Sweat glands act as the body’s natural thermostat. When they suddenly go into overdrive, you get sweaty palms and feet. While this can be socially embarrassing, the good news is that excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis, can be controlled with treatment.
How to treat sweaty palms and feet?
Over-the-counter scented antiperspirants can help to mask the unpleasant odour of sweat and reduce excessive perspiration for a day or two. For longer relief, look for stronger antiperspirants containing aluminium chloride.
Some dermatologists in Singapore treat sweaty palms and armpits with Botox (Botulinum toxin) injections, but results only last about four to six months. Other dermatologists use iontophoresis, which is the use of a low electric current to stop the sweat glands. It also brings temporary relief.
For severe hyperhidrosis, doctors may recommend a surgical procedure known as endoscopic transthoracic sympathectomy. This surgery is the only way to stop hyperhidrosis permanently.
“Done under general anaesthesia, the operation involves cutting the sympathetic nerves that control the sweat glands through a tiny incision in the armpit. Patients can usually resume their normal activity within a few days,” says Wang.
Tips on coping with sweaty palms and feet
If you are constantly plagued by sweaty palms and feet or armpits, you can take the following steps:
- Apply antiperspirants on your palms and feet before going to bed.
- Avoid caffeine and spicy foods which may trigger the sympathetic nervous system.
- Shower daily, but avoid saunas and hot showers to prevent body temperatures from rising too rapidly.
- Keep your feet dry after a bath or shower to prevent the growth of micro-organisms. Foot odour is caused by bacterial
growth. - Go barefoot to air your feet.
- Let your shoes dry out first before you wear them. Always ensure your feet are dry before you put on your shoes.
- Wear loose-fitting cotton socks and clothing made of natural materials. They absorb moisture better and allow your
feet and skin to breathe. - Use relaxation techniques such as meditation and deep breathing to control the stress that can trigger sweaty palms.
Effective Home Remedies for Sweaty Hands and Feet
Baking Soda
Due to alkaline nature, baking soda serves as the best home remedy for sweating hands. Put three tablespoons of baking soda in warm water. You will notice effervescence. Dip your hands for half an hour in it and rub them with clumps of soda underneath. Pat dry with a cloth after you are done. You can also use this remedy for your feet.
Cornstarch
Cornstarch works similar to talcum powder and stops sweaty hands and feet instantly. Dust your hands and feet with some cornstarch powder. Let it stay for half an hour and then wash it off. It absorbs the sweat and keeps them dry.
Note – You can add baking soda to cornstarch for effective results.
Cold Water
Water is the most common remedy for avoiding sweat. Drink 10-12 glasses of cool water in a day. Soaking the hands and feet in cold water for 15-20 minutes can also give you relief for some time.
Rosewater
Organic rose water is one of the best home remedies to cure the irritating problem of sweaty palms. It can be purchased from any nearby store, or you can make it on your own. Boil some fresh rose petals in a cup of water for 15 minutes. Strain the mixture and keep the rosewater in an airtight container. Apply it on your hands and feet with the help of a cotton ball.
Note – Rosewater can be mixed with vinegar to make the limbs drier.
Lemon Juice
Another effective remedy to keep sweat away is to apply lemon juice using cotton balls. If you have sensitive skin, add a little amount of water to it. An additional benefit of using this remedy is that lemon has a sweet-sour fragrance which acts as a natural deodorant.
A mixture of lemon juice and vodka can also be rubbed on hands, but remember to wash it after 20 minutes.
Alternatively, mix lime juice and salt, and rub it gently until it gets dry. This remedy slows down the activity of the sweat glands.
Tomato Juice
Tomato juice acts as a coolant for our body which, in turn, helps sweat less. It lowers the body temperature when you dip your hands in it. Tomato also contains high levels of sodium which keep the hands dry.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar can be applied to our hands and feet, or can be consumed with a few drops of honey on an empty stomach. It acts as an astringent and keeps the skin pores tight. It can also be applied on the armpits with a cotton ball dipped in the solution.
Boric Acid
Boric acid can be sprinkled on the gloves or socks to absorb the excess sweat. Keep them on for 48-72 hours and then wash your hands and feet with soapy water. It is a very effective remedy to treat the problem of sweaty hands and feet.
Tea Therapy
Tea contains astringent and antiperspirant properties which dry excess oil from the body. Soak 4-5 black tea bags in hot water. Put your hands or feet in it for 30 minutes. This remedy will reduce the perspiration for some days.
Fuller’s Earth
It is used for providing a soothing and cooling effect to the body, especially in summers. It can be applied to hands and feet for 15 minutes and washed off later. This remedy deposits a layer of natural minerals on the sweat glands of your hands and feet, thereby reducing sweating.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a good antiperspirant. The lauric acid in it kills the bacteria responsible for the unwanted body odor. The soothing fragrance of the oil keeps you fresh all day long. Take a small amount of oil and rub it on the hands and feet to stop the sweat and nourish the skin. Alternatively, you can rub the coconut oil with your fingers on the sweat-prone areas. It is advisable to apply it after taking a bath.
Note: Over-application may cause staining of the clothes.
Charcoal
Since charcoal can absorb moisture from the body, many skincare products have included it in their ingredients list. Consume a teaspoon of activated charcoal with 8 oz. of water in the morning, but some people may experience pain and vomiting in doing so. In that case, do not consume it on an empty stomach. Instead, you can drink it after the dinner.
Note
Activated charcoal is extremely messy if spilled, so try to keep it away from children or hard surfaces.
Avoid using it if you have any intestinal obstruction.
Consume a Nutritional Diet
It is not difficult to get rid of the sweating problem if you take a proper diet. Some foods prevent sweat to a great extent. You must include the following components in your daily meal:
Zinc: Eatables containing zinc must be consumed on a regular basis. At least 50mg of zinc should be consumed in a day. Some of the food items rich in zinc are turkey, nuts, oysters, roasted pumpkin, low-fat roast beef, and lamb.
Magnesium: Magnesium is found in bran, sunflower seeds, roasted soybeans, bananas, and cocoa powder. Such food items, when taken along with the zinc-rich diet, eliminate the body odor.
Iodine-rich Foods: Thyroid disorder can also be one of the major reasons for sweaty hands. To avoid it, eat foods that are affluent in iodine, like eggs and fish. Natural salt is also a rich source of iodine.
Potato
This vegetable is of great help in reducing the excessive sweat. Take some potato slices and rub them on your hands and feet. Keep it for some time and then wash it off with water. Potato juice can also be applied to the areas prone to excessive sweating to get rid of the problem instantly.
I hope it helps :)