Why Are Your Palms Always Sweaty? Here’s What It Could Mean

Understanding the Causes of Excessive Hand Sweating and When to Seek Help

Sweaty palms, or palmar hyperhidrosis, is a condition where the hands produce excessive sweat beyond what is needed for temperature regulation. This can affect daily activities, social interactions, and work performance, often causing discomfort and embarrassment. While some treatments offer temporary relief, Mini-Endoscopic Sympathectomy (MES) provides a permanent solution for those struggling with severe sweating.

Understanding Hyperhidrosis and Its Treatments

Sweaty palms, also known by the medical term Hyperhidrosis, refers to excessive sweating of the palms. People with this problem may also have sweaty armpits and sweaty feet.

Why Does Sweaty Palms Occur?

This is not caused by an injury, infection, or eating the wrong food. It results from overactivity in a part of the nervous system, which starts in childhood. The overactivity occurs in the hypothalamus and is transmitted to the hands and feet through a relay system called the sympathetic nervous system.

Who Gets Sweaty Palms?

This condition can occur in anyone, but it is more common in certain ethnic groups, including Chinese and Israelis.

• It usually starts in childhood and becomes more noticeable in the teenage years.

• It can run in families, with brothers and sisters sometimes sharing the problem.

• However, the gene is not strong, so the likelihood of passing it to children is low.

How is Sweaty Palms Medically Treated?

Topical Treatments

Medical treatment for excessive sweating includes agents that dry up the hands, such as Drichlor (Aluminium Hydroxide).

• This is not a cure and must be used daily.

• It is effective for mild cases but less effective for severe sweating.

• Hands may feel tight after application.

  
  

Oral Medications

• Pills for sweaty palms may help, but they cause side effects, including:

  • Blurred vision

  • Dry mouth

  • Difficulty passing urine

• Most doctors do not recommend them.

  
  

Iontophoresis (Electrical Treatment)

• A treatment that uses electric current to reduce sweating for a few days.

• Not a cure but can be useful for students before examinations.

Can Sweaty Palms Be Cured?

Yes, sweaty palms can be cured by an operation called Mini-Endoscopic Sympathectomy (MES).

This surgery interrupts the abnormal nerve signals to the hands by burning a nerve relay station called the T2 sympathetic ganglion.

• Recommended for patients troubled by sweaty palms at work or socially.

• Suitable for those who have not found medical treatments useful.

How is the MES Operation Done?

• Performed under general anaesthesia.

• A tiny incision (3mm) is made in each armpit.

• A mini-endoscope (telescope-like device) is inserted to burn the T2 sympathetic ganglion.

• The procedure takes approximately 1 hour.

• At the end of the surgery, a single stitch is used to close the incision.

Hospital Stay & Recovery

How Long Do I Have to Stay in Hospital?

• Option 1: Stay overnight before surgery and be discharged the same evening after recovery.

• Option 2: Same-day surgery (Day Surgery Admission in the late morning, MES in the afternoon, discharged at night).

  
  

When Can I Return to Work After Surgery?

• You can return to work the next day if you feel comfortable.

• The stitches are removed after one week.

  
  

Pain & Discomfort After Surgery

• Minimal pain and discomfort due to the small incision size.

• The scar is almost invisible after healing.

What is the Success Rate for MES Surgery?

The success rate is approximately 98% for MES surgery for sweaty palms.

Take Control of Sweaty Palms – Find a Lasting Solution Today

If excessive sweating is affecting your daily life, Mini-Endoscopic Sympathectomy (MES) offers a proven, permanent solution.

📞 Book a consultation today and take the first step towards a sweat-free life!