‘How do I get my feet to stop sweating’ is among the frequently googled questions. You may produce substantially more sweat than is generally seen after exercise or during times of stress if you have hyperhidrosis.
Simply put, your sweat glands don’t properly shut off after a certain time and stay “on” longer. People with sweaty feet (plantar hyperhidrosis) sometimes struggle with wet shoes, athlete’s foot, nail fungus, or persistent cold feet.
Nowadays, technologically advanced fitness trackers undoubtedly motivate people to work out. However, for people with hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), taking off sweaty socks without performing any physical exercise is not a cause for celebration.
About 5% of people globally, or 367 million individuals, struggle with concerns associated with excessive sweating, according to the International Hyperhidrosis Society (IHS).
How do I get my feet to stop sweating
1. Clean your feet every day
Going above and beyond in terms of hygiene is another aspect of treating plantar hyperhidrosis. Always wash your feet twice if required.
Regardless of your preference, carefully dry your feet, paying specific attention to the area between the toes. Infections from bacteria and fungi are more likely to occur on the foot when the skin is moist.
2. Using antifungal powders, pat your feet dry
An athlete’s foot, a fungal infection, is more likely to occur if you have hyperhidrosis on your feet. You can avoid a fungal infection on your foot by maintaining your feet dry.
A powder that does keep the feet dry that is frequently suggested is cornstarch. Many people have successfully used Zeasorb, a well-liked over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal powder.
3. Select the appropriate antiperspirant
Since they are affordable, simple to use, and non-invasive, antiperspirants are recommended to serve as the first line of treatment. Sprays and roll-ons like Driclor and Odaban operate by momentarily blocking the sweat glands, stopping sweating.
Just before bedtime, use them, and remove them in the morning (a minimum of 6 hours later). A stronger antiperspirant block accumulation is possible at night since you sweat less. Please note: Before using this method, you may want to speak with your doctor if you possess sensitive skin.
4. Don the appropriate socks
Keep your socks in mind. Cotton and wool socks work particularly well for ventilation. Avoid wearing nylon socks, though, since they will retain moisture and make you feel soggy. Bring an extra pair and change them more frequently when you’re out and about.
5. Purchase breathable shoes
Avoid boots and athletic shoes related to actual footwear because they are excellent at retaining moisture. Instead, choose something made of canvas or leather that is a little more breathable.
To keep all of your pairs as dry as possible, alternate them. Replaceable absorbent insoles provide a further line of protection against odor. Additionally, remove your shoes and socks whenever you can to let the airflow into your feet.
You may want to read some more on this in our post about stopping sweating in work boots.
Causes of sweaty feet
Although it’s still difficult for experts to pinpoint the specific origin of these episodes of intense sweating, there may be a hereditary component. Hyperhidrosis can appear at any age. However, it typically first becomes noticeable in childhood or adolescence.
Secondary hyperhidrosis is a kind of hyperhidrosis that results from another cause. But plantar hyperhidrosis is typical:
- Idiopathic/primary, which means there is no discernible cause
- Accompanied by increased palm sweating
Rarely, certain genetic diseases can act as a secondary trigger for profuse sweating on the soles and palms. Consult your doctor if you’re worried that the cause of your sweaty feet could be an untreated, underlying ailment.
When to consult a doctor
It may be preferable to seek medical counsel if the above-mentioned suggestions do not lessen foot sweating. A doctor can discuss the many treatment choices for excessive sweating in other body parts, like the scalp, hands, face, and underarms. At the same time, a podiatrist can assist people with managing plantar hyperhidrosis.
A physical examination and a patient’s questioning regarding their symptoms will help a doctor determine the cause of excessive sweating. A test for starch using iodine may also be performed.
The feet will be treated with an iodine solution for this test. The doctor will apply cornstarch to the feet when the iodine has had a chance to absorb. If the skin turns dark blue, there is too much sweat.
Consider other treatments
Injections of the botulinum toxin (botox) are another popular treatment option, but they can be uncomfortable and only provide temporary relief. Iontophoresis is yet another potential treatment.
Your doctor can prescribe oral treatments. However, many people don’t like the side effects, like dry mouth.
Remember that each recommendation has different effects based on the person. Most of the time, plantar hyperhidrosis does not necessitate a trip to the doctor, but if there is no improvement, that may be the next step.
Suppose you have more generalized sweating followed by weight changes, chills, or other symptoms. In that case, your doctor may inquire about medications that might exacerbate your condition, or they may check for another explanation.
FAQ
What causes sweaty feet?
Although the specific cause of hyperhidrosis is unknown, it is believed to be an inherited disorder. Regardless of the temperature or weather, people with this syndrome constantly sweat profusely.
Which gender, amongst men and women, is most impacted?
Men have hyperhidrosis more frequently than women, and younger patients experience it more frequently than older ones.
How to stop your feet from sweating excessively
The nerve signals that cause your body to sweat excessively can be disrupted by a surgical operation called sympathectomy, a prescription roll-on antiperspirant, Botox injections, oral drugs, or other treatments.
Final thoughts
Uncomfortable and sometimes unsightly, sweaty feet are a common problem. There are numerous natural ways to stop and treat sweaty feet—practice good foot hygiene to control excessive sweating and avoid foot smells and infections. A doctor can suggest more potent foot hyperhidrosis treatment choices if at-home treatments don’t work.