Home
Rodale Bookshelf
The Doctors Book of Home Remedies II: Sweaty Palms

Chapter List

Special Limited Time Offer!
Order today and
Save an Extra 15%!
Use coupon code: LSAVE15

Sweaty Palms

If your palms sweat more than a stool pigeon under police interrogation, you have a condition that doctors know as hyperhidrosis--excess sweating of your palms. In nonmedical language, you might call it just plain embarrassing. But here's how to get quick, hands-on relief.

"Shock" yourself dry. "The best treatment out there is a low-level electrical current called iontophoresis," according to Norman Levine, M.D., chief of dermatology at the University of Arizona College of Medicine Health Sciences Center in Tucson. Dr. Levine recommends a device called the Drionic that administers the low-level current.

How it works: The Drionic uses a 9-volt battery--not enough to harm you but enough to plug up over-active sweat ducts and keep them plugged for about six weeks. To remedy a sweaty palm condition, simply place your palm on top of the device for a few minutes. Further information about the Drionic is available from General Medical Company, 1935 Armacost Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90025.

The "Obvious" Solution Is Not the Best

Why not dry those clammy hands with baby powder? After all, it seems like the cheapest dry-all solution.

"Baby powder might be the first thing people turn to. But rubbing powder on your palms is one of the worst things you can do, unless you have a very mild case," says Stephen M. Purcell, D.O., chairman of the Department of Dermatology at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and an assistant clinical professor at Hahnemann University School of Medicine in Philadelphia. "As the powder absorbs the perspiration, it will cake up, leaving you with sweaty, caked-up hands instead of just sweaty hands."

Treat your palms as underarms. For a mild case of hyperhidrosis, the solution may already be in your medicine chest. "Some people find relief by rubbing underarm antiperspirant on their palms," says Stephen M. Purcell, D.O., chairman of the Department of Dermatology at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and an assistant clinical professor at Hahnemann University School of Medicine in Philadelphia. But check the label: The kind of antiperspirant that works on clammy hands should contain aluminum chlorohydrate, the active drying ingredient.

Manage your stress. "One effective way of remedying hyperhidrosis is through stress management," says Dr. Levine. "Learn biofeedback or practice some other stress control treatment, since this condition is at least partially brought on by stress or nervousness."

Shop with Us: Brands A-Z; Products A-Z; Autoship; Ways to Shop; Member Discounts

Customer Service: Contact Us; Help Desk; Shipping Policy; Return Policy; Ask a question; Track Your Order

My Account: My Account; My Order History; My Shopping Cart

Health Library: Vitamin Guide; Guide to Herbs; Health Concerns; Home Remedies; Seniors Health; Women's Health

About Us: Our Blog; Our Philosophy; Corporate Discounts; Affliliate Program; Terms of Use

Featured Partners

Email Sign up: Weekly health news, sale announcements and coupons!

Call us M-F 9am-5pm: 1-800-439-5506

Information on this site is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professional. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. Information about each product is taken from the labels of the products or from the manufacturer's advertising material. MotherNature is not responsible for any statements or claims that various manufacturers make about their products. We cannot be held responsible for typographical errors or product formulation changes. You should read carefully all product packaging. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.All discounts are taken from suggested retail prices. Prices are subject to change.