Why do my feet sweat?

Anyone can get sweaty feet, at any temperature or in any season during the year. Teenagers and pregnant women are more likely to get them because hormonal changes make them sweat more. Athlete's Foot can also result in smelly feet. You are also more likely to have sweaty feet if you're on your feet all day, wear shoes that are too tight, are under a lot of stress, or have a medical condition called Hyperhidrosis, which makes you sweat more than usual. 

Feet often become smelly if the sweat absorbs into your shoes and they don't dry before you wear them again. Sweat doesn't smell bad when it's produced. However, if sweat remains on skin, when it can't evaporate in warm conditions, the skin germs or bacteria break down the sweat. This produces the characteristic smell of sweaty feet. 

Symptoms of Sweaty Feet:

Among the most common symptoms of sweaty feet are:

1. A bad odor emanating from the feet
2. Itchiness of the feet
3. Toenail fungus
4. Athlete’s Foot
5. Development of other skin problems on the feet
6. Socks and shoes are often damp with perspiration
7. Clammy feeling in the feet that may fade for short periods of time but always returns.

Common causes of Sweaty Feet:  

1. Non-Breathable Footwear – wearing tight-fitting shoes or socks and shoes made from synthetic materials can cause undue sweating, especially in hot and humid environments. 
2. Stress, Anxiety, and Hormones – our sweat glands often start producing more sweat volume when we are stressed or experiencing high anxiety levels. Changes in hormones or imbalances in our hormones can also cause sweaty feet. 
3. Hyperhidrosis – most people sweat when they exercise or exert themselves, are in a hot environment, or are anxious or under stress. The excessive sweating experienced with hyperhidrosis far exceeds such normal sweating. 
4. Due to constant wetness, sweat on the feet can break down the skin of the foot and lead to infection as well as a foul odor. If you have sweaty feet, it is important to follow a regimen of good foot hygiene.
5. Standing for long periods - you're more likely to have sweaty feet if you’re on your feet all day. 
6. Damage to the sympathetic nerves - these are a special set of nerves involved in stress responses and can be damaged due to trauma or to medical conditions such as diabetes.

‍Ways to Beat and Treat Sweaty Feet

1. Use a Clinical-strength antiperspirant lotion 

One of the best ways to stop sweaty feet in their tracks is to apply an antiperspirant to the affected area. What many people don’t know is that antiperspirants come in many forms. Our antiperspirant lotion can easily be applied to any part of the body. Simply wash your feet and dry them completely, and then apply a small amount of the product to the area, making sure to rub in all of the product vigorously so that it absorbs into your skin. This will likely put an end to clammy feet. 

2. Wearing the right socks 

Choose the best socks for the season and activity. Wear cotton socks during warmer months for proper ventilation. Wool is a good option for winter months. Avoid nylon as this synthetic fabric can trap moisture. Some manufacturers also make socks that draw moisture away from the skin. It is usually possible to buy moisture-wicking socks in sporting goods stores. Other types of sports socks have ventilation panels or contain chemicals that reduce the number of bacteria on the feet, which minimizes foot moisture and odor.

3. Try an anti-fungal powder 

This solution may be how to stop sweaty feet. Sweaty feet cause other health issues, such as athlete’s foot and toenail fungus, so it is imperative to keep them clean and dry with an anti-fungal powder. You may also use cornstarch as a DIY alternative if you are looking for more natural remedies, but it is worth noting that it may not have the same antibacterial properties as an anti-fungal product. 

4. Pick the right footwear 

Along with socks to avoid sweaty feet, shoes are important as well. You should look for breathable fabrics like canvas or leather. Patent leather and plastic shoes are only bound to make your feet sweat more, so it is recommended to avoid them entirely. You may also want to have your feet measured so that you are picking the right size shoes. If your shoes are too tight, your feet not only become cramped, they also will sweat more because there is less room to breathe.

5. Staying hydrated 

Drinking lots of water, especially on hot days or when exercising, helps to regulate body temperature and reduce the likelihood of sweating.

