We all have sweaty feet from time to time. But if you frequently have excessively sweaty feet, it can indicate that you have hyperhidrosis of feet. Hyperhidrosis is abnormally excessive sweating that's not necessarily related to heat or exercise. There are several sweaty feet causes that lead to excessive sweating, and we will cover those in this article. We will also provide you with tips on how you can keep your sweaty feet under control. If you're tired of damp socks, read on for help.
Why Do My Feet Sweat so Much?
Your feet have more sweat glands per square inch than any other area of your body, so it's not surprising that everybody experiences sweaty feet from time to time. It's normal for your feet to sweat more heavily when it is hot or when you're engaging in an exercise that raises the temperature of your body. But some people have feet that sweat without any discernible sweaty feet causes.
If you are constantly dealing with sweaty feet problems, you could be suffering from hyperhidrosis of feet. Approximately 5% of the population worldwide is believed to suffer from hyperhidrosis, with the majority of hyperhidrosis cases remaining undiagnosed. This is why it's crucial to be aware of sweaty feet symptoms, signs, and other hyperhidrosis-related facts. The good thing is that there are several ways to stop clammy feet from happening.
How to Choose the Right Foot Antiperspirant
When searching for the right foot deodorant antiperspirant, you should choose an antiperspirant that has natural ingredients that are safe and effective. There is no one best treatment for sweaty feet, and you may need to try a few products before you find a foot antiperspirant that keeps your feet dry throughout the day. Don't give up if you don't get immediate results! There is definitely a solution out there for you.
8 Bonus Tips on How to Keep Your Feet Dry
The feet have more sweat glands per square inch than any other body part, with about twelve thousand sweat glands in each foot. When you are suffering from sweaty feet symptoms, antiperspirant deodorants that temporarily block the sweat glands offer an easy and convenient solution. For best results, we recommend that you apply the antiperspirant twice a week. First wash your feet, dry them thoroughly, and then apply the antiperspirant.
#1: Home Remedies for Sweaty Feet
There are many different ways on how to fix sweaty feet, and a number of sweaty feet treatments can be prepared at home. You probably have at least one sweaty feet remedy in your cupboard right now.
Here are five natural remedies for sweaty feet you can try at home:
- Cornstarch can keep your feet dry
- Baking soda fights odor-causing bacteria
- Apple vinegar closes pores and limits sweating
- Lemon juice is a natural deodorant and astringent
- Rubbing alcohol kills bacteria and fights odor
#2: Wearing the Appropriate Socks
Anyone who has been struggling with excessive sweating of the feet and is looking for ways on how to keep feet dry can start with wearing the right pair of socks. This is the first sweaty feet remedy you should try. Avoid socks that trap moisture. Choose polyester, merino wool, and nylon fabrics as these allow sweat to evaporate so your feet dry faster.
#3: Choosing the Appropriate Shoes
When it comes to sweating feet treatment, your shoes make a big difference. Shoe dryers and shoe inserts can help absorb the moisture inside your shoes and keep your feet drier and more comfortable. You also want to wear shoes made of breathable material like canvas or leather.
#4: Shoe Inserts
You can purchase shoe inserts that absorb feet sweating. Properly fitted shoe inserts are comfortable for walking and will help prevent your shoes from getting too wet, although they will not stop you from sweating. Shoe inserts wick away moisture that could lead to discomfort and foot odor.
#5: Shoe Dryers
Shoe dryers are another great option to eliminate odors caused by perspiration and bacteria. Even though these won't be a sweaty feet cure, you will be able to extend your shoes and wear them faster. Shoe dryers also keep your shoes smelling better, a continuing issue for hyperhidrosis of feet sufferers.
#6: Washing Your Feet Frequently
It is not a sweaty feet cure, but washing your feet rinses away sweat and bacteria that cause foot odor and keeps your skin cool. You should wash your feet at least once or twice a day. Make sure to dry thoroughly afterward, since damp feet can allow bacteria and fungus to grow.
#7: Use Antibacterial Soap
Washing your feet with antibacterial soap is another excellent treatment for sweaty feet. Antibacterial soaps eliminate the bacteria that cause foot odor and will leave your feet feeling fresher throughout the day. You also may want to use an over-the-counter (OTC) soap with antifungal properties for washing your feet to avoid unpleasant fungal infections like athlete's foot.
