Is sweating on the hands a sign of a disease?

Is sweating on the hands a sign of a disease?

In hyperhidrosis, the body's sweat glands become overactive and produce more sweat than necessary.

Primary hyperhidrosis begins in adolescence or young adulthood and is limited to the hands, feet, armpits, and face.

Hyperhidrosis is treated with medications, Botox injections, iontophoresis, and in severe cases, surgical procedures.

Sweating on the hands is normal. It is natural for hands to sweat when it is hot, scary, or stressed. However, if your hands are always wet even when you are in cold air, this is not considered normal. This condition is called 'hyperhidrosis' in medical language.

In hyperhidrosis, the body's sweat glands become overactive and produce more sweat than necessary. This can affect daily life, confidence, and social behavior.

What is hyperhidrosis?

Normally, the body sweats to maintain temperature balance. But in hyperhidrosis, the sweat glands become overactive even when the body does not need them. This causes the hands to always feel wet, slippery, or cold. This can not only be uncomfortable in daily life, but also affect self-confidence, such as feeling embarrassed when shaking hands with someone, getting wet when holding paper, or having trouble using a mobile phone.

There are two types of hyperhidrosis, primary and secondary.

Primary hyperhidrosis usually begins in adolescence or young adulthood and is seen without any obvious illness. It is usually limited to the hands, feet, armpits, and face. Secondary hyperhidrosis is caused by another health problem, hormonal imbalance, or the effects of medications. It can also cause sweating in larger parts of the body. A doctor's consultation is necessary to identify the correct type.

Possible causes of excessive sweating in the hands

There can be various causes of excessive sweating in the hands. The most common cause is overactivity of the sweat glands, which continue to produce sweat even when the body temperature is normal.

Hereditary causes are also important. If a family member has this problem, it can also be seen in the next generation. Mental stress, anxiety, social anxiety or 'stage fright' activates the sympathetic nervous system, which immediately makes the hands cold and sweaty.

Cold sweats can occur in people with diabetes when blood sugar levels drop. Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) increases the body's metabolism and causes excessive sweating.

Hormonal changes in women during menopause, that is, during the period when menstruation stops, can also increase sweating in the hands and body. Obesity, heart problems, nervous system disorders and side effects of some medications can also cause this problem.

When to worry?

Sweating in the hands may not always be a sign of a serious illness. But in some cases, it is necessary to take it seriously. If excessive sweating suddenly begins, your hands remain wet even when you sleep at night, or the problem worsens to the point that it makes it difficult to do daily activities, it is advisable to consult a doctor.

Further investigation may be necessary, especially if symptoms such as weight loss, rapid heartbeat, extreme fatigue, dizziness, or hand tremors occur along with sweating. If chest pain, shortness of breath, and cold sweat occur at the same time, this may also be an emergency.

Sudden sweating in patients with diabetes can be a sign of low blood sugar, which should be controlled immediately. It is also advisable to consult a pediatrician if excessive sweating occurs in children. Even if a serious problem is detected in time, it can be controlled in the early stages.

What are the treatments?

Treatment for hyperhidrosis can vary depending on how severe the problem is. In general, the doctor may recommend using medication that reduces the activity of the sweat glands.

If this does not work, some medications are given, which control nerve signals and reduce sweating. However, the medication should only be taken under the supervision of a doctor.

Botox injections are another effective option. It temporarily blocks the nerve signals that produce sweat and can provide relief for a few months.

A method called ‘iontophoresis’ uses a mild electric current to reduce sweating in the hands. In very severe cases, surgical procedures can be used to cut the nerve to control sweating, but this is a last resort.

It is very important to identify the cause before starting treatment, because if there is a secondary cause, the underlying disease must be treated.

Lifestyle changes

Lifestyle changes can play an important role in controlling sweaty hands. Wearing light, breathable clothing, reducing excessively spicy foods, caffeine, and hot drinks are helpful.

Regular exercise helps control weight and helps balance hormones. Meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, and adequate sleep are necessary to reduce stress.

These measures are only for temporary relief.

In case of long-term or serious problems, it is the safest and most effective way to consult a specialist.