I've noticed many kids with excessively sweaty palms, especially while writing. This causes poor pencil grip, sweat-marks on the sheets, which further causes poor writing posture, slow writing speed, pain, and embarrassment in the child. If your child's palms are sweaty/sticky while writing, please read on.
Common reasons for pediatric palmar hyperhidrosis:
- Anxiety/stress: Stress is not a response to only bad situations. Any situation that causes overwhelming of the mind can cause stress. Common causes of stress in children can be exams, festivals, travels, power-packed schedules, etc.
- Hot foods: High intake of spicy and heat-generating food, which is common during festivals, can cause the extremities to sweat more than usual.
- Underlying medical conditions: With the rise in childhood obesity and childhood diabetes, excessive sweating in children is also on the rise. It is also genetic in nature.
- Chronic frequent congestions: Children who are frequently down with cold, cough, congestions, sweat more than those who do not have such respiratory/allergy issues.
- Synthetic clothing: Natural fibers help the skin breathe adequately and sweat less. Sticky, synthetic clothes can cause the skin to sweat unnaturally.
Though it is not a medical condition unless it is severe, it causes discomfort and affects writing skills. You may want to do these to help your child:
- Taped pencil/pen: Medical tape at the point of grip absorbs the excess sweat, and prevents the pencil/pen from slipping out
- Tissue paper: Ask your child to carry tissue paper to wipe hands intermittently. I see many of them wiping their hands in their clothes.
- Increase water intake: Excessive sweating may cause dehydration and mineral imbalance, which will further lead to health issues. It also has an impact on mood swings, and the child may be irritable without any apparent cause.
- Enhance mindfulness: Make sure your child gets rest (which is different from sleeping or watching TV). Mindful rest can go a long way in keeping good health.
I hope this helps. Please note that I am not a medical professional. This information is based on my observations and experiences as a psychotherapist and a mom.
