What Causes Flushing & Sweaty Hands?

Sweaty palm syndrome has a medical name called palmar hyperhidrosis. It is more than an embarrassment or inconvenience for some people, affecting their quality of life. Hyperhidrosis is a result of an overactive production of sweat through the autonomic nervous system that originates in the chest cavity.

Genes

• The Center for Hyperhidrosis reports that nearly 40 percent of the cases of flushing and sweaty hands are genetic.

Progression

• The symptoms of palmar hyperhidrosis may start in children and progressively worsen through adolescence and adulthood.

Obesity

• Obesity and thyroid disorders often are linked with excessive sweating.

Illness

• Sweaty palms can be the result of a medical condition, such as changing hormones during menopause, psychiatric disorders or hyperthyroidism.

Disease

• Other diseases of the endocrine system such as diabetes, Addison's disease or hypoadrenalism can cause profuse palm sweating.

Stress

• Stress or anxiety can trigger the glands to produce more sweat as the body prepares for a defensive position.