What should you know about excessive sweating of the hands and feet?

Palms and soles contain many sweat glands and can respond strongly to heat, stress or nerve signals. Primary hyperhidrosis often starts earlier in life, affects matching areas on both sides and may lessen during sleep. Moist skin can soften and crack, encourage irritation between toes, and make shoes or objects harder to manage. A clinician may also consider medicines or conditions such as thyroid overactivity, low blood glucose or heat illness, particularly when the pattern has changed. Sweaty hands and feet do not by themselves establish a diagnosis.

Dry hands and feet thoroughly after washing, rotate breathable shoes, change socks when damp and avoid applying fragranced products to irritated skin. Keep a brief diary of situations that trigger sweating and whether it occurs during sleep. Antiperspirants may help when used correctly on dry skin. Iontophoresis is commonly discussed for palms and soles; it uses a mild electrical current through water or pads. Injections that reduce nerve signals can be considered for selected areas. A clinician can explain preparation, sensation, aftercare and alternatives.

Book an assessment if sweating causes repeated skin breaks, odour, slipping, difficulty writing or problems at work. Seek urgent care for sweating with faintness, confusion, severe weakness, chest discomfort or trouble breathing. Sudden clamminess with shaking or dizziness can occur with low blood glucose and needs prompt attention, especially if diabetes medicine is involved. Hot skin, headache, nausea or confusion after heat exposure also warrants urgent help.

Does the matching hand-and-foot pattern fit primary hyperhidrosis? Could my medicines or symptoms point to another cause? Is iontophoresis suitable for me? How can I manage cracked skin, and when should we consider injections?