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First off, there is absolutely nothing wrong with sweaty feet.

For Aussies, we have to live through extremely hot temperatures, so our feet sweating is nothing out of the norm.

Did you know there are more sweat glands per inch in our feet than anywhere else in the body? In fact, there are about 250,000 glands whose function is to keep the skin moist and therefore soft.

Our feet do tend to sweat more than other parts of the body and they secrete all the time, not just in response to heat or exercise like other parts of the body - they are always working.

For some people however, there are times when they live with excessive sweating which can be uncomfortable or worrying.

If this is the case, you may have a condition called Hyperhidrosis.

What is Hyperhidrosis?

This term is the scientific name for excessive sweating which far exceeds normal sweating. The type of hyperhidrosis that usually affects the hands, feet, underarms or face causes at least one episode a week.

What causes Hyperhidrosis?

The most common form of hyperhidrosis is called primary hyperhidrosis. With this type, the nerves responsible for signalling your sweat glands become overactive, even though they haven't been triggered by physical activity or a rise in temperature. With stress or nervousness, the problem becomes even worse.

There is no medical cause for this type of hyperhidrosis, and it can be hereditary.

The second type is called secondary hyperhidrosis, this occurs when excess sweating is due to a medical condition. It's the less common type. It's more likely to cause sweating all over your body. Conditions that may lead to heavy sweating include:

·         Diabetes

·         Menopause hot flashes

·         Thyroid problems

·         Low blood sugar

·         Some types of cancer

·         Heart attack

·         Nervous system disorders

·         Infections

What can I do to stop my sweaty, uncomfortable feet?

At Fit Foot Podiatry we can work with you to address concerns and suggest possible interventions with us or other health care professionals, however there are some immediate steps you can take to make life easier.

Wear the right socks and shoes: We recommend you wear socks made of natural materials like cotton, and wear shoes that allow your feet to breathe to help reduce the growth of bacteria that cause bad odour.

Antiperspirant spray: If you are conscious of smells, a good antiperspirant spray can help – we can provide you with some suggestions in the clinic. Try using a spray deodorant for shoes or use insoles made from non-synthetic and natural materials to help eliminate bad odours.

Keep hygiene levels up: If you do live with excessive sweating it’s important to maintain high hygiene levels to avoid any complications down the track. Change socks regularly, air out shoes and make sure you clean and thoroughly dry your feet and toes.

Sweaty feet can be embarrassing but by following a few simple strategies to keep it under control you can ease the burden.

If you have any concerns or worries, call the friendly team at the clinic to see how we can support you.

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