Hey everyone,
My name is Cely and have a problem with over excessive sweating. Also my hands get really red and swollen. I know that the excessive sweating is called Hyperhidrosis. But I need help with the red hands. I don't know what the heck it is and I'll really appreciate it if anybody can help me. Also sometimes my hands and feet sweat. It's like a cold sweat and sometimes hurts.
Hi, Cely. It sounds like Raynaud's Syndrome (I have it). My doctor said what happens is the blood vessels in your extremities, especially the hands, dilate, and the blood rushes to them, causing redness. He didn't mention swelling, but I have that, too. My fingers get a bit white to blue when they get cold, and they really hurt then. This, too, is a symptom of Raynaud's. My doctor told me the only thing I could do was make sure my hands didn't get cold so they wouldn't redden and throb when they warmed up again. You may want to speak with your doctor about this, and see what he suggests, especially since this may not be the problem.
Terry from ChilliOH (05/16/2005)
By terry
Cely,
See a doctor. I know doctor visits are not always covered by insurance, so try calling the doctor and ask the nurse. I once had a rash on my
Yep, it does sound like Raynaud's. I have it too. You won't die from it, that's the good news. Stay warm and never go without mittens or gloves in cold months. As for sweaty feet, try dehydral ointment, available online. My feet sweat even when they are ice cold, which is most of the time due to Raynaud's. Dehydral is the only thing that works for me. (05/16/2005)
By Mary
It is important that you seek medical advice because no one without the proper information can advice you properly and might even hurt you. It sounds to me like your thyroid is not working properly. Only a medical doctor can properly diagnose this. Try some ice on your forehead and in your hands when they sweat and swell. This might give you temporary relief. But please seek medical advice> (05/18/2005)
By walker
Well I as well have this problem and am skeptical that it is raynauds. Seeing as how the only relief I get is when I am in the cold. My hands turn blood red and burn and my feet as well. They sweat too of course, and they are super hot to the touch, this can go on all day. I find if I lay down I'm fine, or put my hands above my head, the color turns normal. I have never seen my hands or feet turn purple or blue as described with raynauds. If you figure out what it is let me know please. I have had this for two years and no one can really help me with it either. (07/29/2005)
By aisha
I have similar symptoms to the hands turning red occasionally. I also turn red in the face, neck or shoulders sometimes. I was tested for Raynaud's and definitely do not have it. However, I did get tested for a dysautonomia and have Dermatographism (caused by too much histamine). I find that benadryl liquid in even the smallest dose does help greatly to control the redness.
You should probably get tested for both conditions. Also, Hyperhidrosis is a nervous system disorder, so that does point in that direction for you. Other conditions to get tested for include mast cell disease and carcinoid. The kind of doctor you should visit is a neurologist and allergist. (12/08/2005)
By Miss Muffet
Hi, I'm 14 years old and I too have red hands, they sweat but not excessively. My skin color is tan but my hands turn red and purple and are always very very cold. Whenever I touch someone they always tell me that I am freezing, but my temperature is fine and everything. When they see my hands they think I'm sick and that I look weird with red hands and a tan body. I really want to know what it is and how I can cure it. My cold red hands are affecting me and everyone around me. Please give me advice. My email is msasoccermsa AT hotmail DOT com (remove spaces). Thank you (12/31/2005)
By mina
I have similar symptoms to the hands turning red occasionally. I also turn red in the face, neck or shoulders sometimes. I was tested for Raynaud's and definitely do not have it. However, I did get tested for a dysautonomia and have Dermatographism (caused by too much histamine). I find that benadryl liquid in even the smallest dose does help greatly to control the redness.
You should probably get tested for both conditions. Also, Hyperhidrosis is a nervous system disorder, so that does point in that direction for you. Other conditions to get tested for include mast cell disease and carcinoid. The kind of doctor you should visit is a neurologist and allergist. (12/08/2005)
By Miss Muffet
Hi, I'm 14 years old and I too have red hands, they sweat but not excessively. My skin color is tan but my hands turn red and purple and are always very very cold. Whenever I touch someone they always tell me that I am freezing, but my temperature is fine and everything. When they see my hands they think I'm sick and that I look weird with red hands and a tan body.
