The fact that the feet sweat is a completely natural process. However, if it happens more, it is called sweaty feet (hyperhidrosis pedis). This is usually harmless, but unpleasant for those affected and also for the environment. Therefore, many people are very ashamed of it. Especially the warm temperatures lead to this dreaded accompanying circumstance.
What are sweaty feet?
Sweaty feet are usually caused by vegetative dystonia (regulatory disorder of the autonomic nervous system) associated with oversized sweat glands. Sweating is a vital function, as the evaporation of sweat removes heat from the skin, causing it to cool down. Sweaty feet, on the other hand, as the name suggests, is an excessive secretion of sweat in the area of the feet. In colloquial language, the term “sweaty feet” refers to the unpleasant odor rather than the amount of sweat secreted. When the affected person no longer dares to take off his or her shoes because of the odor, sweaty feet are a serious problem. Almost one third of people complain about sweaty feet, with men being affected significantly more often than women. Due to the constant sweat, the cornea is always soaked. Over time, this can cause it to swell to a whitish color.
Causes
Sweaty feet are usually caused by vegetative dystonia (regulatory disorder of the autonomic nervous system) in connection with oversized sweat glands. Actually, the sweat secretion does not serve to regulate the body temperature, but to provide adhesion to the foot. Sweating of the feet is controlled in the central nervous system. In this process, the signals are transmitted via the sympathetic nervous system. When the sweat center reacts disproportionately to external stimuli, the affected person begins to sweat more. People who are generally prone to this are more likely to suffer from sweaty feet. The secretion of sweat increases considerably on the feet when wearing socks and shoes made of air-impermeable materials. Therefore, synthetic fibers are definitely not recommended for this group of people. The increased perspiration is also attributed to detoxification processes. For this reason, various things such as nicotine and medications are considered risk factors for sweaty feet. Furthermore, the trigger for a sweaty foot odor can be a lack of hygiene of the feet. The same applies if the socks or shoes are washed too seldom or are not allowed to air out sufficiently. This applies to all people and not only to patients who medically suffer from sweaty feet. Stress and tension also play a role in excessive sweating. Psychotherapy or an anti-stress program alone usually cannot stop the sweating. Relaxation methods such as yoga or autogenic training are often recommended and helpful in addition to psychological help.
Diseases with this symptom
- Hyperhidrosis
- Vegetative dystonia
Diagnosis and course
Whether there is hyperfunction of the sweat glands in the area of the sole of the foot can be tested by measuring the sweat secretion. For example, an iodine–strength test is used for diagnosis. The tincture is applied to the feet for this purpose. After drying, they are dusted with a potato starch powder. If this discolors to blue or black, escaping sweat can be detected. The degree of discoloration indicates the strength of sweat production. The test can also serve as a means of monitoring ongoing treatment. Quantitative sudometry is another way of making a diagnosis to measure sweat secretion.
Complications
Sweaty feet can cause several complications, depending on the cause. First, stress on the skin of the foot causes increasing damage to the lower layers of the skin. The attacked skin is more susceptible to other diseases, which often leads to athlete’s foot infections or viral-related plantar warts in sweaty feet. Athlete’s foot, in turn, can lead to a number of secondary infections and inflammations. In rare cases, a fungal infection can cause life-threatening blood poisoning. Sweaty foot patients generally have an increased tendency to skin diseases and eczema on the feet, due to the germ-friendly environment and contact with bacterial pathogens. Affected persons also suffer primarily from the social consequences of sweaty feet.The development of odor can lead to social exclusion, and subsequently contribute to the development of anxiety disorders such as social phobia. If left untreated, sweaty feet and their consequences can be an enormous burden for those affected. However, if sweaty feet are treated comprehensively, serious complications can usually be avoided. As a result of treatment, allergic reactions to the prescribed agents may occur at most, usually accompanied by temporary itching and a temporary intensification of the symptoms.
When should you go to the doctor?
Sweaty feet do not represent a medical complication or a dangerous condition for the body, and therefore do not need to be treated by a doctor. However, treatment can be given if the patient feels uncomfortable with the symptom. Thus, sweaty feet can also contribute to decreased self-esteem and self-confidence. In some cases, social problems also occur, as the unpleasant odors cause a great deal of stress to those around the patient. If these symptoms occur, a doctor can be consulted. However, there are many different self-help options available to the patient, which can be tried before a visit to the doctor. The doctor can usually remove the sweat glands and thus remedy the symptom of sweaty feet relatively well. In any case, medical treatment is necessary if there are infections or inflammations on the feet due to the sweaty feet. In these cases, the inflammation is treated first. Only then can the sweaty feet be treated and, if necessary, completely eliminated.