#8: Changing Socks and Shoes More Frequently
Changing your shoes and socks is one of the simplest and most effective home remedies for sweaty feet. Keep a change of socks on hand and use shoe dryers as needed when your feet start feeling damp.
When You Should Visit a Doctor
If you've tried all the tips discussed in this article and nothing seems to help, then it might be best to seek medical advice. Contact your local podiatrist to find out what causes sweaty feet and they will carry out a physical exam to evaluate the cause of your excessive sweating. Doctors can provide pharmaceutical and surgical treatments that can bring relief to even the worst cases of hyperhidrosis.
Consider Botox Injections
Treatment for sweaty feet is tailored to your diagnosis and symptoms. Your podiatrist or physician might recommend botox injections that can stop excessive feet sweating for 6 to 9 months after a session. Botox is FDA approved for the treatment of sweaty underarms and is now also being used for sweaty feet as well.
Botox injections block the nerve signals that trigger sweat glands. For extreme cases of sweaty feet, doctors can create a permanent nerve block using a surgical procedure known as sympathectomy to cut your foot sweat gland connections permanently and end excessive foot sweating for good.
Anticholinergics
Your medical provider may prescribe anticholinergics like glycopyrrolate for sweating. Anticholinergics block the neurotransmitter called acetylcholine that activates your sweat glands. This reduces sweat gland activity and prevents clammy feet and other embarrassing symptoms of excessive sweating.
Anticholinergics can have serious side effects, including dry mouth, dizziness, and decreased urination. If you are taking anticholinergics for hyperhidrosis of feet, you will need to drink plenty of water. And in hot weather, you will have to be careful to avoid overheating.
Doctors can also prescribe anticholinergic creams and wipes that you apply topically to your feet to stop excessive sweating.
Sympathectomy
Excessive feet sweating can be treated by blocking the sympathetic nerve supply at the back of the abdomen. This procedure is called a lumbar sympathectomy. When you have tried every other treatment for sweaty feet and everything has failed, your doctor may suggest this procedure.
A lumbar sympathectomy requires general anesthesia. Once the patient is unconscious, the surgeon clamps or cuts the sympathetic nerve chain between the T3 and T4 vertebrae. This is a delicate procedure and the physician must be very careful not to damage other important nerves. Many patients report complications including neuropathic pain and compensatory sweating months after the procedure.
Takeaway: What Causes Sweaty Feet and How to Treat It
Soggy, sweaty feet are embarrassing and uncomfortable. And if you're dealing with hyperhidrosis, you would definitely want to know how to stop feet from sweating. Fortunately, there are a number of home remedies and antiperspirant deodorant you can try.
No matter what your sweaty feet causes are, the first and most important thing you need to remember is good feet hygiene. Keep your feet clean and dry at all times to prevent odors and fungus from growing.
If antiperspirants for feet and other home remedies don’t work, don’t panic. Hyperhidrosis of the feet is a real and often untreated condition, and your doctor may be able to find a medical solution that works for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Are My Feet Sweating but Are Cold?
If you wonder, “Why do my feet sweat when cold?” Blame evaporation. As sweat evaporates from your feet, it cools them and leaves you with cold sweaty feet. Sweaty feet syndrome and sweating when cold can be signs of more serious problems, so you should consult your local doctor if it persists.
How to Get Rid of Cold Sweaty Feet?
When suffering from cold wet feet, you can try over-the-counter sweaty feet treatments like antiperspirants, or various sweaty feet home remedies. Make sure to wash your feet once or twice a day and contact your physician if your sweaty feet problem persists.
How to Deal with Sweaty Feet in the Winter?
If you are looking for a wintertime sweaty feet remedy, here are some tips that will help keep your feet fresh and dry during snow boot weather.
- Wear wool or polyester socks that wick away moisture, neutralize odors, and keep your feet cool.
- Take off your boots as soon as you get inside, so your feet don’t get sweaty in the heat.
- Change your footwear as soon as it’s wet.
- Keep your feet clean by washing regularly and exfoliating dead skin to prevent odor.
- Wear breathable shoes made of leather or breathable fabric.
- Try Duradry AM under your soles.
How to Stop Sweaty Feet from Anxiety?
Anxiety sweat can appear all over your body, but you'll usually notice it most on your palms and the soles of your feet. If your sweaty feet are caused by worry, you will find that taking anti-anxiety medications or having less stressful life situations can help you control your sweating.
