My baby is pasmado—his hands and feet sweat often and feel cold or clammy. What should I do?

Your child has hyperhodrosis, a familial condition with no accurate cause.

This cannot be prevented, but there are treatments available in the form of creams, ointments, or powder which can be applied to the hands and feet. However, these should only be used in consultation with your pediatrician and only if the child has outgrown the tendency to put his hands in his mouth, as these substances may be harmful if swallowed.


Photography by Alfred Mendoza

SOURCES:
• Maria Conception Cabildo-Quizon, M.D., pediatrician and active rotating consultant, Department of Pediatrics, San Juan Medical Center
• Alesia Hanson, RPh, toddlerstoday.com
• Websites: drhull.com; nylca.org/faq.html#toc
• SMART PARENTING issues: January/February 2003, March/April 2003, Jul/Aug 2003, September/October 2003