By mina
My hands get red when I drink caffeine or alcohol, work out, or when I get hot. They feel like I am scratching a chalk board. Does anyone know what this is? Thank you in advance. (01/08/2006)
By amy
My hands and feet are always red, unless I am lying down or have my hands up in the air (above my head). I'm thin and naturally always feel cold. I live in San Diego and that is too cool for me. Not only do my hands get red, but they get blotchy as well, and it feels like all the blood in my entire body is in them. I'm 14 and it's really embarrassing. As I said, I live in San Diego, and am always wearing long sleeve shirts that cover my hands. (03/15/2006)
By Sydney
Actually, my hands only turn red when I have them down and go back to normal when I have them up in the air, above my head (they also sweat). But when they are down, they get REALLY red and it feels like all the blood in my body is rushing to that area. I have no idea what it is and need some help, thanks.
(06/25/2006)
By John
My daughter, age 21, also has this condition and when her hands are cold her feet sweat and hands get swollen and very uncomfortable. What kind of doctor would specialize in this? She did go to a foot doctor but he had no cure. Help! (07/17/2006)
By Danell
I also have this problem. My hands are very red. They used to be the same color as the rest of my skin but now are very red. The knuckles are even more red. A co-worker asked me "Why are your knuckles red?" and I didn't know what to say. This symptom makes me very self-conscious. I would love to know what is causing this. (09/19/2006)
By Annie
I suffer from red knuckles and fingers when my hands are down, but my skin returns to normal when my hands are elevated. When the skin is pressed when red it returns to its normal color then slowly back to red. I have been to a dermatologist and he was unable to explain the condition as were several other doctors he consulted. The condition is embarrassing and I get comments periodically. Not sure where to go from here. Any suggestions? Perhaps caffeine or exposure to household cleaning products is to blame? (09/21/2006)
By Darren
I have the same thing, sweaty palms that look blotchy from red spots on the bottom. Not all the time, but I'm guessing it's whatever this raynauds is..? Good luck Cely. (09/27/2006)
I have had red hands and feet for many years and was wondering what it was. I thought perhaps it was hormonal as it came up in my first pregnancy and has slowly worsened over the years. I suffer from the cold, I really hate being cold and in the warmer months my hands do sweat a lot. Can I have some feedback? Cheers (12/04/2006)
By LuLu
Sometimes red and sweaty hands can be caused by anxiety disorders. If your hands only get red and sweaty when you are feeling nervous you may have some type of anxiety or panic disorder. (12/06/2006)
By bpierce
Hey, my hands get very red to a purple color. They do not hurt but it is quite embarrassing as they are commented on often. My hands are always cold and also sweat. When above my head, they go back to normal color. I do not know what it is so I would appreciate any comment. (12/20/2006)
Oh I have the same exact problem. It's bad! I think it might actually be hormonal also. It happens in my feet, too. My hands get really red when they get cold. It sucks because I am a model, and I don't get booked sometimes because of it. Anyway, if anyone has any suggestions that would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks! (02/17/2007)
By Roxanne
Yeah, same problem. My hands are always red, never blue, or purple, or even white. When I raise them above my head, they go right back to normal. Even my lower arms are red too. I hate it so much. I need some suggestions. They don't get too cold or sweaty, but last week my left arm down to my pinky was tingly. Please help. (03/05/2007)
By Rick
I see we all have the same symptoms and problems, but no answers. Is this site monitored by a physician or are we all just complaining without hope of help? I sympathize with all of you as I have the same trouble. Hand AND feet (and a lot of the time my face) are red, hot and ugly, what the heck is it? When I am home doing chores, this does not happen. I usually notice it when I am shopping or out with friends. I do not feel nervous, but maybe I am psychologically? Help!
