Sweaty feet
While most people experience sweaty feet at some point or another, most commonly when the weather is hot or after exercise, excessive feet sweating can be a sign of a condition called hyperhidrosis.
Affecting around 5% of the population, hyperhidrosis occurs when the sweat glands in the feet produce extreme amounts of sweat.
In most cases, sweaty feet are nothing to worry about, although they can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. However, if you suffer from excessive feet sweating, you are more at risk of developing other foot problems such as Athlete’s foot and fungal infections.
If you are concerned about your sweaty feet and you are looking for the most effective sweaty feet remedy, then the below guide is exactly what you need.
What is hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis is a condition that causes abnormally excessive sweating that is not caused by heat or exercise. In people with hyperhidrosis, sweat can soak through the clothes and shoes and drip off the body.
This condition can have a seriously detrimental effect on someone’s mental health, causing embarrassment, social anxiety, and even depression.
People can experience excessive sweating all over the body, including on the hands and feet. In fact, as the feet have more sweat glands than all other parts of the body, excessive sweating from the feet is fairly common.
What is the best hyperhidrosis feet treatment?
There is no one treatment that is guaranteed to treat hyperhidrosis or sweaty feet, and it is most often a case of trial and error to see what works for you.
Some of the most popular over-the-counter and prescribed treatments for sweaty feet are:
Antifungal foot powders
Antifungal powders are designed to treat sweaty feet and smelly feet. These can be bought over-the-counter at most pharmacies and supermarkets as well as online.
If you have any corn starch in your cupboard, this can be used in place of foot powder and has a similar effect on the feet.
Medicated foot creams
Foot creams are specially formulated to care for your feet and prevent foot problems such as dry skin, cracked heels, bad odours, and even excessive sweating.
When looking for a foot cream as a sweaty feet treatment, look for one that contains hydrating ingredients and essential oils that help combat any bad odour caused by sweaty feet.
CCS Foot Care Cream is one of the most effective foot creams for problematic feet and contains both urea which hydrates the skin and eucalyptus oil which banishes bad odours.
Foot deodorants
Deodorants and antiperspirants for feet can be used to remedy sweaty feet as these products work to temporarily block sweat glands.
Foot deodorants can be bought over-the-counter without the need for a prescription and are typically inexpensive.
Iontophoresis
Iontophoresis is a treatment that is aimed at people with sweaty feet and involves using water to pass a mild electrical current through the skin. This current temporarily blocks sweat glands.
You can find iontophoresis machines for sale online and at some pharmacies, so you can try out this treatment at home.
Botox
Botox can be injected directly into the feet to treat excessive sweating. However, this treatment can be painful, and it is not permanent, so you will need regular top-up treatments to keep sweaty feet at bay.
Are there any home remedies for sweaty feet?
If you do not want to use an over-the-counter sweaty feet treatment or you want to compliment your chosen treatment with a few home remedies for sweaty feet, there are several you can try:
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties, which makes it a good natural remedy for sweaty feet.
To use tea tree oil as a sweaty feet treatment, add a few drops to a foot bath or bowl of warm water and soak your feet twice a day for 15-20 minutes.
Eucalyptus oil
Eucalyptus oil is known for banishing bad odours and is another antifungal essential oil that can be used to stop sweaty feet.
To use eucalyptus oil as a sweaty feet treatment, add a few drops to a foot bath or bowl of warm water and soak your feet twice a day for 15-20 minutes.
Black tea
Black tea contains powerful antioxidants which can help to support good skin health. Plus, the tannins in tea close the skin’s pores which can help to reduce sweating.
To use black tea as a sweaty feet treatment, drop two black tea bags into a foot bath or bowl of warm water and soak your feet for 20 minutes per day.
When to see a doctor about sweaty feet
In most cases, you do not need to see a doctor about sweaty feet as this affliction can typically be treated with OTC sweaty feet treatment and the adoption of good hygiene practices.
However, if you suffer from excessive sweating on your feet that is affecting your everyday life or your mental health, then you should book an appointment with your doctor or a podiatrist.
Also, if you have had little success with OTC treatments and home remedies for sweaty feet, your doctor can prescribe alternative treatments.
How to reduce foot sweat
Some people are more prone to sweaty feet than others and will require ongoing treatments and lifestyle changes to stop foot sweat.
Some of the most effective techniques to reduce the symptoms of sweaty feet include:
Track sweat outbreaks
If you want to reduce foot sweat, then you need to know what triggers your sweaty feet. The simplest way to do this is by keeping a journal of your outbreaks so that you can identify patterns and triggers.
Wear moisture-wicking socks
Moisture-wicking socks are specially designed to draw moisture away from the skin, which means they are highly effective as a cure for sweaty feet. You can also get sports socks that feature ventilation panels to allow the feet to breathe during exercise.
Choose the right shoes
Your choice of footwear can have a significant impact on how sweaty your feet are. For example, shoes that are made from breathable fabrics such as canvas and leather are much more likely to reduce foot sweat than ones made from rubber or plastic.
You also need to ensure that you wear the correct size shoes, as both too tight and too loose footwear can cause your feet to sweat.
Stay hydrated
If you are prone to sweating and sweaty feet when the weather is warm, then you need to make sure you are drinking plenty of water. Staying hydrated not only helps to keep you cool but it also reduces your risk of sweating.
How to prevent perspiring feet
There are several steps that you can take to prevent perspiring feet, including:
- Wash your feet twice a day and after exercise using an antibacterial soap
- Dry your feet thoroughly after washing, especially between the toes
- Wear shoes that are made with breathable fabrics
- Avoid too-tight shoes
- Wear moisture-wicking socks
- Invest in a shoe dryer to reduce moisture
- Apply a foot powder and foot cream daily
Frequently asked questions
How to stop sweaty feet?
One of the most effective ways to stop sweaty feet is by applying foot powder daily. This OTC sweaty feet treatment absorbs excess sweat and moisture and helps keep your feet fresh and dry all day long. You should also practice good foot hygiene and stay hydrated, especially during hot weather and exercise.
Why do my feet get cold and sweaty at night?
Cold sweaty feet at night are a sign of Raynaud’s phenomenon, which is a condition that causes the blood vessels in the fingers and toes to constrict. Poor circulation can also cause cold and sweaty feet at night, as well as a thyroid condition.
How to stop sweaty feet in sandals?
To stop sweaty feet in sandals, you can either wear socks or apply a foot powder. It can also be a good idea to wash your feet before wearing sandals and to avoid doing anything too strenuous to prevent excessive sweating.
Why are my feet so sweaty?
Some people are more prone to being sweaty than others which could be the reason why your feet are so sweaty. Also, the feet have the most sweat glands out of all the parts of the body, which means they are more prone to sweating. Stress, smoking, and certain medical conditions can also make you more likely to have sweaty feet.
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