Excessive sweating, also known as hyperhidrosis, can affect many parts of the body, but one of the most common is that of the feet. In these cases, you may want to wash your feet and shoes more often, change your socks more often, or try applying deodorant. If the problem gets worse, ask your doctor if he can prescribe you a stronger remedy.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Improving Personal Hygiene and Cleanliness
Step 1. Wash your feet every day
One of the most important things to do to combat hyperhidrosis on your feet is to wash them thoroughly every day. This habit will help reduce any bacteria or fungi that might proliferate when a humid environment forms in the socks. Use antibacterial soap every time you wash them.
- Even if you don't shower every day, you shouldn't neglect daily foot cleaning. Always wash them with soap and warm water.
- Bacteria and fungi thrive in warm, humid environments, such as the inside of socks and around the feet. They are ideal points for their proliferation.
Step 2. Dry your feet well
Make sure they are completely dry before putting on your shoes or socks. Whenever they come into contact with water, you must take care to dry them thoroughly. After that, you can put your shoes and / or socks on again. It is an attention that will prevent the spread of bacteria.
You can also use a blow dryer to make sure they are perfectly dry
Step 3. Apply the deodorant
You can use an antiperspirant on other parts of the body as well, not just the armpits. If your feet sweat a lot, try sprinkling some on the soles before putting on your socks.
- Make sure you use an antiperspirant deodorant for satisfactory results. Look for one that contains the active ingredients of the aluminum-zirconium complex (tricholorohydrex) or aluminum chloride (hexahydrate).
- Start applying the same deodorant to your feet as you use for your armpits. However, if it doesn't solve the problem, you may want to ask your doctor for a more effective product.
- For the feet, buy an antiperspirant deodorant spray.
Part 2 of 3: Taking Care of Your Shoes
Step 1. Choose breathable footwear
Feet tend to sweat when closed in heavy shoes. In this case, try to buy breathable models to reduce the problem. Use light fabric trainers or sandals during the warmer seasons. Avoid rubber ones that don't allow air to pass through.
Don't wear the same shoes for two consecutive days, but try to rotate between at least two pairs. This way, they will have time to air and dry completely between uses
Step 2. Wash them regularly
This way, you will get rid of any bacteria or other unpleasant odors inside the shoes. Therefore, it is important to wash the shoes you use regularly at least once a week.
- Try washing them with water and detergent in the sink or put them in the washing machine.
- Make sure they are completely dry before wearing them again.
Step 3. Change your socks every day
If your feet sweat a lot, the socks will inevitably absorb all the sweat and sebum secreted by the skin. To prevent bad odors and bacterial growth, you should avoid wearing the same socks for more than 24 hours.
Wash them regularly and consider changing them several times a day if they get sweaty
Step 4. Choose breathable and absorbent socks
In case of foot hyperhidrosis, breathable socks are often more suitable because they facilitate the passage of air and absorb excess sweat more easily. They also do not allow moisture to accumulate in the shoes.
- Go for polyester socks.
- Avoid firmer fibers, such as nylon, or 100% cotton socks.
- Some people are comfortable with socks made from natural fibers. Often, these materials have a higher absorbency and leave the feet less sweaty and uncomfortable. Try socks made from natural fibers such as hemp, bamboo, or wool.
Step 5. Apply cornstarch
If you don't have an antifungal powder, you can try using corn starch. Just rub a small handful on the soles of your feet before putting on your socks. It will help keep them dry for a long time.
You can also sprinkle it in your shoes to add a sweat-absorbing element
Step 6. Bring a spare pair of socks
If your feet are always sweaty, it might be a good idea to keep another pair of socks on hand. This way, you can change them when they get too wet or emit an unpleasant odor during the day.
Consider keeping a couple in your office, car, purse, or briefcase
Part 3 of 3: Seeking Medical Care
Step 1. Try an antifungal foot spray or powder
There are many antifungal products available for the feet in the form of sprays, creams and powders. They can help prevent infections, such as athlete's foot, or other ailments caused by excessive sweating.
Try a clotrimazole cream, a spray containing tolnaftate, or a powder made with miconazole
Step 2. See your doctor
If you have hyperhidrosis of the feet and no home remedies seem to work, you may want to see your doctor or dermatologist. Make an appointment and report your symptoms.
- He may prescribe some tests, ask you about the conditions you have suffered from and create a personalized treatment plan.
- Some treatments require a prescription, so you may want to seek your doctor's advice.
Step 3. Try topical medication
Your doctor may prescribe a more effective topical medicine to help you combat skin sweating. Drysol is among the most suitable in these cases. It is an antiperspirant used to control excessive sweating.
- If your doctor prescribes it for you, be sure to use it according to its instructions. You will need to apply it to the affected area and protect it by wearing a pair of socks.
- Ask your doctor for advice on other topical ointments or creams that are effective against hyperhidrosis.
Step 4. Try iontophoresis
It is a procedure that consists of sending small electrical discharges through the water to penetrate the skin. It is often used to treat excessive sweating, but also some injuries due to sports activity. It is up to the doctor to prescribe this treatment.
Iontophoresis can give satisfactory results. It has a 91% success rate among people who suffer from excessive sweating of the hands and feet. Usually, you need to continue treatment indefinitely if you want to continue seeing the effects. If you stop after a few sessions, the problem may reoccur
Step 5. Consider Botox
Sometimes, botulinum infiltrations are recommended for those with hyperhidrosis problems. This toxin has been shown to stop signals between the nerves and sweat glands, relieving sweating. You will need your doctor's opinion to find out if this treatment is right for you.
Remember that Botox infiltrations are a fairly extreme and expensive option, with results typically lasting a few months at most
Step 6. Learn about sympathectomy as a last resort
It is a surgical procedure by which some portions of the sympathetic nerve trunk located along the spinal column are destroyed. The sympathetic system regulates the body's fight or flight reflex. In this way, the body is prevented from sweating, blushing or reacting to low temperatures as it always has.
