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Please note: This information was as
current as we could make it on the date given above. But medical information is
always changing, and some information given here may be out of date. For
regularly updated information on a variety of health topics, please visit
familydoctor.org, the AAFP patient
education Web site. |
An article on this topic is available in
this issue of AFP.
Sweaty Hands and Feet
Who gets sweaty hands and feet, and why?
The palms of your hands and the soles of your feet have more sweat glands than any other part of your body. Some people have hands and feet that sweat a lot. This problem is common and can be very embarrassing.
Sweaty hands and feet usually are not caused by a disease. This problem tends to begin in childhood. It often runs in the family. The sweating becomes worse with emotion and stress. It does not happen when you are asleep.
How is this problem treated?
The treatment depends on how much you sweat, how much the sweating interferes with your daily activities, and how well a treatment works for you.
Several treatments are available.
- An aluminum chloride solution (brand name: Drysol) can be applied to the skin on the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet.
- Another treatment is tap-water iontophoresis. In this treatment, a mild electrical current is passed through water and applied to the skin.
- People with severe sweating might be treated with injections of botulinum toxin type A (brand name: Botox).
- If all other treatments do not work, surgery can be done to cut the nerves that cause the sweating.
All of these treatments can have side effects. You and your doctor can decide which treatment is best for you.
This handout provides a general overview on this topic and may not apply to everyone. To find out if this handout applies to you and to get more information on this subject, talk to your family doctor.
Visit familydoctor.org for information on this and many other health-related topics.
Copyright © 2004 by the American Academy of Family
Physicians.
Permission is granted to print and photocopy this material for
nonprofit educational uses. Written permission is required for all other uses,
including electronic uses.
