During an interview, Dr Li Rui emphasized that excessive sweating in children without cause must not be ignored; it must be treated promptly to prevent it from affecting the child's healthy growth and development.
Due to Singapore's hot and humid climate, sweating is often considered natural. Consequently, pediatric hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) is frequently overlooked by many parents.
Pediatric hyperhidrosis refers to children under the age of 12 who sweat excessively and without any obvious reason. Dr Li Rui points out that this condition is primarily caused by "Qi Deficiency" in the body.
She explained, "Especially after a child has been ill, their resistance decreases and their Qi and Blood become weak, which leads to increased sweating."
Three Main Classifications
Based on the underlying causes, Dr Li Rui categorizes pediatric hyperhidrosis into three main types:
Type 1: Unstable Exterior due to Deficiency (表虚不固)
This refers to children with a weaker constitution who sweat excessively, particularly on the head and shoulders. These children often have a pale complexion and cold hands and feet.
Treatment: The goal is to "Tonify Qi and Consolidate the Exterior." Dr Li Rui typically prescribes Yu Ping Feng San (Jade Windscreen Powder) to replenish Qi and effectively curb excessive sweating.
Type 2: Disharmony between Ying and Wei (营卫不和)
This is often caused by insufficient "Wei Qi" (defensive energy), usually occurring after a child has suffered from acute or chronic illnesses. This leads to spontaneous sweating all over the body, accompanied by mental fatigue, low-grade fever, and poor appetite.
Treatment: Treatment involves harmonizing the body's internal and defensive energies using Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang (Astragalus and Cinnamon Twig Five-Substance Decoction).
Type 3: Deficiency of both Qi and Yin (气阴两虚)
This manifests as "Night Sweats" (sweating while asleep) and waking up with a weak cry. Children with this type are often thin, experience heat in the palms and soles, and suffer from irritability or poor sleep.
Treatment: Focuses on nourishing both Qi and Yin to stabilize the spirit and stop the sweating.
Dr Li Rui, who holds a Master’s degree from the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences and a Bachelor’s degree from Shandong Medical University, has extensive clinical experience in TCM pediatrics. She stated, "TCM has always attached great importance to unexplained sweating in children, as it is fundamentally linked to Qi deficiency."
This issue should not be neglected, as a long-term deficiency in Qi, Blood, and organ function can lead to a weakened constitution and potentially impact a child's overall development.
Replenishing Qi and Blood: Spleen-Strengthening Nutrition
Unexplained sweating in children can be prevented and managed with proper care to ensure their physical health. Dr Li Rui suggests the following methods:
Firstly, ensure children have a proper diet that includes foods to strengthen the Spleen and Stomach and promote nutrient absorption. For regular care, parents can cook a soup using Astragalus (Huang Qi), Red Dates, Fresh Ginger, and Oyster shells with pork ribs or chicken. This helps to strengthen the Spleen, tonify Qi, and consolidate sweating.
Secondly, children should be encouraged to exercise regularly to strengthen their physique and enhance their overall constitution.
