Do you have sweaty feet? Do they feel damp and have white, soggy skin? Are you embarrassed when removing your shoes or socks in front of others? Don’t worry, there are many treatment options available. Here’s everything you need to know.
Why do my feet sweat?
Sweating is a natural response to increased body temperature, physical activity and emotional stress. There are 250,000 sweat glands in the feet, which is why they sweat more than other parts of the body as well as perspire around half a pint of sweat daily.
Sweaty feet can lead to the development of itchy feet which is a symptom of conditions such as athlete’s foot, dermatitis and eczema. Athlete’s foot is the most common of these and it’s a fungal skin infection usually occurring between the toes. Read another of our blogs for more information on athlete’s foot.
What can excessive sweating cause?
Plantar hyperhidrosis is a condition where there is excessive sweating. It is thought to affect up to 4% of the population of Ireland and it may be genetic. Other causes include non-breathable socks, hosiery and footwear.
Sweat generally evaporates when it gets to the surface of the skin, but in individuals with sweaty feet, sweat blocks the overactive sweat glands which can cause bacteria to grow. This can lead to more sweating to try to unblock the glands and the development of pitted keratolysis.
Pitted keratolysis is a bacterial skin infection with small depressions or pits in the outer layer of the skin with a white appearance to the skin. The bacteria causes malodour (smelly feet) due to the production of sulphur compounds. It occurs more frequently among men, especially teenagers who are active in sports, due to increased sweating. This condition usually coexists with hyperhidrosis (sweaty feet). Mild cases are often resolved by following advice for sweaty feet and over-the-counter foot sprays/anti-perspirants. If not, you will need a GP prescription for a topical antibacterial cream.
Treating sweaty feet at home
Improve foot hygiene, wash feet daily with antibacterial soap. Changing socks twice daily if damp can alleviate symptoms. Avoiding non-breathable materials in socks and footwear can help, e.g. wearing bamboo or moisture-wicking sports socks instead of nylon, polyester.
Alternating footwear daily is a good idea, as it allows the shoes to air out and dry between wears.
Over the counter treatments such as surgical spirits, foot sprays and antiperspirants containing aluminum chloride can help remove moisture from the skin, reduce sweating and malodour.
Charcoal insoles (inserts) in footwear aim to reduce foot odour, but should be changed according to their guidelines, approximately every 2 months.
Professional treatment options
Iontophoresis is a treatment which reduces sweating by passing weak electrical currents through the feet when submerged in water in a tray or basin. Multiple treatments will be required. Botox is a treatment used only in severe cases. It works by blocking the nerves which activate the sweat glands, therefore patients generally see a significant reduction in sweat production.
It is best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any of the treatments mentioned above. Your podiatrist or GP will assess your feet and the severity of the condition. They will provide you with information and a treatment plan. Consistency is key to successful treatment.
References:
Academyclinics.com. 2019. SWEATY FEET - CAUSE AND TREATMENT. [online image] Available at: <https://www.academyclinics.com/blog/144676-sweaty-feet-cause-and-treatment_2> [Accessed 4 April 2020].
Healthline. 2020. Botox For Sweating: How It Works, Cost, Targeted Areas, And Risks. [online] Available at: <https://www.healthline.com/health/botox-for-sweating> [Accessed 1 April 2020].
Healthline. 2020. Pitted Keratolysis: Treatment, Symptoms, Hands, And More. [online] Available at: <https://www.healthline.com/health/pitted-keratolysis#outlook> [Accessed 1 April 2020].
Podiatric techniques 3B. 2016. "Pitted Keratolysis" [online image] Available at: <https://www.thinglink.com/scene/762198045180821504> [Accessed 4 April 2020].