For people with sweaty palms, meeting someone for the first time can be a nightmare that may often repeat. It would be awkward to shake hands with your palm all wet from sweat. Having this condition can bring a negative effect on your self-confidence, interactions with other people, and become a challenge when doing simple tasks like talking on the phone or writing. In addition, Singapore’s humid climate does not help this condition at all.
If you are looking for sweaty palms treatments in Singapore, then you are in the right place. This article discusses all you need to know about this disorder, the procedures available to address it, and what you can expect after undergoing a treatment.
Sweaty Palms: What causes this condition?
Palmar hyperhidrosis is the medical term for sweaty palms. This condition can sometimes have no clear cause, which doctors refer to as idiopathic (primary hyperhidrosis). This usually occurs during childhood or adolescence without any exact trigger. Sweaty palms can also be due to a side effect of an underlying health condition, such as diabetes, thyroid problems, or a complication from a medicine that you are taking. This other cause is called secondary hyperhidrosis.
Diagnosing Sweaty Palms: When should you see a doctor?
You should consult with a doctor that specialises in sweaty palms treatment if your symptoms remain persistent all year round in hot and humid Singapore. During your consultation, your doctor may do the following:
- Conduct a physical examination
- Evaluate your medical history
- Perform a starch-iodine test to determine areas prone to sweat
- Refer you to take further tests like blood or imaging tests, particularly if secondary hyperhidrosis is suspected.
Sweaty Palms Treatment in Singapore: What are your options?
Fortunately, there are various options for sweaty palms treatment in Singapore.
1. Topical antiperspirants
Topical antiperspirants are usually the first line of defense that doctors recommend when treating sweaty palms. This makes use of prescription-strength antiperspirants which have aluminium chloride as an active ingredient.
- Availability: Can be bought over-the-counter at your local pharmacy. Prescription options are also available.
- Cost: Around S$30 to S$100
- How it works: The topical antiperspirant blocks the sweat glands temporarily when applied to the skin.
- Ideal for: This treatment is best for mild cases.
- Side effects: May trigger skin irritation
2. Oral medications
For more stubborn cases, anticholinergic medications like glycopyrrolate can be prescribed by your doctor.
- Availability: Needs prescriptions and can usually be bought through a specialist
- Cost: Around S$50 to S$150
- How it works: Anticholinergic medications block the action of the chemical messenger, called acetylcholine. Without acetylcholine, the production of sweat lessens, reducing palm sweating.
- Ideal for: This treatment is best for stubborn cases.
- Side effects: Blurred vision, constipation, dry mouth. Due to side effects, this medication is not recommended for extended use.
3. Botox injections
Botulinum toxin (Botox) is an FDA-approved injectable that can be used to treat hyperhidrosis.
- Availability: This product is widely available in public and private clinics all over Singapore.
- Cost: Around S$1,200 to S$2,000
- How it works: When injected into the target area, Botox blocks the nerves that stimulate the sweat glands temporarily
- Ideal for: This treatment is best for mild to severe cases.
- Side effects: Bruising, temporary pain, muscle weakness in the area where Botox is injected.
4. Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy (ETS)
Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy (ETS) is the last resort for treating sweaty palms. It is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that involves clamping or cutting the nerves responsible for overactive sweating, called sympathetic nerves. The success rate of this treatment is very high.
- Availability: This is a surgical procedure done by thoracic surgeons.
- Cost: Around S$1,200 to S$2,000
- How it works: Small incisions are made in the armpit where a thin, lighted tube with a camera at the end (thoracoscope) is inserted. The surgeon then locates the sympathetic nerve pathways and cuts them to interrupt the nerve signals from reaching the glands located in the target areas, which reduces sweat production.
- Ideal for: This treatment is best severe cases that no longer respond to other treatments.
- Side effects: Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), compensatory sweating (excessive sweating that occurs in different body parts like the abdomen or back), heat tolerance, or hypotension (low blood pressure)
5. Iontophoresis
A well-known non-invasive treatment in Singapore, iontophoresis is performed using a device to deliver a mild electric current through the water to the hands.
- Availability: Offered at select private clinics in Singapore
- Cost: Around S$80 to S$150 per session
- How it works: The hand is placed in a shallow tray of water. The device generates a low electrical current, which passes through the water and creates an electrical field that affects the skin and sweat glands.
- Ideal for: This treatment is best for mild to severe cases.
- Side effects: Blistering, skin irritation, burning or tingling sensation while the procedure is ongoing
Sweaty Palms Treatment: Can the condition come back after a treatment?
Unfortunately, sweaty palms can recur even after you undergo a successful treatment. There are several factors that cause the symptoms of sweaty palms to recur. For instance, your initial treatment may not be effective for the severity of your condition. Another reason that can cause sweaty palms to relapse is whether your body responds well to your treatment or not. Lastly, your hyperhidrosis may be due to an underlying health condition. If this is the case, then the root cause should be identified and treated for sweaty palms to be addressed.
Surgery, specifically Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy (ETS) offers a more permanent result for hyperhidrosis.
Sweaty Palms: What are other recommendations to manage this condition?
You can make certain changes to your lifestyle, so you can be able to control your sweaty palms. Here are some tips:
- Always carry a handkerchief or a small towel
- Avoiding food and beverage triggers, including spicy food and caffeine may help minimize your triggers
- Wear clothing that are breathable
- Practice mindfulness or yoga to lessen your anxiety and stress
- Use sweat pads or absorbent hand wipes
Conclusion
You don’t have to hide your hands in your pockets forever. Your hands can experience freedom from excessive sweating by undergoing a sweaty palms treatment in Singapore. Getting the proper diagnosis and treatment plan that fits your lifestyle and the severity of your condition is key to overcoming this limiting condition. Talk to a thoracic surgeon if you want your palms to be free from sweat forever.
ICTS – Dr Aneez D.B Ahmed
38 Irrawaddy Road #10-38
Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre
Singapore 329563
Phone: +65 6591 8801
Whatsapp: +65 8875 0389
