What Causes Palmar Hyperhidrosis?

Palmar hyperhidrosis—also known as “excessive hand sweating”—is a common, idiopathic, functional localized disorder characterized by excessive sweating.

The main underlying causes of palmar hyperhidrosis include the following:

1. Deficiency of Qi and Blood: This condition arises from general physical debility, leading to chronic spontaneous sweating—particularly noticeable on the palms during summer. Regular physical exercise is recommended to improve overall physical fitness.

2. Deficiency of Liver and Kidney Yin: Individuals with this pattern often experience fatigue, generalized aching, dry mouth, and thirst. Palmar sweating frequently worsens in summer due to underlying Yin deficiency; medical consultation and appropriate TCM-based regulation are advised.

3. Deficiency-Cold Constitution: Individuals with a constitutionally deficient-cold pattern may present with palmar sweating. Dietary therapy with warming, nourishing foods is recommended, along with regular exercise to enhance blood circulation and promote metabolism.

4. Primary Palmar Hyperhidrosis: This is the most common cause of excessive hand sweating. In primary palmar hyperhidrosis, excessive sweating is predominantly localized to the palms, although plantar (foot sole) and/or axillary (underarm) hyperhidrosis may also occur. Affected individuals are otherwise healthy; however, a small proportion may also suffer from bromhidrosis (foul-smelling sweat).