How to Cure Sweaty Hands and Feet – Hyperhidrosis Treatment

Written April 11, 2025Encino Vascular Institute

Dealing with sweaty hands or feet daily can be more than annoying—it can make it hard to grip things, shake hands, or feel comfortable. You’re not alone if you’re looking for a way to cure sweaty hands and feet. This common condition, called hyperhidrosis, affects many people and can get in the way of everyday life. Whether it’s holding a pen, using your phone, or wearing shoes, constant sweating can be frustrating. The good news is that simple and effective hyperhidrosis treatment options are available to help you stay dry, feel confident, and enjoy your day.

In this blog, we’ll explore the causes, symptoms, and the best treatment options to help you take control of excessive sweating.

What Causes All That Sweating?

Hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating even when your body doesn’t need cooling. There are two main types:

1. Primary Focal Hyperhidrosis

Sweat concentrates in specific areas—hands, feet, underarms, or the face. It’s not linked to any medical condition and often starts during adolescence.

2. Secondary Generalized Hyperhidrosis

Usually tied to medical issues like diabetes, menopause, or thyroid problems. It can affect more significant body parts and might occur during sleep.

How to Cure Hyperhidrosis?

It’s essential to consult with a hyperhidrosis doctor who can recommend the best treatment options to cure hyperhidrosis. Standard solutions include prescription antiperspirants, iontophoresis, Botox injections, and oral medications. In more severe cases, surgical options like sympathectomy may be considered. Early diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan are key to stopping hyperhidrosis. Consulting a doctor will ensure you receive the most effective care tailored to your needs.

When to See a Hyperhidrosis Specialist for Excessive Sweating in Hands and Feet?

If home care and OTC products aren’t helping, it’s time to see a medical professional. A doctor experienced in treating hyperhidrosis can recommend more advanced options and explain procedures like surgery for sweaty hands or the cost involved in long-term solutions.

What Dermatologists Usually Recommend First?

Dermatologists usually recommend a step-by-step approach to cure sweaty hands and feet, starting with clinical-strength antiperspirants containing aluminum chloride to block sweat glands. If sweating continues, iontophoresis is often the next suggestion—this non-invasive treatment uses mild electrical currents in water to reduce sweat. Botox injections are a highly effective option for more persistent cases that temporarily block nerve signals to sweat glands, providing relief for several months. Oral medications like anticholinergics may be prescribed if needed, although they can have side effects. 

In severe, treatment-resistant cases, dermatologists may consider Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy (ETS) surgery as a last option. It is recommended to always consult a specialist for proper hyperhidrosis treatment.

Surgical Treatments for Excessive Sweating

For individuals exploring how to treat hyperhidrosis when standard options like antiperspirants, iontophoresis, or Botox no longer provide relief, surgical intervention might be the next consideration. These procedures are typically seen as a final option and are recommended when excessive sweating severely interferes with daily routines, work, social interactions, and overall quality of life. Moreover, advanced surgical methods such as endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) or lumbar sympathectomy offer more permanent solutions for those who have tried everything else without success.

If you’re wondering how to treat excessive sweating more permanently—especially when it affects the hands and feet—it’s essential to consult with a hyperhidrosis doctor near you. Look for a specialist who has experience in both medical and surgical treatments, and who can guide you through your options based on your condition, lifestyle, and health history. Taking that first step toward expert care can make a life-changing difference in managing and overcoming hyperhidrosis.

Below are the most commonly used surgical procedures for those seeking how to cure sweaty hands and feet permanently:

1. Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy (ETS)

Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy, or ETS, is the most commonly performed surgery to treat excessive sweating of the hands (palmar hyperhidrosis). This minimally invasive procedure involves inserting a small camera through tiny incisions in the chest to locate and cut or clamp the sympathetic nerves responsible for activating sweat glands in the hands. ETS is known for delivering permanent results and has a high success rate in reducing hand sweating. 

2. Lumbar Sympathectomy

Lumbar sympathectomy is a less standard surgical procedure for treating plantar hyperhidrosis, or excessive foot sweating. In this surgery, a surgeon targets and disrupts the sympathetic nerves in the lower back (lumbar region) that control sweat production in the feet. While effective in reducing foot sweating, this procedure is more complex and carries more significant risks than ETS. 

