Why are my Hands cold and clammy?

Patients who are suffering from Palmar hyperhidrosis will often complain of cold and wet hands. The reason for this clammy feeling is twofold. First the overacting sympathetic chain causes vaso-constriction (narrowing of the blood vessels) which slows down the blood flow to the fingers thus causing relative clamminess. Also the evaporation of the sweat also causes clamminess. Associated with this is also redish/blueish appearance of the fingers which is related to the vaso constriction.

The sympathectomy will produce a temporary warming of the fingers right after the surgery which is not on a permanent basis. For some it is months and on rare occasions years for others. The reason for this is that the sympathectomy is much more effective with regard to the action of the sympathectomy on the sweat glands compared to the blood vessels. The blood vessels are autonomous with regard to their ability to constrict or dilate and that explains why the cold aspect of the clamminess might come back.

Other topics of interest:

• Sweaty Hands
• Sweaty Feet
• Armpit Sweating
• What is ETS - Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy
• Details of the surgery
• Patient Testimonials
• Younger Age Hyperhidrosis
• Frequently asked hyperhidrosis questions
• Ask Dr. Reisfeld a question
• Request an information packet and evaluation

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