How to Stop Sweaty Hands

Are you afraid of shaking hands with others due to your sweaty palms? If yes, you are not alone. Many people repeatedly wipe their hands on their sides to get rid of the sweat.

Sweaty hands, in simple terms, mean your hands are producing excess sweat. Sweating is a normal process through which the body regulates its temperature. It is common to sweat, but living with nonstop sweaty hands can make you self-conscious and cause problems while writing a paper, opening a door, driving, signing important documents and so on.

Technically, this problem is known as palmar hyperhidrosis and is often triggered by panic attacks, anxiety, stress, nervousness and depression. It can also be a hereditary problem.

You need to take the problem seriously, as sometimes it can be a symptom of a more serious medical condition, such as low blood sugar, an overactive thyroid, a heart attack, nervous system disorders, menopause and alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Certain medications also can lead to heavy sweating in the body, including the hands.

If you are embarrassed by your constantly moist palms, it’s time to solve the problem. You can use many simple and effective home remedies and say goodbye to sweaty hands.

However, seek immediate medical attention if you experience heavy sweating accompanied by light-headedness, chest pain or nausea.

Here are the top 10 ways to stop sweaty hands.

1. Baby Powder

One of the simplest and most effective remedies to get rid of sweaty hands quickly is baby powder. It works as a natural antiperspirant, which helps absorb moisture and prevent sweaty palms. It also helps neutralize any unpleasant odor.

Just sprinkle a good amount of baby powder into your hands, and spread it around gently and evenly. Do it as needed.

For convenience, carry a small bottle of baby powder in your purse or backpack, so that you do not have to rub your sweaty palms on your clothes.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

You can also try apple cider vinegar to stop sweaty hands. It works by balancing the pH levels in your body.

Also, its astringent nature greatly helps control excessive sweating by tightening the pores in your skin.

You can use apple cider vinegar both internally and externally.

• Soak a paper towel in raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar and use it to wipe your hands. Repeat several times a day.
• Another option is to prepare a hand soak by mixing equal amounts of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar and water. Soak your hands in it for 5 minutes, then wash them with soap and water.
• Also, you can mix 2 teaspoons of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar into a glass of warm water and add a little honey. Drink it once daily to combat excessive sweating.

3. Sage

The herb sage can also fix sweaty hands. Its astringent nature aids in eliminating excess skin oils and prevents sweating. It even helps reduce the odor caused by sweating.

Also, sage tea is rich in vitamin B and magnesium, which prevents overactivity of the sweat glands.

• Put 1 or 2 sage tea bags in a large bowl of hot water. Cover and allow it to steep for 15 minutes. Soak your sweaty hands in this water for 30 minutes, 1 or 2 times daily.
• Also, carry dried sage in a cloth wrap (sachet) in your pocket or purse, and put your hand around it to absorb and prevent perspiration.
• In addition, you can drink a cup of sage tea every day to reduce sweaty palms.

4. Black Tea

The black tea bags that you use to make yourself a cup of tea can help a lot in treating the problem of sweaty palms.

The tannic acid in the tea has antiperspirant and astringent properties that help constrict the sweat glands. This in turn prevents the glands from producing excess sweat.

• Hold moist black tea bags in your sweaty hands for a few minutes every day. Or use the moist tea bags to wipe your sweaty hands from time to time.
• Alternatively, put 3 or 4 black tea bags in a bowl of hot water, let it steep for 5 minutes and then soak your palms in it every day for 30 minutes.

5. Baking Soda

Baking soda is a quick and inexpensive remedy to treat sweaty hands. It has an alkaline nature that helps control excess sweating and also makes sweat evaporate quickly.

Moreover, it works as an antiperspirant and deodorant, and can effectively absorb moisture.

• Mix 2 to 3 tablespoons of baking soda in a bowl of warm water. Dip your hands in it for 10 minutes. Afterward, pat your hands dry thoroughly. Do it once daily.
• Alternatively, mix equal amounts of baking soda and cornstarch. Store it in a bottle. Sprinkle some of this mixture on your sweaty palms when needed.

6. Witch Hazel

The astringent and antiperspirant properties in witch hazel help control excessive sweating, making it a great remedy for getting rid of sweaty palms.

The tannic acid in it closes the pores, which inhibits excess sweating.

1. Soak a cotton ball in witch hazel liquid extract.
2. Dab it on your hands, 2 or 3 times daily or as needed.

7. Tomato Juice

Tomato juice can also be used to control sweaty hands. It has a cooling effect on the body, thus it reduces sweating.

Also, being an astringent, it constricts the pores and blocks the ducts that secrete sweat.

• Rub a slice of tomato or tomato juice over your hands. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then rinse it off with cool water. Do it 1 or 2 times a day.
• Also, drink a glass or two of fresh tomato juice every day to keep your body temperature cool.

8. Reduce Stress

In some people, sweaty hands can be due to stress and anxiety. In fact, sweaty hands are a reaction to sources of stress or nervousness.

Thus, it’s important to control your stress level to solve the problem of sweaty hands and other health issues that are linked to high stress.

You can try yoga and meditation to help reduce your stress and prevent your sweat glands from becoming overactive. Also, deep breathing, listening to music or taking up a hobby can help reduce stress.

If you cannot control your stress level, talk to your doctor or a licensed therapist for advice.

9. Avoid Perspiration-Causing Food and Drinks

What you eat can be behind the excessive sweating. So, if you are suddenly experiencing sweaty hands, it is recommended to check your diet.

Certain foods can trigger excess sweating. For instance, eating spicy food can trigger the same responses in your body that are caused by actual physical heat and lead to more sweating.

Along with spicy foods, avoid hot caffeinated beverages, alcoholic beverages, dishes made with onions and garlic, and processed foods that are high in calories and salt.

10. Eat Foods Rich in Magnesium and B Vitamins

Just like some foods are problematic, there are some foods that can help control excessive sweating. If you have sweaty hands, eat foods rich in magnesium and B vitamins.

Foods high in B vitamins will prevent the body from getting too hot, which means your sweat glands do not have to work extra hard to regulate your body temperature. Some good sources of B vitamins include poultry, fish, whole-grain cereal, eggs, and green vegetables.

One of the causes of sweaty palms can be a deficiency of magnesium in the body. Magnesium helps control sweat gland activity, hence including foods rich in magnesium in your diet can help.

Some magnesium-rich foods are almonds, avocados, bananas, beans, pumpkin seeds, blackstrap molasses, tofu, soy milk, cashews, pecans, whole grains and green leafy vegetables.

Additional Tips

• You can also use nonprescription antiperspirants that contain aluminum-based compounds to temporarily block the sweat pores. Make sure to use an antiperspirant and not just a deodorant.
• Always carry a handkerchief or alcohol wipes to wipe your hands whenever they become sweaty.
• Wash your hands more frequently to help strip your hands of their natural oils, making them feel drier.
• Bathe daily to keep the number of bacteria on your skin in check. Dry yourself thoroughly, especially between the fingers of your hands.
• Avoid wearing gloves, mittens or any other items that cover your hands. Such items inhibit air flow, due to which moisture stays in your hands and causes sweating.
• If it’s too cold to leave your hands uncovered, use fingerless gloves or gloves made out of a lighter material. Make sure to keep your gloves clean so wash them before wearing them again.
• Do not use petroleum-based lotions, as they can cause more sweating.
• When it’s hot outdoors, stay in an air-conditioned room to slow down the production of sweat for some time.
• Drink water to keep your body hydrated, so that sweat glands do not have to work much to regulate the body temperature.