Sweaty Feet

Each foot has approximately 300,000 sweat glands which make them one of the most perspiring parts of the body.  Some people have hands and feet that sweat a lot. This problem is common and can be very embarrassing.  Some people sweat more than others.  Excessive sweating is usually first noticed in childhood and often runs in the family.  Emotion and stress can trigger sweating.  Hormonal changes can also increase sweating like in puberty and pregnancy.  Work environment and certain shoes can also increase sweating.  Spicy food and drinks with alcohol and caffeine also increase sweating.

Sweaty feet are not only embarrassing it can lead to:

• Foot odor
• Blisters when exercising
• Fungal infections

Prevention

• Proper hygiene wash feet and dry daily
• Change your socks – use natural material or newer wicking socks.  Avoid nylon and cotton.
• Shoes leather or canvas.  Avoid plastic.

Treatment

• Foot soaks:  My favorite is tea soaks.  Any type of tea is fine.  Brew up some tea (4 bags to quart of water) allow cool and soak feet for at least 10 mins  everyday for a week, then every other day for a week, then every 3rd day for week, and so on…  Eventually you will soak feet weekly.  Tea has tannic acid a natural drying agent.  Epsom salt can be added for drying effect.
• Powders: Talcum powder, baking powders over cornstarch.  I’m not a big fan because usually people use too much and they end up with moist powder between their toes or leave a trail when they walk.
• Hypoallergenic antiperspirant: can be used at bedtime and is quite effective.  Avoid deodorants they can cause a rash.

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