I know how problematic sweaty hands can be for my patients. And with so many hyperhidrosis treatments available today, it can be difficult to determine which one is right for you. Here are my tips for how to get rid of sweaty hands.
Why Do My Hands Sweat So Much?
Excessive, uncontrollable sweating of the hands, is called palmar hyperhidrosis. Hyperhidrosis is caused by an overactive cholinergic response in the sweating glands.
This form of hyperhidrosis has one of the most significant negative impact on patients' lives of any skin condition. Yet, there are only a small number of effective treatments that can help get rid of sweaty hands. Treatments like miraDry, Qbrexza, prescription-strength antiperspirants are not effective for palmar hyperhidrosis.
Oxybutynin Treatment for Sweaty Hands
For most patients, I recommend an anticholinergic oral medication called Oxybutynin.
Oxybutynin helps regulate the stimulation of sweat glands in a safe, yet effective manner. Studies have shown that 93% of people treated with oxybutynin say their sweating improved.** While oxybutynin is safe, it still requires a prescription from a licensed physician.
About Dr. Schmidt | Board-Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Christopher Schmidt graduated from Georgetown University School of Medicine and completed a dermatology residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital where he also served as Chief Resident. He has been treating patients at his dermatology practice in Los Gatos, CA for over 25 years. Read more about Dr. Schmidt.
*Doolittle J, Walker P, Mills T, Thurston J. Hyperhidrosis: an update on prevalence and severity in the United States. Arch Dermatol Res. 2016;308:743-749
**Campanati, Anna, et al. “Oxybutinyn for the Treatment of Primary Hyperhidrosis: Current State of the Art.” 2015