No, Vaseline will likely not stop sweaty hands and may even worsen the problem.
Here's why:
- Vaseline is an occlusive emollient: This means it creates a barrier on the skin, preventing moisture from escaping. While this is beneficial for dry skin by trapping existing moisture, it can exacerbate sweaty hands.
- Trapping Sweat: If your hands are already prone to sweating, applying Vaseline will trap the sweat against your skin, making your hands feel greasier and wetter.
- Lack of Antiperspirant Properties: Vaseline does not contain antiperspirant ingredients like aluminum chloride, which are necessary to reduce sweat production. Creams that do contain these chemicals can help, but Vaseline is purely a moisturizer and barrier.
- Greasy Residue: As the reference indicates, petroleum jelly (the main component of Vaseline) can leave your palms feeling excessively greasy, which may be uncomfortable and make the problem of perceived sweaty hands even worse.
Instead of Vaseline, consider these alternatives for managing sweaty hands (hyperhidrosis):
- Antiperspirants: Use an over-the-counter antiperspirant containing aluminum chloride on your hands, especially at night.
- Prescription Medications: A doctor can prescribe stronger antiperspirants or oral medications to reduce sweating.
- Iontophoresis: This treatment uses a device to pass a mild electrical current through water to temporarily block sweat glands.
- Botox Injections: Botox can be injected into the hands to block the nerves that cause sweating.
- Surgery: In severe cases, surgery to cut the nerves that control sweating may be considered.
In short, Vaseline is not a solution for sweaty hands and may worsen the feeling of wetness and greasiness. Focus on treatments designed to reduce sweat production.
