Excessive sweating, also known as hyperhidrosis is a relatively common condition that potentially affects 5% of the population. In this article, we will discuss excessive foot sweat. Even though the condition is common, for those affected it has a negative effect on your daily life.
Sweating is a normal bodily function. Glands all over your body, including the glands in the soles of your feet make sweat. And this sweat is used to cool your feet. The sweat that your feet make also helps with gripping the ground when walking. It is normal for your feet to sweat some when in the heat, or when being active, but for some people this sweat becomes constant and excessive. Signs and symptoms of hyperhidrosis of the feet are sweaty soles that are moist constantly. Sometimes sweaty toes will also be seen, with sweat that collects between the toes. Feet will also at times feel cold or cool when touched due to the sweat, this is also known as clammy feet.
Causes For Sweaty Feet:
There are two types of hyperhidrosis. The most common kind is primary hyperhidrosis where there is thought to be no specific cause, your nervous system has issues controlling your sweat glands. Secondary hyperhidrosis has a specific cause. Below are some of the causes of secondary hyperhidrosis.
Low blood sugar
Pregnancy
Anxiety
Infections
Menopause
Hyperthyroidism
At-Home Remedies for Sweaty Feet:
1. Antiperspirants
For most people who suffer from hyperhidrosis or sweaty feet, there are over-the-counter treatment options available that allow this condition to be managed.
An over-the-counter antiperspirant is one of the most common ways to manage excessive foot sweating.
For this to work it has to be antiperspirant and not just a deodorant. The chemicals in an antiperspirant, just like when placed under your arms can stop you from sweating, but temporarily block your sweat glands.
Antiperspirants work just as well on the soles of your feet to help with sweaty feet.
You want to take your antiperspirant and apply it to the bottoms or soles of both feet.
Spray antiperspirants are better to do this with than gel or stick.
It's best to do this at night time to give the soles of your feet a chance to absorb the antiperspirant.
Once you wake up in the morning, you will then rinse your feet, and go about your day. You should do this for 3-4 nights.
If you notice that the foot sweat is getting better, then you can continue to use the antiperspirant 1-2 nights a week.
2. Socks
The best socks to wear all around for people whose feet are always sweating are manmade materials like polyester, polyester blends, or nylon.
These materials tend to wick moisture away from the skin. Most socks are made from some form of cotton. Cotton is extremely absorbent, and not moisture-wicking, therefor not a great choice to wear for those people living with hyperhidrosis.
If you're looking for socks made from natural materials, wool is good to wear for those dealing with sweaty feet, but only in certain settings like in the evening or night, or in cold climates.
If needed, bring an extra pair of socks to work, school, or the gym to change into if the first pair becomes too sweaty.
3. Foot Powders
Cornstarch, over-the-counter foot powders, or an anti-fungal foot powder all help with hyperhidrosis of the feet by keeping your skin try. Apply these powders to your feet before putting on your socks and shoes.
4. Shoes
Wearing shoes that are made of breathable materials is very helpful in managing hyperhidrosis. Shoes made with mesh, manmade materials are great to help with sweaty feet. Leather is a natural, yet breathable material great for people with sweaty feet.
5. Iontophoresis
Iontophoresis is a tried and true treatment used in the treatment of hyperhidrosis. This technology has been around for more than 70 years. A person would place their feet in a shallow pan of water, and a mild electrical current is turned on in the water.
This treatment has been proven to block sweat production in the feet, but also much like everything else in this list, has to be done consistently to be effective.
To learn more about iontophoresis, click this link from the International Hyperhidrosis Society: https://www.sweathelp.org/hyperhidrosis-treatments/iontophoresis.html
When Should I See A Podiatrist About My Sweaty Feet?
Unfortunately, there are not any rules for what "normal" sweating looks like, but if your feet sweat a lot, these are some signs that you should see a doctor.
If your foot sweat is starting to affect your mental health - You are embarrassed about it, or are experiencing stress over it.
If your sweaty feet impact your everyday life negatively - for example, you are able to take part in certain activities because of hyperhidrosis.
Sweaty, itchy feet - A sign of skin infection
If you are also having toenail changes - A sign of possible nail fungus
If at-home treatments do not work
Schedule Your Appointment At Direct Podiatry Arizona Today
Looking for a Podiatrist to treat hyperhidrosis in the Phoenix area? Our office, Direct Podiatry Arizona is located in Tempe. Click the link to schedule your appointment for a free consultation today: janeapp.directpodaz.com