WET HANDS

Dr David Khoo Sin Keat

Consultant Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeon

 Since 1920, surgical procedure remains the most effective and reliable approach towards treating wet hands

Sweating is a necessity for life, as is food and water. Everyday the human body uses perspiration to maintain constant internal body temperature. There are about five million sweat glands in the body, with approximately half located in the hands, and the process of perspiration is regulated by the Sympathetic Nervous System, a part of the Autonomic Nervous System. These sympathetic nerves are bundled up as chains which are located along both sides of the bodies of the vertebral column. Sweating in the right hand is controlled by branches of the right sympathetic chain that is located within the right chest cavity while sweating in the left is likewise controlled by the branches on the left side.

In all humans, sweating is an automatic process. The amount of sweat put out depends upon physical and emotional stimulation. During physical activities or being in surroundings that increase our body temperature, the human body would sweat more in order to aid in the process of cooling. During times of fear, stress and anxiety, sweating is a part of the “fight or flight” process, all regulated by the Autonomic Nervous System.

In some people, natural perspiration is excessive, a condition known as hyperhidrosis. The most common areas where the excessive sweating occurs are the hands, face, feet and axilla, causing sweaty palms, sweaty feet, sweaty armpits and a sweaty face. The prevalence of this condition is 0.6% to 1% in young adults. It often begins in adolescence but can occur in people of all ages. Its cause in unknown but is related to over-activity in the Sympathetic Nervous System and there seems to be a genetic tendency.