Nov 13 2007
Plantar Hyperhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis is a condition characterized by increased perspiration beyond what is necessary for normal temperature regulation in the body. Approximately 1% to 3% of the US population has hyperhidrosis (HH). Excess sweating of the feet is called plantar hyperhidrosis. Certain types of footwear can increase sweating in the feet, but those with hyperhidrosis can experience increases in perspiration due to anxiety, drinks with caffeine, the nicotine in cigarettes and even with spicy food. These food items don’t cause hyperhidrosis, they just exacerbate it.
When there is excessive moisture around the feet, the skin on the bottom of the
feet will appear wet, white, wrinkled and pitted. Excessive sweating in the feet can contribute to the development of athlete’s foot, warts, blisters, infections and foot odor. The excessive sweating can make wearing sandals difficult, as the foot tends to slide over the sandal when walking.
Treatments include a range of topical solutions, usually containing 15% aluminum chloride, water iontophoresis, injections of botulinum toxin and in severe cases, surgery. To help control sweating and prevent foot odor, follow these tips:
- Wear breathable shoes made of canvas or mesh siding.
- Air out your shoes daily. Place them in a well-ventilated area.
- Rotate your shoes. Wear different shoes on different days.
- Pull the insoles out of your shoes at the end of the day to dry out both the insole and the shoes.
- Change your socks at least once during the day.
- Avoid cotton socks and nylon socks. Choose small fiber wool or acrylic blend socks, which will wick away moisture from your feet.
- Wash and dry feet thoroughly on a daily basis. Dry between the toes.
- Use lamb’s wool if you have wet, white tissue between your toes.
- Spray or roll on an antiperspirant before putting on your shoes.
- Check your feet for fungal infection. Peeling and scaling on the bottom of the feet and in between the toes are a classic sign of foot fungus. Increased moisture on the feet can increase the chance of a fungal infection.
For more tips and information on sweaty feet, foot odor and hyperhidrosis, click here.
I keep hearing that soaking feet in black tea can reduce foot sweating. Any truth to this rumor?
One thing that I know can be helpful in controlling if not reducing excess foot perspiration and eliminating foot odor is antibacterial foot powder. “On Your Toes” is an excellent brand that many people swear by.
I have a sis on the bottomof my ffoot in th arch. It does not hurt. It is not any color or any scabs on in. You can feel that it goes up there a ways. I was wondering on some advice on this.
It would be great if you could give a little more detail and post your question on our forum (see above link). “Sis”, do you mean cyst?