I've had sweaty hands all my life. When I was in high school, my doctor gave me a liquid that would dry them out for a while but it didn't work well and smelled terrible. They sweat after applying powder or antiperspirants. Most of the time, I'm just used to it and avoid shaking hands with people if I can.

Today, I went in to be fingerprinted for my preschool job and four of my prints couldn't be read at all, due to the sweat. The scanner said that she hasn't had a problem like mine. We tried washing my hands, applying lotion, wiping off the lotion, applying hand sanitizer and wiping that off. If I can't get my prints read, I won't be able to work. Has anyone had this problem or known anyone that came up with a solution? TIA

By Amecmom on Monday, August 20, 2007 - 04:18 pm:

Can you try rubbing your fingertips with a chalk bag like pool players use, just before they scan your prints? The chalk may soak up the excess wetness just long enough for the scan to take place.
Good luck.
Ame

By Nicki on Monday, August 20, 2007 - 04:28 pm:

My dh said try going elsewhere to get your prints done. He said they usually used alcohol if someone had sweaty hands, and he finds it hard to believe they couldn't get your prints done for you. He thought your local sheriff's dept. should do it for free.

By Tink on Monday, August 20, 2007 - 04:50 pm:

The scanner told me that I can't use powder, cornstarch or chalk on my hands because of the screen and we wiped my hands with alcohol wipes several times. We also thought the alcohol in the antibacterial gel would dry them out but no luck. There is an agency here that does fingerprint scans for all school and childcare jobs.

By Kaye on Monday, August 20, 2007 - 06:57 pm:

Since they only have to be dry for a few seconds, can you alcohol wipe them and then blow them dry with a blow dryer on a cool setting?

By Amecmom on Monday, August 20, 2007 - 08:16 pm:

Keep the chalk in your pocket. They'll never see it.
Or - call your doc and see what he/she recommends. Amedical waiver maybe Maybe something to keep you from sweating for a few days?
I just read that they are now using liposuction techniques to suck out sweat glands of people who sweat excessively.
How would they even find the sweat glands in your fingers?
Good luck. Let us know how you solve the problem!

By Reds9298 on Monday, August 20, 2007 - 08:50 pm:

A fellow cheerleader on my squad in high school had this problem. It was difficult for her to work with the mount guys sometimes because her hands were so "slippery" that sometimes she couldn't get a good grip. She took medicine for it I know, and I remember seeing her years later and said that she didn't even have the problem at all anymore. The blow dryer idea might work. Can you just keep them wrapped in a towel until right before taking the prints? Also, are they more dry right after washing your hands? That might sound silly but I thought maybe immediately after washing and drying your sweat glands wouldn't be back it again yet. Good luck!

By Amecmom on Monday, August 20, 2007 - 09:05 pm:

How about an ice pack right up until it's time? Just another thought -
Ame

By Crystal915 on Monday, August 20, 2007 - 09:29 pm:

I found these links, maybe this can help temporarily.

Dry Touch Hands

Hyperhidrosis

By Crystal915 on Monday, August 20, 2007 - 09:30 pm:

Also, what about Gold Bond lotion? It might stop the sweat without a powdery residue.

By Nicki on Monday, August 20, 2007 - 10:42 pm:

Tink, did they just send you away saying they couldn't do your prints? I guess that just seems strange. I mean, you are certainly not the only person who has this, and I would think they would figure out a way to make it work.

By Tink on Tuesday, August 21, 2007 - 11:28 am:

Thanks for all the suggestions. I have to have a health screening anyway so I'll talk to my doctor. Crys, I haven't yet, but I'll check out those links. Nicki, we spent 25 minutes trying to get a decent set of prints to send off. Both of my ring and pinkie fingers never had a single clear print. I compared fingerprints with several friends last night and I seem to have "shallow prints" (the markings aren't prominent at ALL) so I'm wondering if it's the combination of that plus the sweaty fingertips that is making this so difficult. I had to wash my hands right before starting the scan so I don't think I can sneak powder or chalk in. Ame, I know that there is electrolysis and Botox being used for this problem and an ex-boyfriend had surgery that re-routed his sweat glands to stop this. I'm hoping that there is some kind of medication or a medical waiver available or that I can be fingerprinted the old fashioned way since I don't think it would be a problem with ink and paper. Thanks for all the suggestions!