Treatment and therapy
In order to effectively combat sweaty feet, it is important to have medical treatment. Various options are available for this purpose. The most common is the topical treatment. Here, antiperspirants, powders or creams are used. These are available in pharmacies or drugstores. These can be used to curb sweat production and odor formation. Another option for therapy is iontophoresis. Here, the sweat glands are temporarily closed, which is done by using direct current to inhibit sweat production. Surgical treatments include lumbar sympathectomy, in which a specific area of the sympathetic nerve is excised or clamped off. However, this procedure is rarely performed because of the risk of erectile dysfunction. Another treatment option is aluminum chloride therapy. Here, an aluminum chloride hexahydrate tincture is applied. The liquid clogs the sweat gland ducts, which greatly reduces or even stops sweating for a certain period of time. However, the treatment must be repeated regularly. For non-pathological sweaty feet, proper care is very important. An increased amount of care can successfully combat the unpleasant ailment. Basically, it is important to wash the feet every day and dry them thoroughly. Moisture is generally a good breeding ground for microorganisms. The feet should be well creamed after washing. The toenails should also be cleaned regularly. Excess callus can be easily removed with a scraper. All this serves the purpose of preventing nesting places for bacteria. Frequent barefoot walking is also helpful, as the feet are better ventilated in this way.
Outlook and prognosis
Sweaty feet do not necessarily need to be treated by a doctor and are not a particularly serious complication. As a rule, suction of the sweat glands can also be performed on the feet. This greatly reduces sweating on the feet, which prevents the development of sweaty feet. This is a surgical procedure, but it is performed without pain and does not involve any particular complications. The sweat glands also no longer grow back, so sweaty feet can no longer occur here. In general, however, the first thing to try is to maintain good and regular body hygiene, change socks daily, do not walk barefoot in closed shoes, and do not use the shoes in sports and everyday life at the same time. If the sweaty feet are not treated medically, they usually lead to unpleasant odors and can be a nuisance to fellow people. The patient can use certain powders or creams against sweaty feet.However, whether they are effective and prevent unpleasant odors depends largely on the severity of the sweaty feet. In rare cases, sweaty feet can also lead to fungal infections on the feet, which then require medical treatment. This treatment also proceeds without complications and leads to success.
Prevention
To prevent sweaty feet, it is important to make sure to wear breathable shoes that are changed frequently. In addition, fresh cotton socks are recommended daily. Odor-preventing insoles with cedar wood, activated charcoal or cinnamon are also helpful. An odor can also be suppressed by a foot deodorant. Washing the feet regularly with cold water and walking barefoot frequently also counteracts increased perspiration. Excess callus should be removed with an appropriate file. The use of special antiperspirants also serves as a preventive measure. Various foot sprays and powder products are available for this purpose. These have a bactericidal effect. Zinc ointment is one of the proven home remedies that absorb increased moisture.
What you can do yourself
Sweaty feet should be kept dry and clean. After showering or washing with lukewarm water, thorough drying is necessary, especially between the toes. After drying, the feet can be treated with fungicidal and antibacterial substances and/or care products. Foot powder on the soles of the feet and between the toes can also be helpful. People with sweaty feet should wear open-toed or breathable shoes. Slippers or sandals are especially recommended, but they should not be made of plastic. For closed shoes, genuine leather is recommended. It makes sense to change shoes and socks several times a day. Cotton socks are helpful, synthetic socks are not recommended. There are also special socks with incorporated silver or copper, which have an antibacterial effect and reduce the smell of sweat. Walking barefoot ventilates sweaty feet and also prevents foot deformities. Sweaty feet can be treated with foot baths. The water temperature should be lukewarm and the foot bath should not last longer than a few minutes, otherwise it may have the opposite effect. It is useful to dissolve healing extracts such as sage in the water. A sage bath refreshes the feet and inhibits the formation of odors. Various remedies against sweaty feet, such as pedispray, can be purchased in the drugstore. Home remedies such as alcohol, zinc or iodine ointment can also help against sweaty feet.
