With the arrival of summer, the annoying sweaty feet also appear. It is one of the many things that come in times of heat, although there are also people who suffer from sweat in this part of the body throughout the year. But if you notice that your feet are sweating a lot regardless of the weather, something else may be the cause.
The good news is that there are tips that can get you under control. Here we reveal the most common causes and the remedies to avoid that extra moisture.
Hyperhidrosis, excessive sweating of the feet
In some cases, sweating is not easily controlled with parapharmacy products or home remedies. For many people it is more than just an occasional annoyance. When the sweat on the feet is excessive (to levels that get to wet the sock or shoes) it becomes a concern, it is called hyperhidrosis. This disease affects more than a million people in Spain.
Hyperhidrosis can be related to stress, which is why it is sometimes called emotional sweating. In this case, it usually occurs on the palms, armpits, and soles of the feet. This pattern, which appears even when it’s not too hot, is common in young people and can last into adulthood. You will find that your sweat is not normal when the amount and smell are not improved in any way by over-the-counter products and have become a source of embarrassment or stress .
An example of hyperhidrosis is someone who needs to change their socks frequently or must throw their shoes off frequently because of the smell. In this case, it would be advisable to see a doctor to rule out other less common causes such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism or menopause.
Leaving sweaty feet in moisture-retaining socks or shoes provides the perfect environment for the growth of bacteria that can cause plantar warts and fungal and bacterial infections . The most common signs that something is wrong are red spots, peeling or itching on the soles.
Causes of having them sweaty
In addition to hyperhidrosis, other factors may be involved in foot sweating. If you think you do not have this condition, check the following causes to try to discover the origin of the excessive sweating.
Wear very closed shoes
You must find out if your feet are breathing properly. Like your hands, extremities tend to sweat in the summer heat, especially if you wear shoes or sandals made of non-breathable materials, such as leather or plastic.
When choosing footwear, experts recommend buying those with a breathable air mesh upper or rubber soles that promote breathability. Some athletic shoes are a good option because they are designed to promote air flow. However, we know that with the arrival of good weather, flip flops are a recurring option to go cool. This could also be not recommended if you sweat excessively, since rubbing could cause blisters and chafing on the sole of the foot.
Not wearing socks
If your feet are especially sweaty, you’ll want to worry about wearing socks made of moisture-wicking material. The best options include merino wool and microfiber. So it’s time to ditch the classic cotton or synthetic materials.
It is also advisable to avoid going barefoot with shoes made of material that traps heat (such as leather), as you will sweat more and the foot could slip inside. Even so, it is important to always keep the socks dry so as not to cause the growth of bacteria and favor the appearance of fungi on the plants.
Not drinking enough water
Proper hydration helps the body stay cool is very important. If you don’t drink enough water, your body will have a hard time regulating its temperature, resulting in more sweating.
To make sure you’re getting enough, experts recommend using a 2-liter stainless steel container to keep the water fresh all day. You’ll only need to refill it once, making it an easy way to keep track of your H2O intake.
Tips to avoid sweaty feet
In addition to following the above tips, if you notice that your feet and shoes are especially sweaty (and on top of that they smell bad), we will tell you the best tricks to improve the situation.
Talcum powder
Sprinkling some talcum powder before putting on your socks, between the toes and the sole of the foot, is a good option to reduce sweat and the sensation of slipping. In addition to drying, it leaves a pleasant smell and a velvety texture, which also improves hydration and skin care.
These powders are made from cornstarch and baking soda to absorb sweat. They are easily found in pharmacies, parapharmacies, health food stores and supermarkets. They are a useful alternative for almost any area of the body that generates excess sweat or has chafing as a consequence.
Air shoes
Not only is it necessary to avoid sweating feet, but hygiene and footwear care are also important. Most shoes and sneakers have easy-to-remove insoles. In addition to cleaning them regularly, you can take them out to dry after use.
There are also some shoe dryers , with simple operation and very practical for these cases. You should even be especially careful on rainy winter days, when shoes stay wet both inside and outside.
Use foot antiperspirant
Health professionals also often recommend antiperspirants as a first resort for treatment. These are inexpensive, easy to use, and non-invasive; as well as easy to carry in your bag or backpack. There are sprays and roll-ons that act by temporarily plugging the glands and stopping the flow of sweat.
It is advisable to apply it just before going to bed and wash your feet in the morning (or at least 6 hours later). By sweating less at night, this allows for a better build-up of antiperspirant locks. Keep in mind that if you have sensitive skin, you may need to consult a doctor or pharmacist first.
Soak your feet in tea
After a day in which you have sweated excessively, it is interesting to prepare a foot bath. You just have to put a cup of black tea to heat. Then the infusion must be poured into a container with cold water large enough to accommodate both (such as a bidet or a basin). Make sure the water is at the right temperature before putting them in so you don’t burn yourself.
Black tea contains tannins, which have astringent properties. These help contract the sweat glands and reduce sweating.
Medical injections
Other treatment options that are quite popular are botulinum toxin (Botox) injections , although this can be painful and does not provide a permanent cure. On the other hand, iontophoresis is also common.
However, the results of all treatments vary from person to person. In general, plantar hyperhidrosis does not require a visit to the doctor, although that could be the next action step if there is no improvement with the above remedies. In any case, it should be a specialist who analyzes your symptoms and determines the best treatment for your feet.
