—Water Hands

Yes, a permanent treatment for palmar hyperhidrosis, or sweaty palms, is available - a surgical procedure called Endoscopic Transthoracic Sympathectomy, or ETS, is the most noteworthy. Nevertheless, many other less invasive options are also available that can be used to help people better control their sweaty palms. Although sweaty palms can be extremely embarrassing and carrying a bottle of talcum or cornstarch powder can be annoying, the next option to consider does not have to be (as risky as) surgery.

First, talk with your health care provider to make sure that what you have is hyperhidrosis and not something else. If you do have hyperhidrosis, discuss other options and choices in alleviating it and whether or not you're eligible for ETS - the surgery is usually reserved for people with severe palmar hyperhidrosis or facial blushing who have not responded to other treatments. If surgery is not an option, many treatments are available that provide more long-lasting, effective relief than talcum or cornstarch powder. If surgery is an option, make sure the risks and possible complications are clear (i.e., pain, reactions to medications, bleeding, infection, sweating in other parts of the body to compensate for the lack of sweating through the hands, and droopy eyelids).

For more information about hyperhidrosis treatments and ETS, read Soaking in sweat and seeking solutions in Alice's General Health archive.

Alice

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