Excessive Sweating in Children – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Summer brings along a reason to rejoice. Be it the summer holidays, the picnics, the evening outings, the surprise rains, or the ice cream treats; summers have something for all. But some children may never find summers welcoming. Why is that so? Because the over excessive sweating could ruin their happy times. But, did you know there is a condition that causes excessive sweating? It’s called Hyperhidrosis. Let’s take a look at what it is.

What Is Hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis is a disorder that triggers hormonal imbalance that, in turn, causes the body to sweat profusely. Common in children, hyperhidrosis can lead to irritation in kids. This condition may lead to oozing out of body fluids from the underarms, hands, forehead, feet, or even the soles.

A study suggests that hyperhidrosis is not necessarily due to exertion or heat. Rather it is a disorder that could arise due to some medical problem too. Read on to find everything related to this common problem.

Types of Excessive Sweating

Excessive sweating can be generally categorised into the following types:

1. Generalised Excessive Sweating

This is a more serious type of sweating where your kid may sweat to an extent where even his clothes would soak and stick to the body. This type of sweating normally occurs in every part of the body.

2. Local Excessive Sweating

This type of sweating may not pose that big an issue as it oozes out body fluid from mainly one part, be it armpits or facial sweat.

3. Primary Hyperhidrosis

This is the type of sweating that is not triggered due to a side effect of any drug. This type of sweating is more common in kids.

4. Secondary Hyperhidrosis

Just the opposite of primary hyperhidrosis; secondary hyperhidrosis is caused due to a side effect of a medication or medical condition. This type of sweating is more common in adults.

How Much Sweating Is Normal in a Child?

Everyone sweats in summers or during overexertion. And, it is pretty normal to sweat at it is the way the body oozes out a mixture of sodium and water in order to cool down the body.

The problem arises when the sweating occurs due to no underlying reason. In such conditions, the over sweating can ruin your kid’s childhood as he may shy away from social gatherings.

Causes of Excessive Sweating in Kids

The reasons for excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis in kids include:

1. Infections

You may feel that your kid is sweating in excess, and that is pretty normal. But not paying heed to possible infections could be one mistake. Certain infections such as tuberculosis include hyperhidrosis a major symptom.

2. Diabetes

If your kid suffers from hereditary issues such as diabetes, he may sweat excessively. You can make out this conclusion if the sweat smells like acetone or the popularly known nail polish remover.

3. Hyperthyroidism

In case your kid is suffering from thyroid issues, he may experience excessive sweating as a signal. This thyroid hormone imbalance is accompanied by other symptoms such as weight loss, nausea, weakness, or even diarrhoea.

4. Hypertension

Some children may have to deal with high blood pressure even in tender age. Such a medical condition may bring along excessive sweating in turn.

5. Warm Clothing or Environments

Making your kids wear warm clothing in summers may lead to excessive sweating. Even warm room temperatures could be one reason that could lead to over sweating.

6. Side Effects

If your kid is under some kind of medication or you are providing them health supplements; they may over sweat as a result of a side effect.

7. Congestive Heart Failure

Though a rare condition, infants with congestive heart failure issues may also sweat in excess. Other symptoms usually include coughing, exhaustion while feeding, and rapid breathing.

Signs of Hyperhidrosis in Kids

The following symptoms are related to hyperhidrosis:

1. Visible Sweating

If you notice your ward getting soaked in his sweat more than normal, it could possibly be due to hyperhidrosis.

2. Interruptions In Routine Tasks

If your kid finds it difficult to hold his pen and may lose grip often, or he finds it difficult to stay cool; it may be due to hyperhidrosis.

3. Whitish Skin

When a body over sweats, whitish spots may develop in sweat prone regions. The skin also appears peeled off. If this happens, hyperhidrosis could be the conclusion.

4. Skin Infections

Excessive sweating in your kid could lead to infections in the skin that would require medical attention. Some of such infections include athlete’s foot or ringworms.

5. Other Skin Issues

Conditions such as eczema inflammation in certain skin areas, or even rashes could be symptoms observed in kids suffering from hyperhidrosis.

Diagnosis of Hyperhidrosis in a Child

The diagnosis of hyperhidrosis include:

1. Laboratory Tests

Be it a blood test or a urine test; a doctor may prescribe either or both of them to diagnose conditions such as hyperthyroidism or blood sugar level issues.

2. Thermoregulatory Sweat Test

The underlying test helps in diagnosing the increased levels of sweat. In this test, a moisture-sensitive powder is applied to the skin’s surface. If your kid sweats in normal room temperature, the powder will decolourise, implying hyperhidrosis.

Treatment of Excess Sweating in a Child

Treatment of hyperhidrosis greatly depends upon the severity of sweating your kid would be experiencing. Look at the following treatments that could offer the much-needed relief.

1. Medications

• Medicated Antiperspirant – Usually the first defensive medication, a medicated antiperspirant can fight off sweat effectively. From mild to strong, every kind of antiperspirant is available in the market. The prescription of which may depend on the severity of the condition.
• Oral Medications – Certain oral medicines, when given, can block the nerves that tend to trigger the sweat glands. One needs to be prepared for the side effects of these medications, though. Dry mouth, improper vision or even bladder infections could be some of the side effects.
• Botulinum Toxin Injections – Such injections can help in blocking the nerves that lead to the triggering of sweat glands in children.

2. Surgical and Other Treatments

• Sweat Gland Exclusion – This is recommended to kids who just can’t stop sweating no matter what season or time it is. The sweat glands are done away with by liposuction method.
• Nerve Surgery – Another surgery suggested for hyperhidrosis is nerve surgery. The functioning of the spinal nerves that trigger the sweat glands is deactivated.

Prevention of Excessive Sweating in Kids

These tips can help prevent excessive sweating in your child:

• Regular bathing, even 2 times a day in summers followed by applying deodorants and mild antiperspirants.
• Keep your kids’ clothing lose, and only prefer cotton fabric in summers.
• After exertion, such as an evening at a park, let your kid cool himself under a fan or a cooler.
• Give proper air to the feet, either by wearing no socks at all or wearing cotton socks instead.

Looking at the above-mentioned information, you would have good knowledge about sweat and its underlying facts. In case your kid is also over sweating, do not panic. Either you could follow the given preventions or consult your doctor for recommendations to provide your child with better relief from the condition.

Also Read:

Night Sweating in Kids
Dehydration in Children
Night Terrors in Toddlers and Kids