Q. MY PALMS ARE SO SWEATY I FIND IT HARD TO DO EVEN SIMPLE THINGS SUCH AS WRITING. I’M MORTIFIED WHEN I HAVE TO SHAKE HANDS WITH PEOPLE. WHAT CAN I DO?
A. This sounds like hyperhidrosis – excessive sweating, which affects up to 5% of the population, myself included. There are a few options; you could try an aluminum chloride-based antiperspirant specifically for hands, or ask your GP about referring you to a dermatologist for iontophoresis – this is where a light electric current is delivered to your hands while they’re immersed in water, which literally stuns the sweat glands. You can now buy a kit to use at home, too, for about £300. Certain pills reduce perspiration, and Botox can help but it’s usually used for armpits, so you’d need to see an experienced specialist. Annoyingly, these treatments are all temporary – the only permanent option is surgery, and that has side effects – including excessive sweating elsewhere. Whatever path you choose, be sure to limit lifestyle triggers such as stress, spicy food, medication and abrupt changes in temperature. Good luck!
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