There’s More to Your Sweaty Feet Than Just the Odor

Are you an individual who is plagued by sweaty feet, and the side effects that go with them?  How long have you endured this problem? If you have never had to live with overactive sweat glands, than you will not understand the detrimental effects, that excessive sweat can have on your everyday life. Sweaty feet can result in pain and discomfort, and an odor which can eventually contribute to low self esteem as time goes on. If not appropriately controlled, excess sweat can also lead to skin irritations and infections.

Thousands of individuals suffer from this troubling condition, which is known as plantar hyperhidrosis. Individuals whose feet sweat profusely will often also have a problem with other areas of the body being excessively sweaty, especially the palms of the hands. Sweaty Feet can be stopped, read on.

Unfortunately, anxiety is one of the main causes of excessive sweating. Our sweat glands don’t just respond to heat, they also respond to stress. It is common for individuals who experience panic attacks, to report extreme sweating as a symptom that accompanies these attacks, or they may experience sweaty hands and feet when they find themselves feeling uptight.

If you do not suffer from anxiety attacks, and don’t attribute your sweatiness to stress, it could be a problem with the footwear you have chosen.  Some people sweat excessively on the feet when they perform intense aerobic exercise or when they are participating in sports. For others it can become a problem if they are on their feet all day in socks and shoes that are not breathable.

If this is the case for you, you should shop for shoes and socks that offer more  breathe ability, especially when you are working and exercising. You will find that your feet are more prone to sweat in a heavy pair of boots than they would be in a pair of light weight sneakers which feature small holes for aeration of your feet.

However, if it seems as if your feet are sweaty no matter what types of shoes you wear – or don’t wear – then you should seek medical advice to ensure that you aren’t suffering from a medical condition that is even more serious than just sweating.

Aside from wearing shoes and socks that are more breathable, there are other things you can do to help your sweaty feet. Here follow some other helpful hints to cut down on plantar hyperhidrosis, whether it is a major problem for you or just mildly irritating.

* It is suggested that sandals not be worn, as the unpleasant smell and sweat will be allowed to enter the surrounding area.

* Frequently put on new socks and shoes.

Keep an eye out for any signs that your feet are infected, such as itchiness, redness, or peeling skin – especially, between the toes.

When your feet are constantly allowed to stay wet with sweat, the irritation that results may develop into an infection. This may show up in the form of athlete’s foot, therefore you should watch out for signs of this condition. Moist, warm areas of your body are perfect for bacteria to thrive and reproduce, so sweaty and warm feet make a great hangout. Feet that sweat excessively are also vulnerable to skin problems.

If your sweaty feet are affecting your self-confidence or interrupting with social interactions you may want to consider more serious intervention from a doctor. In very severe cases there is now an option for surgery to correct the problem of plantar hyperhidrosis, but you should start by contacting your doctor.