation on the skin, or skin changes such as dark spots, uneven skin tone, cracks, thin skin, or easily damaged skin, which impacts daily life.
To determine what type of sweating is abnormal, a specialist doctor should be consulted. The most concerning symptoms are:
- Excessive sweating that disrupts daily activities
- Excessive sweating beyond normal levels despite being in the same environment without external causes
Causes of Abnormal Sweating on the Hands
Regarding abnormalities from excessive sweating or sweating on the hands, Asst. Prof. Dr. Sira Laothai, Thoracic Surgeon specializing in endoscopic surgery, Phyathai 1 Hospital said…
The most common cause of hand sweating disorder is primary hyperhidrosis, a condition caused by overactive nerves controlling the sweat glands, even without stimulation from exercise or increased temperature. Excessive hand sweating in this group is often found in younger patients and mostly affects the palms and soles. Currently, the exact cause is unknown, but some patients may have a genetic predisposition.
Additionally, there is another condition called secondary hyperhidrosis, which is sweating on the hands caused by the patient’s own health problems. This group is less common and usually involves excessive sweating all over the body. This type of sweating often occurs in patients with diabetes, women nearing menopause, those with hyperthyroidism, or those taking certain medications.
Although hand sweating is not life-threatening and is not related to heart disease as many believe, this condition can affect work, especially for those whose professions require extensive use of their hands, such as engineers, computer professionals, artists, food vendors, craftsmen, and massage therapists.
Moreover, the physical condition may cause anxiety, discomfort, and nervousness, leading to difficulties in daily activities, affecting mood, and causing undesirable behaviors.
Treatment of Hand Sweating Condition
Treatment for hand sweating includes using antiperspirants to inhibit sweat gland activity, oral medications, and Botox injections. However, the treatment that provides long-term and immediate clear results is endoscopic surgery. This surgery is a single-port endoscopic procedure about one centimeter in size, performed under both armpits. After surgery, results are immediately noticeable, and patients can go home after only a 1-day hospital stay for recovery.
Patients experiencing these symptoms should consult a specialist for decision-making regarding treatment or surgery, which is safe and effective.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Sira Laothai
Specialist in Pulmonary and Thoracic Diseases
Internal Medicine Center, Phyathai 1 Hospital