6. Use an alcohol wipe 

Sometimes your local pharmacy can teach you how to stop sweaty feet. To help close up your pores, pick up a pack of alcohol wipes, such as 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes or any antiseptic towelette, and rub them all over the affected area before you put on your socks and shoes. Note that this is only a temporary solution, and you may still experience sweating later in the day.

7. Keep your shoes clean 

Much like cleaning your feet, keeping your shoes clean and dry can help prevent excessive sweaty feet. Wash your shoes fairly often and let them dry completely. In between washes, you can put baking soda in your shoes after you remove them for the day to remove odor, excess moisture, and prevent clammy feet. It may also help prevent the build-up of harmful bacteria that causes other health issues.

8. Soak your feet in vinegar 

You may not know but the apple cider vinegar in your pantry is a miracle product. As a natural astringent, it can function just like a natural antiperspirant. It also neutralizes foot odor and keeps your feet free of bacteria. Simply apply directly to the skin with a cotton ball or mix equal parts vinegar and water with a touch of baking soda in a large bowl. Soak for approximately 20 minutes and say goodbye to sweaty feet.

9. Remember to exfoliate 

One crucial way to keep feet clean and free of smells is to clean them thoroughly. This means more than just soap and water. To prevent sweaty feet and associated foot odor, you must scrub away the dead skin cells with a good exfoliant, like a scrub, or exfoliant glove. By removing the dead skin cells, odor and bacteria has less clammy feet. Plus, it keeps your feet feeling soft and smooth.

10. Apply lemon juice 

Another method to stop sweaty feet may already be in your own home. Like apple cider vinegar, lemon juice is a handy, natural alternative to an antiperspirant that you may already have around the house. Just squeeze a little bit of lemon juice into a cotton ball and apply to the bottoms of your clammy feet before you put on your socks and shoes. By using this method, you close your pores to prevent sweating and your feet will smell lemony fresh.

11. Exercise and maintain a healthy diet 

The most important thing you can do to stop sweaty feet is to exercise regularly and watch what you eat. That means avoiding fatty, processed foods and reducing the amount of caffeine and sugar you consume. Exercise helps by offering emotional stability and flushing out the sweat in your pores. Just remember to stay hydrated to avoid chafing. There are lots of things you can do to beat and treat sweaty feet, but the most tried and true solution is to apply antiperspirant.

12. Washing your feet 

Washing sweaty feet not only rinses away sweat and bacteria but cools the skin down and reduces further sweating. Aim to wash the feet at least once, if not twice, a day. Use an over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal soap or add a few drops of antimicrobial essential oil, such as tea tree to the water. Dry the feet thoroughly, especially in between the toes. Damp feet allow bacteria and fungus to flourish. Apply a light dusting of antifungal powder or cornstarch before slipping on cotton socks and breathable shoes.

Complications of Sweaty Feet

Excessively sweaty or smelly feet can be socially embarrassing and can cause enormous distress to those affected. This can include young people who may become socially isolated and avoid useful activities as a result. Increased dampness of the feet also increases the chance of foot infections such as athlete's foot, and of cuts to and breaks in the skin, leading to other infections.

In people with other conditions which put the feet at risk, such as diabetes, peripheral neuropathy and peripheral arterial disease, excess sweating can contribute to the risks of foot infection leading to more serious conditions such as a skin infection called cellulitis and ulceration.

When to visit a Podiatrist

Sometimes excessive sweating is a sign of a serious condition.

You can take charge to reduce your sweaty feet. If your feet sweat excessively or if the condition does not improve, you need to consult your doctor right away. See a podiatrist. A podiatrist can help you control this embarrassing condition. Patients who talk to their podiatrists about plantar excessive sweating may also have concerns regarding extreme sweating elsewhere. You may call us or book an appointment online today. You may reach us in Bethesda Maryland or Dallas, Texas to schedule an appointment.

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