Palmar and Plantar Hyperhidrosis
Sweating is natural, but excessive sweating likely isn’t. It can also be embarrassing. If you suffer from excessive sweating, known as hyperhidrosis, then you understand how frustrating this condition can be, especially if you’re experiencing it in your hands and feet.
There are different types of hyperhidrosis and the condition can occur in parts of or all your body. If you have extra sweaty hands, this is called palmar hyperhidrosis. If you have extra sweaty feet, you have plantar hyperhidrosis. Do sandals slip off easily? Does sweat drip off your hands? Do you need to wipe off your feet and hands often? You likely have plantar and/or palmar hyperhidrosis. Don’t worry, you’re not alone – close to 8 million other Americans are suffering with hyperhidrosis just like you are.
The hands and the feet are two of the most common places for hyperhidrosis to occur, the third place being the armpits. With hyperhidrosis, you have overactive nerves and your body is not cooling itself down correctly.
If you have plantar or palmar hyperhidrosis, you likely have primary hyperhidrosis. Primary hyperhidrosis affects specific areas of the body and is not caused by medication or an underlying condition. You probably have at least one excessive sweating episode per week and have had this issue since you were a child.
Living with palmar and/or plantar hyperhidrosis can be a struggle. It can be embarrassing to shake someone’s hand or give someone a hug when your hands are loaded with sweat. It can also be hard to open doors, because the sweat makes it hard to grip things. Also, anything you touch can become wet or stained from the excess sweat on your hands. With sweaty feet, you may get fungal and bacterial infections from the sweat on your feet in your shoes. It’s easy to slip on the floor with sweaty feet. Also, excessive sweaty feet can easily lead to a bad odor or ruin socks and shoes.
For both plantar and palmar hyperhidrosis, a doctor can treat you in a variety of different ways, including prescription antiperspirants, iontophoresis, Botox injections, endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy, and anticholinergic medications.
These types of hyperhidrosis are treatable, so if you’re living (and suffering) with sweaty feet or hands, don’t hide anymore! Get treatment! Your life will be forever changed.
Dr. Peter Mikhail is a Tampa hyperhidrosis physician and surgeon with offices in Tampa and New Port Richey, Florida. He will evaluate your excessive sweating and determine the best treatment option for you. To book a consult, click our Tampa hyperhidrosis treatment contact page or call 727-312-4844.
