What’s with the sweaty hands?

When perspiration of the palms is severe over a long period of time and is not related to weather or heat dissipation, it is known as hand sweating disorder, which is a very common localized abnormal hyperhidrosis with a prevalence of 1-3%. Hand sweating is caused by localized overactivity of the sympathetic nerves, triggered by stress, anxiety, fear, tension, etc. It manifests itself in symptoms such as bilateral palm dampness, cold sweating, skin turning from pale to red, and swelling of the fingers. Typically, episodes of hand sweating occur at least once a week and are absent during sleep. Hand sweating is often treated with topical and systemic therapies. Topical therapies include the use of antiperspirants (for mild-to-moderate patients) and iontophoresis; systemic therapies include the use of anticholinergic medications (e.g., oxybutynin hydrochloride tablets) and psychotherapy. Medications should be used in accordance with medical advice.