What to Do About Stinky, Sweaty Feet
One of our recent blogs explored what it might mean if your feet are cold all the time. But what if you have the opposite problem – feet that are always hot and sweaty?
Primary hyperhidrosis – the medical term for too much sweat – is genetic. It’s more common in men than women, and it’s also more common in kids than adults. The overproduction of sweat isn’t brought on by some outside trigger such as hot weather or exercise. You have overactive sweat glands in your feet, thanks to the genes you inherited from your parents. There’s also secondary hyperhidrosis, in which the sweating is a result of some other cause such as medications, thyroid disease, menopause, or diabetic nerve disease.
Home remedies
You can help control the effects of hyperhidrosis at home by:
- washing your feet daily with antibacterial soap, rinsing, and drying them thoroughly
- soaking your feet regularly in warm baths of black tea, vinegar, or Epsom salts
- applying absorbent powder to your feet
- wearing clean socks and changing them when they become wet
- wearing “breathable” shoes – that is, made from materials that allow hot air to escape
- giving your shoes a chance to dry out after wearing them
A podiatrist can help
Some people find that their sticky, wet feet are enough of a problem that they decide to seek medical help. If you live in the D.C./Fairfax County, Virginia area and your feet get slick with sweat too often for comfort, contact Clifton Foot & Ankle Center. Our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Kenneth R. Wilhelm, can offer you treatments that temporarily block your sweat glands from overproducing, including:
- Prescription-strength antiperspirants (stronger than the ones you can buy over the counter – enough to fight the effects of your feet’s 250,000+ sweat glands!)
- Prescription oral medications
- Botox injections
- Iontophoresis – a treatment method that uses water and a mild electrical current to block the production of sweat.
To discuss all your options for improving your overly sweaty feet, schedule a consultation with Dr. Wilhelm at our office in Centreville. Call (703) 996-3000 or make an appointment online.
