During the summer months, it is common for your feet to sweat when you are out in the sun or in the heat. However, for some people, sweaty feet goes beyond what is normal and becomes a medical problem that needs to be treated. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about sweaty feet.
What Causes Your Feet to Sweat?
There are many things that cause your feet to sweat. Heat, direct sunlight, or shoes that do not breathe are a few of the common reasons why people's feet sweat. However, in addition to these common causes, there is a less common reason why your feet may sweat. Up to five percent of the population is affected by a condition called plantar hyperhidrosis. This condition causes the sweat glands on the feet to produce large quantities of sweat throughout the day, leading to sweaty feet.
How Can You Prevent Sweaty Feet?
One of the best ways to prevent or minimize sweaty feet is to wear the right socks and shoes. Selecting socks and shoes that are made from breathable materials is one of the best ways to not only minimize foot sweat, but also help prevent conditions such as athletes' foot and toenail fungus. Another way to decrease foot sweat is to use antifungal powders in your shoes and on your feet. These powders help to keep your feet dry and absorb any moisture that is present. Lastly, using an antiperspirant on your foot can help to minimize foot sweat, while also helping to minimize the odors caused by sweaty feet.
When Should You See a Doctor for Sweaty Feet?
If you have tried to prevent sweaty feet, and nothing seems to be working for you, you may be suffering from plantar hyperhidrosis. A doctor can perform a test using iodine and corn starch to determine if your feet are overly sweaty. In addition to seeking treatment for sweaty feet, you may also need to seek treatment from a doctor if you have developed athletes' foot you cannot cure on your own or toenail fungus due to your sweaty feet.
What Are the Medical Treatments For Sweaty Feet?
If you are diagnosed with plantar hyperhidrosis, you do not have to live with sweaty feet for the rest of your life. There are treatments available to minimize or stop the sweating altogether. Some of those treatments include prescription strength antiperspirants for your feet, or oral medications called anticholinergics. Botox has also been shown to stop excessive sweating as long as Botox is injected every three to six months. Iontophoresis is another treatment that can be used. Iontophoresis uses an electrical current to prevent sweat from exiting the sweat glands for up to a month. Lastly, in severe cases, a surgical procedure called sympathectomy can be used to permanently interrupt the sweat signals that tell your feet to sweat excessively, preventing sweaty feet for good.
If you have sweaty feet that has led to a rash of your feet or toenail fungus, if your sweaty feet smell awful or you suspect your feet are sweating way more than they should, the staff at Sweeney Foot & Ankle Specialists, with offices in The Woodlands and Magnolia, Texas, are here to help you. We can help you get the treatment you need to help prevent sweaty feet and the problems that come along with them. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