(b)Editor's Note:(/b) This is not a medical site so any doctors that are monitoring (if there are any out there reading) are free to jump in but our best advice is always to ask your doctor. (03/08/2007)
By Robin
I too have the same problem. People ask me if I've been washing dishes all day. I'm also really sweaty, always have been. I've heard all of the explanations, from bad circulation to reynouds. Try not using caffeine or stimulants it makes it worse. Also, I recently found out I'm gluten intolerant and my condition has improved since I stopped eating gluten. When I do eat gluten it gets really bad. Try cutting out foods one at a time to see if it helps. If you are gluten intolerant or allergic, years of not knowing and consuming gluten can cause some nerve damage which restricts blood flow. Whatever you try, be patient. It can take a while to target an allergy and for your body to reverse damage. Good luck. Looks like it's more common than I thought. We should all start a photo album. (03/17/2007)
By lisa
The back of my hands, from the knuckles to the tips of my fingers are constantly red. In the winter and in the summer, they are bright red. My hands are also always cold. In addition, I have read that many of you have sweaty palms. I actually do not have sweaty palms but my armpits sweat uncontrollably. I have no idea if these two things are related to each other. Any ideas? (04/20/2007)
By Brock
I thought I was the only one. My hands get sweaty and red when indoors or in a place where no air goes in, and when I put them above my head then they go back to normal. I've read about hyperhidrosis and I have most of those symptoms. It doesn't hurt or anything, but I feel embarrassed and am tired of hiding my hands. I just want normal non sweaty hands. Open to feedback. (04/25/2007)
By Esteban
My hands, when they get really cold, will turn a disgusting shade of purple. And when they get to hot they turn bright red, but they never hurt so I don't think it's that Raynaud's syndrome. But still the color is very embarrassing and I want to know how to cure it, there has to be some way doesn't there?
(05/27/2007)
By Mitch
Hello everyone, I am indeed a doctor, and have noticed that it looks like this thread is desperate for attention from one. I DO HAVE A CURE, but it's important you read this entire post.
It would appear that most of you have the condition known as 'hyperhydrosis'. This does not mean you have excessive sweating, in reality, you sweat just as much as a normal person. The problem with hyperhydrosis is that the sweating is all pushed to a certain area of the body.
The skin is a fascinating organism, it is very adaptive. It will sweat wherever your body sweats best. Something has caused your skin to make your hands sweat instead of your arm pits, where most people sweat. It would be safe for me to assume that most of you do not sweat in 'normal' areas nearly as much as other people.
But what about the red hands? I'm getting to that.
Sweating is a means of cooling the body, so when you become hot, your hands start to sweat. All the blood in your body is pushed to your hands, so when your hands become cool from the evaporation of sweat, your blood will cool. This causes your hands to become bloated and red, as most of you described.
Is there an over the counter treatment? Yes.
First I would ask that all of you stop wearing antiperspirant under your arms. I know it sounds weird, but I would be willing to bet that a lot of you would rather sweat in a normal area of the body than put up with the embarrassment of Rudolph hands. Remember how the skin is adaptive? We're going to make it adapt.
Deodorant has caused the pores under your arm to close, and your skin has found a better place to sweat. We're going to reverse this.
There is an over the counter product called "certain dri" This antiperspirant stops sweating very drastically and effectively when used right. You apply it on your hands over night, and when you wake up you will not feel it anymore.
You will, however, feel a weird tingling sensation, and that is the sweat trying to get through closed pores.
After your skin finds that it is no longer able to sweat through your hands, it will go back to another part of the body. It is very important to use DEODORANT, and not antiperspirants on the new areas that are sweating, or you will reverse the treatment. You can use deodorant, as that doesn't stop sweating, it masks the smell. Your hands will stop turning red, cold, and sweaty; and you are on your way to a normal life.
Cheers,
Doctor Jeff.
