Child dislikes water

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Child dislikes water

by Michelle
(Calif)

My child almost 8 can not stand getting his hands wet. Even when it is hot out you can see he is not liking the idea of getting in the pool. He says he doesn't like his fingers to get wrinkly and clinches his hands into fist so nothing can touch them. It seems to be getting worse. I have not found anyone who has dealt with this. Please help with advise if you have. Thank you.

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Child dislikes water

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Nov 13, 2011
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SENSORY DISORDER
by: GRANT

hi i have had this all my life,it won`t get better....they aint feeling pain there confusing the feeling....imagine running your fingers down a chalk board it isnt nice well with this disorder thats the feeling and it takes hrs sometimes upto 2 days for it too go....i avoid contact with water as much as possible.....theres loads of people out there with it the only slight help is eczema cream but it takes a while too work....sometimes the greasiness of creams is just as bad...it`ll be be just a case of putting up with the clenched hands and loads of other symptoms

http://ehealthforum.com/health/can-t-touch-cloth-with-wet-hands-t143541.html theres a few people here

Aug 27, 2011
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Chlorine Sensitivity
by: Anonymous

Hi Charlotte - I just read your comment and know exactly what you are going through. We did go to a pediatric neurologist who suggested Occupational Therapy to "retrain" his hands to tolerate water -- this is kind of like cognitive behavioral therapy. We haven't done this yet because just the thought of "therapy" to Chris seemed to be worse than the sensitivity of his hands. What I have discovered on my own is that a lot of people have a chlorine sensitivity or allergy. I believe that is the cause of our situation. Chris doesn't have the same reaction to water when he swims in the river -- only with baths and washing his hands. This may be the same situation with your child although that wouldn't explain the hand sanitizer. There is a product called, "DermaSwim" that swimmers use for chlorine sensitivity. It seems to help a little but it does wash off quickly Just google it and you will see the website. There is also a product called, "Wonder Glove" that hospital professional use on their hands because they wash them so much. It apparently doesn't wash off until after 3 -4 four washes so it may provide a better barrier. We haven't tried that one yet. Good luck.

Aug 23, 2011
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Same symptoms
by: Charlotte

My daughter is 8 and has had these same symptoms since she was 3 or 4. She hates a shower because then her hands and feet "hurt" as she says and she can't touch ANYTHING after she has had one. She just got out of the shower in which I made her wash her whole body and use her hands. She let me know "now you have to feed me my snack, because I can't touch anything with my hands." She even needs help getting dressed. She refuses to wash her hands ever and as well uses hand sanitizer. She loves to go swimming but for hours after clenches her hands and toes up and wont do anything. Its very frustrating! My mom says we need to work on desensitizing them by brushing them with a hair brush. She says I was like it when I was really young and that is what they told her to do with me, of course she wont let us do it.

Apr 03, 2011
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Exact Same Symptoms
by: Charis

I am in shock to have just read about your child. My son is 12 and started having the EXACT same reaction to water on his hands about 18 months ago. He has had to quit the swim team because it has gotten so bad. He won't wash his hands (uses hand sanitizer) and after his shower at night, he clinches his hands and goes crazy if he touches any kind of paper. His pediatrician just made an appointment for him with a pediatric neurologist to test for sensory problems. I will post the results and what kind of treatment we pursue. Thank you for posting this - it is good to know there are others who understand exactly what you are experiencing. Good luck to you and your child!

Feb 20, 2011
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Hypersensitivity
by: Letha Marchetti OTR/L

Since the hands are specialized for sensation - lots more nerve endings than most other places on the body, they are often an area of issue when a child is hypersensitive.

Occupational therapists deal with this sort of thing. It's not uncommon with SPD children. Call around and find an OT who is a match. You'll both be happier for it.

Jan 19, 2011
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possible idea?
by: Anonymous

Is there any kind of waterproof glove that will seal around his wrist to keep water out? Is that the only part of his body that is sensitive to water? These are the first ideas that come to mind. I will keep thinking about this and post again if I come up with any other suggestions.

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Child dislikes water

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Child dislikes water