Most people suffer from foot perspiration and odour from time to time, yet for some people sweaty feet are a persistent problem that can be embarrassing and uncomfortable.
Excessive sweating in feet is known as hyperhidrosis, and has a lot to do with how the sweat glands in this part of the body work. With 250,000 sweat glands, feet do tend to sweat more than other parts of the body. But with a daily hygiene routine, few people should suffer from the embarrassment that it may cause.
Sweat glands in the feet
There are more sweat glands per inch in our feet than anywhere else in the body, and their function is to keep the skin moist and therefore supple. They secrete all the time, not just in response to heat or exercise as elsewhere in the body.
Possible causes
Sweaty feet can be caused by stress on the foot. This may be due to a structural problem, or because the foot is under strain or tired, for example, when you’ve been standing on your feet all day. Hot weather can make matters worse, although sweaty feet can be a winter, as well as a summer problem. It can also be an inherited condition.
In adolescents, sweaty feet are probably caused by over-active sweat glands triggered by changing hormonal levels in the body. Mental or emotional stress is a common cause as the sweat glands on the soles of the feet (and the palms of the hand) respond mostly to emotion. In some cases, the cause can be genetic.
What to do
Simple hygiene is usually effective in dealing with sweaty feet. Try following a daily foot hygiene routine:
Do
- wash in warm water with a mild soap-free body wash,
- dry well, particularly between the toes,
- wear clean hosiery daily, made of natural fibres (or more frequently if you have an excessive problem).
Do not use soap based products as these will make the condition worse. One or two potassium permanganate crystals obtained from a pharmacy can be added to a bowl of warm water to bathe feet. However, care must be taken as excessive use can turn the skin and nails brown, therefore use no more than once a week.
Footwear
Careful consideration of footwear and socks is essential. Well-fitting shoes made of leather, which allow your feet to ‘breathe’.
As insoles or the uppers of shoes absorb a lot of sweat, don’t wear the same pair every day, and allow them to dry out before wearing them again. Detachable insoles are also a good idea.
Socks that absorb moisture well, like wool, cotton, or wool or cotton mixture, will also help. Always wash your socks before using them again.
The use of supportive inserts in the shoe can help reduce structural foot strain. Footwear with some form of fastener (lace, buckle or Velcro) and cushion ‘neoprene’ type sole will also help to reduce foot strain, and therefore perspiration.
Other problems
An added problem that often accompanies sweaty feet is foot odour. This is caused by bacteria on the skin breaking the sweat down, which releases an offensive smell. This is known as Bromidrosis.
This can usually be prevented with careful hygiene, or the use of medicated insoles, which can have a deodorising effect. Wash your feet daily with an antibacterial emollient was such as Dermol 600 Bath Emollient and dry well afterwards.
There is also a greater risk of minor skin infections, through athlete’s foot or blisters.
Anti perspirant containing aluminium chloride are available over the counter.
Surgical spirits dabbed on the skin daily can also help (make sure to avoid cracks in skin).
Anti fungal spray at night may also help.
Don't
- do not use sharp instruments such as razor blades to cut corns or hard skin.
- do not use corn paints or corn plasters which contain acid.
- do not use ingrowing toenail paints as these contain acid.
Treatment
For more serious long term cases, where normal foot care is not effective, your doctor may refer you for iontophoresis (electrical stimulation) and Botulinum toxin injections (Botox).
For more help:
Contact Doncaster podiatry foot protection service
Cantley Health Centre
Middleham Road
Cantley
Doncaster
South Yorkshire
DN4 6ED
Telephone: 03000 211550
Email: rdash.podiatryreferrals@nhs.net
Document control
Leaflet information
This information is correct at the time of publishing
April 2017.
Document reference: DP4856/07.17
Page last reviewed: February 06, 2024
Next review due: February 06, 2025