PS. If you have any questions or comments about this treatment, E-mail me at:
jeffrey_pawlowski AT sbcglobal DOT net (remove spaces). (06/13/2007)
By Jeff
I'm a 19 yr. old male from Manchester England and I have the same problem with sweaty hands. The temperature of them is constantly fluctuating and they turn a horrible purple when cold and bright red when hot. It is so embarrassing and really effects my life in a negative way. Not sure if there is even a name for this problem. Want to learn more about it if anyone knows? (07/31/2007)
By Shane
After learning from this site that my excessive sweating was actually hyperhidrosis- I did some net research and came up with using sage tea, some sites suggest drinking it & some suggest applying it topically. I made a solution with some powdered kitchen sage & have used it successfully to stop sweating on my face & I have sipped it, too. I am experimenting with putting in in a spray bottle to carry around with me in the summer...maybe mixed with some cologne? But it does feel funny & they warn against using it if you have troubles with seizures, so I am using it gingerly. (07/31/2007)
By pam munro
The condition is called Palmar erythema, and may happen for a number of reasons, including liver problems, high estrogen levels and genetics.
If you have the symptoms, but no obvious reasons, get checked for hepatitis, but it is worth noting that many people have this for no reason at all. (09/13/2007)
By aussie_bob
I had the same problem of sweaty hands. I underwent surgery a few years ago and now my hands are pretty much 90% sweat free -the best decision I have EVER made. Recently there has been another medical breakthrough - they now do the operation for feet as well, I am going to speak to the doctor about that as well. Note, that my hands are still red but not to the degree that it was before, so I am very very satisfied with the results.
Check this site out http://www.sweaty-palms.com/sweaty_palms.html
Understand that you might not live in LA but perhaps the doctor can point you to his counterpart in the region that you are located in. Good Luck!
(10/18/2007)
By steph
I also have very red hands. I'm 24 and it started about 3 yrs ago. It's very embarrassing. They get especially red when I drink alcohol, get out of the shower, or when I take my adderall for ADHD. Also when I get nervous or excited, really anytime it could happen. Oh and they get really cold too! I was wondering if anyone tried the deodorant thing that doctor said. If anyone has any suggestions or answers please respond back. (11/29/2007)
By NOLA
I am in the same boat too. My hands from time to time can be cold, and turn purplish, then when they warm up they can turn to a bright red color, especially during the winter months. I get embarrassed, and try to put my hands in my pockets or just walk away from a crowd if I am out. This might not even be a condition. Does anyone have advice? (12/03/2007)
By rmadd122
I have raynauds and possibly lupus, waiting on tests results. I'm 25. I can't say I can relate to the insecurities of others posting here about what other people think about things, like red hands or sweat (if I remember right sweating is something all humans do though I could be wrong). I'm just curious if with the raynauds is it typical for your hands to burn and throb and have your veins visibly bulge? I live in a cold area so I'm a bit out of luck also when I get these flare ups in my hands. My blood pressure goes from 130/90 up to as high as 168/104, if that makes any sense. (12/26/2007)
By George
I've been to the doctor many times for my hyperhidrosis, red hands, and really cold hands. None of the medication they gave me worked and I heard the surgery has many dangerous side effects. Is there a solution for my sweaty, cold, and red hands? People that don't have hyperhydrosis, don't know how hard it is and I really want to resolve it. Thank you (01/02/2008)
By Chad.
I suffer from Raynaud's and I have all the same symptoms. It seems to me that it goes from 1 extreme to another. When I'm cold I'm blue, but when I'm hot I'm red, when I turn red my feet and hands begin to get really sweaty. Raynauds is not my only problem. I get shocks, which I can only describe as electric shocks that shoot up in the center of my spine, but mainly in my feet- usually while stood or walking.
