What should you know about sweating hands, feet and underarms?

Palms, soles and underarms contain many sweat glands and may become damp during heat, exercise, stress or strong emotion. When sweating is frequent, heavy or disruptive even in cool conditions, a clinician may assess it as hyperhidrosis. Damp skin can soften and irritate the surface, affect hand grip, stain clothing and make shoes uncomfortable. Note whether both sides are involved, whether symptoms began recently, and whether sweating occurs during sleep. These details help separate a long-standing sweating pattern from a change linked to medication, illness or another skin problem.

Keep feet dry with breathable socks and shoes, change damp socks promptly, and allow footwear to dry between uses. Pat rather than aggressively rubbing sweaty skin, and use a suitable antiperspirant as directed. A clinician may recommend a Prescription Antiperspirant for selected areas. Iontophoresis is another option commonly considered for hands and feet. For underarm sweating, Botulinum Toxin for Hyperhidrosis or Microwave Sweat Gland Treatment may be discussed after an examination. Treatment choice depends on the body area, skin condition, medical history and how much the sweating interferes with daily life.

Arrange a medical assessment when sweating starts suddenly, becomes much heavier, occurs throughout the body or wakes you at night. Seek prompt care if it comes with chest discomfort, fainting, severe breathlessness, confusion, fever or marked weakness. Cracks, spreading redness, warmth, swelling, pus or significant pain also need assessment because wet, damaged skin can become infected. A clinician can review medicines and other symptoms rather than assuming the sweating is a primary skin condition.

Ask which areas should be treated first, whether an antiperspirant is appropriate for your skin, how to protect irritated skin, and whether your medication or another condition could be contributing. Bring a note of triggers, timing, sleep symptoms and the effect on work, exercise or social activities.