Sweating is our body’s natural response to heat build-up in the body. However, Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition that describes excessive sweating. The condition is more common in men than women. And people with hyperhidrosis can experience excessive sweating on the palms and feet.
What are the causes of hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis can be genetic. High toxicity levels can also cause the feet to sweat excessively. Excessive sweating in the feet is commonly caused by our choice of shoes. Some medical studies also show that this condition can be related to what happens in the sympathetic nervous system.
To learn more about the causes of hyperhidrosis of the feet, consult a podiatrist. Dr. Paul Klein is a podiatrist who specializes in helping people with foot disorders.
What are the signs and symptoms of hyperhidrosis?
- Feet that sweat excessively
- Feet have whitish wet appearance
- Foot odor/smelly feet
- Increase in skin problems
- Toenail fungus
- Itchy feet
- Athlete’s foot
- Home care for hyperhidrosis
It is very important to have good feet hygiene:
- Wash your feet daily and use an antibacterial soap especially in spaces between your toes.
- After washing your feet, dry it thoroughly and use cornstarch, antifungal powder, or foot powder to your feet.
- Always wear wicking socks that draw the moisture away from your feet. It is also ideal to change socks every day and wear shoes made of breathable materials.
When to visit a doctor
See a doctor immediately when your feet starts to sweat excessively. If sweaty feet interferes with your daily activities or if you are sweating more than usual, a podiatrist can help you control this condition.
What are the remedies for hyperhidrosis?
- Hyperhidrosis is diagnosed based on your reporting of symptoms and the result of your physical exam. Your doctor can also do a starch iodine test to confirm if excessive sweat is present. Treatment options are based on your symptoms.
- You can apply over the counter medication or roll-on antiperspirants to your feet.
- Excessive sweating of the feet can also be controlled temporarily by botox injection.
- Using oral prescription medications is also advised.
- A surgery called sympathectomy is used to treat severe cases of sweaty feet. This procedure interrupts the nerve signals to sweat excessively.
How to prevent hyperhidrosis?
It is recommended to have good feet hygiene to prevent foot odor and infections, the most common side effects of hyperhidrosis.
- Wear shoes that allow your feet to breathe.
- Dry your feet thoroughly after washing or bathing.
- Wear synthetic socks.
- Use anti-fungal powder to reduce excessive sweating of your feet.
- Always wash your feet thoroughly.
- Regularly wash your shoes.
- Change your socks every day.
- Alternate the shoes you wear every day.
At North Jersey Podiatry located in Wayne N.J., we specialize in helping people with foot disorders such as hyperhidrosis of the feet. To schedule an appointment call (973) 595-1555.
