The Handshake Redemption: How To Fix Those Clammy Hands Before Your Next Meeting
Hands sweat. Some of us own up to the excessive perspiration of their palms and others just get downright embarrassed. How many meetings have started on the awkward foot because of your clamminess?
If you’re reading this article I think it’s safe to say that a fair amount of awkward glances have been thrown your way. Rest assured, you’re not alone my friend. Here are some ways you can shuck the clam for good:
- Powders those puppies. A long-lasting method to get rid of the wetness is to dry it up! You can try baking soda, chalk or baby powder. If it keeps a babies butt dry, why not your hands? Try pouring a thimble-sized amount of powder in your palms and spreading it around gently and evenly. You can also use anti-perspirant, just don’t use the same one for your armpits and your hands…thanks.
2. Wash your hands more frequently. Every time you wash your hands, you strip them of their natural oils. This could alleviate your clammy hand problem in the long run if you continuously wash your hands more often throughout the day. Plus you’ll have extra clean hands!
3. Avoid perspiration-causing foods. Remember that 5 star Phad Thai that had you sweating bullets? Yeah, don’t eat that! Spicy foods trigger the same bodily process as physical heat, and what do you do when it’s hot? Sweat. Aside from spicy foods, excessive caffeine and alcohol can also activate your sweat glands. So unless you want your handshakes to feel like someone dipped their hand in a bucket of water, say no to the extra latte.
4. If the basic remedies don’t get rid of those sweaty palms, then you may want to take a stroll down the medical route. Ask your doctor about anticholinergics. This class of drugs is tailored specifically for the treatment of excessive perspiration. They essentially interfere with the process from a chemical in your brain called acetylcholine, which, among other things, control’s your body’s sweating. There are some nasty side effects though, so please be sure to ask your doctor before checking these out.
5. This last step is reserved for EXTREME cases. I’m talking about your hands are so sweaty, you haven’t been able to hold onto an object with a confident grip since you can remember. I mean so sweaty that you turn every handkerchief into a Wetnap. So sweaty that when you high five someone, you have to warn people that the first three rows are the splash zone. Do any of those statements apply to you? Well then…
You could consider Botox injections.
No, your hands will not look like Handzilla, Destroyer of Palms.
Botox has actually been used to treat cases of excessive perspiration for some time now. Botox treatments work by injecting a small amount of a poison called Botulinum under your skin. In doses that small, the toxin tightens the skin and interferes with the chemical in your body that activates your sweat glands. However, through numerous applications, a botox regimen can alleviate excessive clamminess for up to a year.
In closing, I hope these methods have reignited your hope that there is a light at the end of this sweaty tunnel. Don’t let your hands rain on your parade any longer. With so much pressure put on the importance of first impressions, you don’t want anything to dampen your chances of a stellar introduction. Dryer days are ahead and despite what your parents told you at the glassware store, keep your hands OUT of your pockets.
