What to do about excessive hand sweating
Dec 12, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
In general, excessive hand sweating may be caused by emotional stress, high environmental temperature, primary hyperhidrosis, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, or other reasons. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and then improve symptoms under a doctor's guidance through general measures, medication, or other treatments. Daily attention should be paid to hand hygiene; sweat should be wiped off promptly to avoid prolonged dampness, which could promote bacterial growth.
Generally, excessive hand sweating may be caused by emotional stress, high environmental temperature, primary hyperhidrosis, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, or other reasons. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition under a doctor's guidance through general management, medication, and other treatments. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Emotional stress: Fluctuations in emotions can stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, increasing sweat gland secretion in the hands and leading to excessive sweating. Maintaining emotional stability, using deep breathing or meditation to relieve tension, avoiding excessive anxiety, and reducing triggers of sympathetic nerve activation are helpful.
2. High environmental temperature: When ambient temperature rises or clothing is too heavy, body metabolism accelerates, prompting sweat glands in the hands to secrete sweat for thermoregulation. Appropriately lowering room temperature, wearing loose and breathable clothing, and avoiding prolonged exposure of the hands to hot, humid environments can help reduce sweating.
3. Primary hyperhidrosis: This condition is associated with genetic factors and sympathetic nervous system dysfunction, characterized by uncontrollable hand sweating that interferes with daily activities. Patients should follow medical advice to apply topical medications such as hexaminolevulinate solution, formalin solution, or aluminum chloride solution to reduce sweat production.
4. Hyperthyroidism: Excessive secretion of thyroid hormones increases metabolic rate, causing overactivity of sweat glands throughout the body, including increased hand sweating. Patients need to take medications such as methimazole tablets, propylthiouracil tablets, or propranolol hydrochloride tablets as prescribed to regulate thyroid function.
5. Diabetes: Blood glucose fluctuations can affect nerve and metabolic functions, leading to abnormally increased hand sweating, possibly accompanied by symptoms like dry mouth and increased thirst. Patients should use insulin injection, glimepiride tablets, metformin sustained-release tablets, and other medications as directed to control blood sugar levels and maintain stability.
In daily life, maintain good hand hygiene, dry hands promptly after sweating, and avoid prolonged dampness that may promote bacterial growth. Avoid frequent contact with irritating substances; apply moisturizing cream after washing hands to protect the skin. In terms of diet, reduce intake of spicy and stimulating foods, and consume more light, easily digestible meals.