I've visited my local hospital many times and have been diagnosed with primary Raynauds, there is no explanation for the shocks. I'm desperate to know any information about it, or even if there is any relation between raynauds and the shocks, as it causes me great pain. (01/19/2008)
By H
I have the same problem of red purple hands, and I believe it is related to some Rheumatic problems such as Lupus. Somebody, mentioned that above and I have the same problem: Sweaty hands that turn purple in the extreme cold, but I also have some joint pain problems. This is very important as most doctors (over 15) did not know the relation. (02/18/2008)
By wqas
I have the same problem as these people. My hands are really sweaty every day, and also my feet and my under arms. I went to my doctor, she gave me antiperspirant to use, but it didn't help at all. Then I took some medication called Robinull, that didn't help either. Then I went to a private doctor and he told me that I have high blood pressure. He gave me a tablet called propronolol for my high blood pressure, and this powder also, a gel called double base gel. I am using it at the moment but it seems like it doesn't help. I am really in stress. Please help me! (02/25/2008)
By sally
I have red hands and swollen ankles too. The holistic approach suggests attention to a personal dietary plan. Both histamine release and blood vessel imbalance can cause hand redness and symptoms described. Too much pita, as in the ayurvedic concept of heat. Try herbs that reduce pita. See an ayurvedic counselor. (03/02/2008)
By Jzyz
I have the same problem, my hands are always red and my arms are a little red also. When I raise my hands above my head my arms and hands go back to a normal color. The redness seems to get worse at colder temperatures. (03/07/2008)
I have the same problem as all of you do. And I'm only 15, it's so embarrassing. I have been diagnosed with raynauds, and my mom has it too. I have noticed like someone else, that my ADD medication (which is a stimulant) makes my raynauds worse. But without my ADD meds, I can't focus at all. I need help. (03/13/2008)
By jessica r
I have a solution, I am not a doctor, I am a 15 year old kid with hyperhidrosis, and also red and purple arms and hands.
What worked terrific for me was a product named DRIONIC. It sends electric currents through your hands and closes the pores. It is just a tad uncomfortable, but it's way worth it. You use it about 30 minutes a day for about a week and a half. Your sweat will be gone, and since your sweat is gone the air will not chill your fingers so you won't have red or purple hands.
DRIONIC is about $120 and I highly highly recommend it. I know what every one of you is experiencing and it is truly the worst feeling in the world. So if you want it to stop, just search for the DRIONIC product or ask your doctor about it. (03/24/2008)
By jon
Well I do have the same problem as all of you, the whole red hands thing but really not the sweating. I'm experimenting with these pills called Sea Vegg, they are suppose to be very healthy for you and can get them anywhere. I know I'm just about ready to try anything. I just started today and if I notice anything better I will post it up.
I'm also going to try what the doctor below me has said (to try the things called certain dri). I'll leave feed back, oh and if anyone on here has tried it, has it worked? I would like to buy it but I really can't afford anything right now. Come on, we can get this right = ) Also, we all should start posting pictures of our hands, I was just trying but my camera is making them look regular = (
(05/11/2008)By james
I don't know if I have the same thing, but my hands and feet get really sweaty and swollen. They also look very red sometimes. I can get like this all the time but it gets really bad when it's hot. My doctor gave me a prescription to put over them at night but it dried my hands too much and made them hurt because they would still swell. I definitely understand what you guys are going through. (05/13/2008)
By jessica
When you people say red hands, do you mean your whole hand or just the palms and fingertips? The picture shows light redness but in fact are much brighter. (05/19/2008)
By Red
Better red pic? (05/19/2008)
By Red
Been doing a lot of research on this subject as well. Red, those pics look to me like palmar erythema. I have a similar problem, my hands look completely red but from a distance seem to be more like yours, plus my nails are white. I think it's a liver thing in my case. Any history of heavy drinking? (05/21/2008)
By Mike
Mike, yes, I've been told it's palmar erythema and did drink a lot in my younger days, but quit 12 years ago (I'm now 42). The odd thing is I didn't have this till 8 months ago - Oct '07
All through the cold winter my hands felt cold and numb or had a few hot spells but no white or blue fingers. Now with the warm weather they seem to have little speckles of sweat on them and fingertips have become sensitive with a raw feeling.
I've had almost every test available from Hep series, to Vitamin B, to white blood count, to thyroid and connective tissue disorder, including a neck MRI and carpal tunnel. All negative. One thing I have noticed is when I get stressed or worked up they start to ache and get very, very red.
Been told it just might be "who I am". I've been trying Gold Bond powder on them. Let you know how it works out! (05/23/2008)
By Red
I have the same problem as all of you have described here. Though my hands are not sweating, they turn purple when they're cold and bright red when they're hot. The condition is worse when I have my hands down, but they turn back to normal when I'm lying down or have up them up above my head. I also have wrinkling on my fingers as if they had been submerged underwater. I was told that I might have a circulation problem but my family doctor and my neurologist are still unclear what the real cause is. Please help! (05/24/2008)
By Guest2008
Well Mike, it seems that in my situation I now have 2 doctors telling me it's Raynaud's Phenomenon likely caused by my 9 years of working with high torque ( 80 newton meters) dc nutrunners. Basically I secure the seats of cars in an auto plant. This link is a good read and you will see the note about red palms. Going for an assessment to confirm.
http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/diseases/raynaud.html (05/28/2008)
By Red.
