Diagnosis

Patients with sweaty hands may also sweat more on other parts of the body. Feet and armpits are particularly relevant here. As already described above, patients with heavy perspiration on their hands often suffer from psychological complaints because they feel ashamed.

They avoid situations in which a handshake might be necessary. Sweating and fear of further sweating often develop into a vicious circle. In the worst case, the affected persons withdraw more and more from everyday life to avoid social contacts as far as possible.

Most sweat glands are found in the area of the palms of the hands, soles of the feet and armpits. In this respect, the strongest sweat secretion also occurs in these areas. As with the sweaty hand, the sweaty foot can also produce an excess of sweat.

In technical jargon, this is called hyperhidrosis pedis. Either there is an isolated overproduction of sweat in the area of the soles of the feet or hands and feet (and armpits) are affected. Although sweaty feet are not as stressful as sweaty hands in social interactions, they can also be distressing.

The diagnosis is similar to that of sweaty hands. The anamnesis is most important. The application of iodine tincture and potato starch can make the increased sweat secretion visible and thus objectify the complaints complained of by the patient.

Simple measures against sweaty feet are regular foot baths, applying skin cream to the feet, frequent walking barefoot, wearing breathable shoes that are changed regularly and using insoles that have an odor-inhibiting effect. The medical therapy is similar to that of sweaty hands and is explained below. It is not uncommon for very young children to have sweaty hands and feet.

This is probably related to the fact that the heat regulation (part of the vegetative nervous system) in newborns is not yet fully developed. It takes several months until these processes function adequately. Sweaty hands or feet in newborns are therefore usually no cause for concern.

In general, care should always be taken to ensure that the newborn is not too warm but not too cold either. Further symptoms should be considered. If the baby sweats all over the body, has a grayish-pale skin color, appears cranky and lazy when drinking, the body temperature should be measured and a doctor should be consulted. If, on the other hand, the child has no fever and a rosy skin with good blood circulation, sweaty hands are not unusual.