Sweating is the way how our body regulates its temperature. Every one of us perspires; however, living with continuous sweaty hands and feet can make us self-conscious and anxious many times. So, we need to know about some effective ways of treating the condition. In this article, we will talk about 15 ways to treat sweaty hands and feet. Hope this would be helpful for you.
15 Ways To Treat Sweaty Hands And Feet:
Though sweaty hands and feet are common at times, however, excessive sweating can indicate one is having hyperhidrosis.
As per the International Hyperhidrosis Society, it is said that almost 5% of people worldwide are affected by hyperhidrosis.(1) People with sweaty hands and feet might feel uncomfortable, embarrassing, and anxious. So, the condition needs to be treated. Let us check out further below.
Use Antiperspirant:
One of the 15 ways to treat sweaty hands and feet is by using Antiperspirants. Though antiperspirants are associated commonly with underarm sweating, they are also effective for stopping perspiration in various parts or areas of the body, including hands and feet.
It is recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology that applying antiperspirant to dry feet before bed and washing off in the morning is effective.(2) People must repeat this for consecutive 3-4 nights and then switch to using just once or twice a week.
If you have problems with sweaty hands or feet, apply antiperspirants to your hands and feet, and reduce wetness. Start with a regular-strength antiperspirant and then go for a clinical-strength antiperspirant if you do not get good results. Make it a note that antiperspirants work best when you apply them during nights and give your hands and feet more time to absorb them. If antiperspirants do not work, then talk to your doctor.
Apply Rose Water On Palms And Feet:
Rosewater could also work as an effective way to treat sweaty hands and feet. Purchase organic rosewater or prepare your rosewater by boiling rose petals in water and then straining it. Now, use a cotton swab for applying the rose water on your feet and palms. This has a cooling impact on the skin and also helps in treating sweaty hands and feet.
Dip Your Hands And Feet In Baking Soda:
Baking soda has an alkaline nature. This is why it can work as an effective remedy for sweaty hands and feet.
Mix 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda in warm water and then dip your feet and hands in it for 30 minutes. Keep rubbing them with the baking soda powder in water. Then, pat your hands and feet dry.
Dust Cornstarch Or Talcum Powder On Palms And Feet:
Cornstarch and talcum powder work in the same way as they both help in keeping your skin dry. Dust them on your palms and feet to treat sweaty hands. Make sure that you use non-perfumed talcum powder as this would make it safe for frequent usage.
Add Sage Leaves To Treat Sweaty Hands And Feet:
Add Sage leaves to your diet or sip sage tea. This would provide relief from sweaty hands and feet. Apart from this, you can also carry dried sage in cloth-wrap in your pocket and place your hand around it to prevent perspiration. Sage leaves have an astringent property and this helps in eliminating excess skin oils and prevents sweating. This property of sage is also beneficial in reducing odor caused by sweaty hands and feet.
To get the best results, put a handful of sage leaves in water and soak your feet and hands in this mixture for at least 20 minutes. However, make sure that if you are taking any medications, then talk to your doctor before using this herb.
Rinse Your Hands And Feet Using Black Tea Bags:
Because of its antiperspirant properties, moist black tea bags can be used to treat sweaty hands and feet. Simply hold the moist black tea bags on your hands or rub them on your feet for a few minutes daily to reduce sweaty hands and feet. You can also use it to rinse or wipe your sweaty feet and hands and control the problem. Alternatively, putting 3-4 black tea bags in hot water and soaking your palms and feet in it daily for 30 minutes can also treat sweaty hands and feet effectively.
Apply Sandalwood Paste:
Since a long time, sandalwood paste has been used by many people on their foreheads for keeping it cool. It is known to reduce perspiration and because of this, it is an effective remedy for treating sweaty hands and feet. Mix it with water, rose water and lime juice and apply this paste on sweaty hands and feet and let it dry, then wash it off.
Dip Your Hands And Feet In Cold Water:
You can also treat your sweaty hands and feet by simply dipping your hands and feet in cold water for 15-20 minutes. This would help to a great extent.
Use Lemon To Treat Sweaty Hands And Feet:
Lemon can be used in many ways to treat sweaty hands and feet. You can take the lemon and orange peels and dry them and then after powder them when they turn hard and brittle. Dust this powder on your hands and feet to treat the problem. Make sure that you store this powder in an airtight container.
Another way to use lemon to treat sweaty hands and feet is to mix lemon juice with vodka and rub it on hands and feet, and allow it to stand there for 15-20 minutes before washing it.
Alternatively, you can also mix lemon juice with salt and then rub it on the hands. After this gets dry, just wash it away.
Drink Tomato Juice:
Tomato juice is known to have a cooling impact on the body and thus making it sweat less. So, drink the juice daily or simply dip your hands and feet in tomato juice. Tomato contains sodium, which in turn helps in keeping the hands and feet dry and sweat-free.
Rub Potato Slices On Hands And Feet:
You can also take some potato slices and rub them on your sweaty hands and feet. Allow the juice to stay on your skin for a few minutes and then wash it off.
Apply Apple Cider Vinegar:
You can also apply Apple cider vinegar on your feet and hands and leave them as it is. Then, wash it off with water. This keeps your skin pores tight and aids to reduce sweating. Do this regularly to treat sweaty hands and feet.
Apply Coconut Oil:
After you shower, take a little amount of coconut oil and rub it between your palms and in the feet until they are fully coated. Coconut oil is a natural antiperspirant and this has a lot of other skin-related benefits. So, you should always have coconut oil with you.
Use Alcohol-Based Hand Wipes:
You can use alcohol-based hand wipes. Alcohol is an astringent and when you apply it topically, it can help to keep your hands dry temporarily with its pore-shrinking abilities. If you have sweaty hands or feet you can use alcohol-based hand wipes to wipe them off. However, keep it noted that this is only a temporary and instant way to treat sweaty hands and feet.
Undergo Iontophoresis:
The American Podiatric Medical Association has recommended a technique known as Iontophoresis for people suffering from sweaty feet.(3)
This technique uses water to pass a mild electrical current via the skin of your feet. This blocks the sweat from coming out of the sweat glands, temporarily.
In a small study, a positive response to Iontophopresis was demonstrated in 88% of participants with sweaty hands and feet; although they had to repeat the therapy every 3 to 4 weeks for maintaining the positive result.(4)
Individuals with sweaty hands and feet can buy Iontophoresis machines for using at home. These are available in some drug stores or in online stores. However, it is better to take this treatment in your doctor’s office.
Some Dos And Don’ts To Prevent Or Treat Sweaty Hands And Feet:
Below are some of the Do’s and Don’ts that would help to treat sweaty hands and feet.
- Avoid caffeine and spicy foods as they might trigger the sympathetic nervous system.
- Make sure that you shower regularly. However, avoid hot showers and saunas to prevent body temperature from rapidly rising.
- Keep your hands and feet dry after shower or bath to prevent the growth of micro-organism that might cause foot odor or sweaty hands and feet.
- Walk barefoot at times that would help you air your feet.
- Always dry your feet before you put on the shoes and also keep your shoes dry before wearing them. This helps in preventing sweaty hands and feet.
- Wear loose-fitting cotton socks that would allow your feet and skin to breathe.
- Try to use relaxation techniques like deep breathing and meditation for controlling the stress that can trigger sweaty hands.
Conclusion:
So these were the 15 ways to treat sweaty hands and feet. If you are struggling with sweaty hands or feet, then try any of these ways and watch if they work for you. Apart from this, also try to follow the dos and don’ts to treat sweaty hands and feet. If you suffer from it continuously and if no way works out for you, then talk to your doctor for the best treatments.