3. Local Sweat Gland Removal (Excision or Curettage)

Local sweat gland removal is a surgical treatment mainly used to treat underarm sweating (axillary hyperhidrosis); however, it is rarely used for sweating in the hands or feet. During the procedure, the doctor first identifies the affected area and then removes the sweat glands through excision (cutting them out) or curettage (scraping them out). Additionally, in some cases, the doctor may use liposuction to help remove the glands more effectively. Doctors usually perform this minor surgery under local anesthesia, offering long-lasting relief for people struggling with excessive underarm sweating. This method works best for individuals with localized hyperhidrosis who haven’t found success with non-invasive treatments and want a more permanent solution.

How Long Does it Take to Recover from Hyperhidrosis Surgery?

Recovery time after excessive sweating surgery depends on the specific procedure performed. For example, patients undergoing Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy (ETS)—a standard hyperhidrosis treatment for hands—can resume normal activities within a week. Complete healing usually occurs within 2 to 4 weeks.

In more complex cases, like lumbar sympathectomy—often used to treat foot hyperhidrosis—recovery may take 4 to 6 weeks. Individuals who choose local sweat gland removal for underarm sweating can usually resume light activities within a few days and fully heal in about 2 to 3 weeks.

While these excessive sweating surgeries deliver long-term results, following all post-operative care instructions is essential to minimize risks and promote smooth recovery.

Simple Lifestyle Changes That Make a Difference

Adjusting daily habits can help manage the condition alongside medical treatments. Simple lifestyle changes, when implemented consistently, can be highly valuable in managing excessive perspiration. In fact, when combined with professional treatments, these adjustments often lead to noticeable improvements. For example, choosing breathable fabrics, staying well-hydrated, and practicing good hygiene habits can make a significant difference.

Moreover, making wise choices in your daily routine not only helps reduce discomfort but also supports better hygiene and boosts overall confidence throughout the day.

Use Antiperspirants Regularly:

Many people overlook the timing when using antiperspirants. Applying it at night gives the ingredients time to block sweat ducts while you sleep, reducing sweating during the day. For best results, make this a regular part of your nighttime routine.

Choose the Right Shoes and Socks:

Shoes from comfortable materials like leather or canvas allow airflow and reduce heat buildup. Pair them with socks designed to pull moisture away from the skin, such as those made with bamboo or special performance fabrics. This combination helps keep your feet dry and odor-free.

Stay Hygienic:

Maintaining clean and dry skin can prevent bacteria from thriving in sweaty areas. Use gentle antibacterial soap, and always dry thoroughly, especially between fingers and toes. Carrying hand wipes or powder for on-the-go freshness can also make a difference.

Manage Anxiety and Stress:

Sweating often intensifies during emotional stress. Calming activities such as meditation, light stretching, or deep-breathing exercises can lower anxiety levels and reduce stress-related sweating. Practicing these techniques regularly helps improve your body’s reaction to daily pressures.

How Much Does Hyperhidrosis Surgery Cost to Cure Sweaty Hands and Feet?

The cost of hyperhidrosis surgery varies based on the severity and location of the condition, procedure type, facility, and surgeon’s experience. Consult a hyperhidrosis doctor near you to understand your options. A skilled hyperhidrosis treatment specialist can guide you through personalized treatment plans and detailed cost breakdowns.

Why Choose Encino Vascular Institute for Hyperhidrosis Treatment?

If you’re looking to cure sweaty hands and feet, Encino Vascular in Encino, Los Angeles, offers expert care you can trust. Dr. Farshad Malekmehr’s special interests include treating individuals with Hyperhidrosis and pulmonary embolism. Since 1993, he has successfully treated Hyperhidrosis both medically and surgically, specializing in endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy using titanium clips to provide lasting relief.

Consult a Hyperhidrosis Treatment Specialist to Cure Sweaty Hands and Feet!

Encino Vascular Institute offers advanced solutions for hyperhidrosis, led by skilled specialists who understand the impact of this condition on daily life. Whether you’re dealing with constant moisture or discomfort, our team provides expert evaluations and personalized care. Treatments include sweaty palms surgery and options for removing sweat glands, helping reduce excessive sweating at the source. 

Our hyperhidrosis surgeons use minimally invasive techniques for safe and effective outcomes. Each patient receives a treatment plan tailored for maximum comfort and lasting results. Don’t let sweaty hands or feet control your life.

Schedule your consultation with Encino Vascular Institute today and take the first step toward confident, sweat-free living.