I've got sweaty and red hands too. The sweating I've had for as long as I can remember on my hands, underarms, feet, and butt if I sit for a long time. For the underarms, CertainDri works wonders, but is painful when you first start using it. I don't use it now and only when I get really hot, do I sweat under my arms. My feet problems were inherited from my dad and cause major blistering to the point of me asking my doc for cortisone shots once every few months or just cut my feet off. Instead, he prescribed fluocinonide and that cleared them up greatly. It's a strong steroid that actually thins out your skin, so he prescribes elocon (mometasone furoate cream) to use as maintenance. I actually started using that on my hands before I go to bed and that seems to help a little.
One thing that I seem to notice is that after smoking, my hands get more red, even if I hold one of my hands away from the smoke. It's like the nicotine is going through my body and causing just my hands to be red. I'm trying to quit for that and other obvious health reasons, but am curious if any other smokers think this might be part of the problem (part meaning I had red hands before I started smoking so I know that's not the entire problem). (05/30/2008)
By Joe
I don't have the sweating, but my knuckles are always red. In fact, over the past few years I have come to realize that there is something seriously wrong with my skin. I am a 24 year old guy but I cannot put my hands in hot water. Fellow workers including women did not flinch a bit when putting there hands in the water to clean the dishes but the same water was just too painful/hot for me.
Furthermore, my skin does not recover well after scratches and cuts. The skin on my upper arms, hands, chest, neck and under the eyes is very thin and weak. I have had bags under my eyes since high school. Blue veins occasionally show on my chest. Increasingly I am finding more burst red blood vessels on my skin, from memory they are called Cherry Angioma's.
Basically my skin is a real problem for me. My only understanding of this is that between grade 9 to 12 I had an eating disorder that was built around the fact that I didn't know what was good for me to eat. I thought and heard that so many foods were bad that I never snacked when perhaps I should have. My years at high school were sleep deprived towards the final 2 years also.
Can this still be affecting my skin today? I don't drink, I've NEVER smoked, (although I did grow up among a passive smoker through my dad, who smoked in the house and car, I always tried not to breathe it in though). I live on my own now, eat a high protein and carb diet, and exercise but no matter how much sleep I get I feel like my skin around my face and hands is still "raw".
I have many moles especially on my back. Every few months I seem to discover new ones growing. A few years ago I tried sun baking for 20 minutes once every few weeks to see if it would make me a bit darker like my sister and brother, but I don't think it was worth it at all. For the few days of slightly darker skin I seem to be popping with more moles and cherry angiomas now.
Last month on my neck I discovered a "mole" of some kind which is much more raised and 'glossy' than other moles and it appears to be leaking! Occasionally I can peel off a dried layer from it. Basically I am kind of creeped out by the way my skin appears to be thinning and aging much sooner than it should. Is it related to the arthritic numb pain that I get in my hand when writing too much during lectures? If there is a treatment for this condition I would be very interested to try it. I live in Adelaide, South Australia.
If someone wishes to contact me I am "mr super poker" (no spaces) at the usual hotm**l address. (10/10/2008)
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I was diagnosed with a very rare condition called Erythromelalgia 3 years ago causing my upper and lower extremities turn lobster red , burn and get swollen. I cant always handle the heat well especially hot weather and warm showers, washing the dishes , etc.
When it was cold outside, my hands were still wet and wet, HH is horrible, no matter if hot or cold.
For the hands is a lot of cosmetics, but also there is a something non-chemical and very effective solution in there -
www.electroantiperspirant.com/get-iontophoresis-device
It helps me a lot, really works, I very like them. Last year was excellent for my hands, I am sure that this year will be even better, just two session and hands sweat free! :)
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