Hyperhidrosis is a condition marked by excessive sweating. Some sufferers experience this condition as exceedingly sweaty feet or plantar hyperhidrosis. It is noticeable different than sweating caused by exercise – it often presents as a dripping, soaking wet state.
The uncomfortable condition can be made more tolerable with absorbent shoe inserts or foot powder; however, a podiatrist can provide long term treatment options. Although the condition does not threaten one’s health, living with it can be embarrassing.
Causes
Our feet normally contain sweat glands that release perspiration to cool our bodies down. In many cases, plantar hyperhidrosis results from the overactivity of the nerves connected to those sweat glands. Nervousness and stress tend to exacerbate the condition.
If excessive sweating occurs on other areas of the body, this could be a sign of other medical conditions and should be evaluated by a physician.
Symptoms
If the sweatiness is so extreme that feet are wet all the time, to the point of ruining shoes or embarrassment to wear open shoes such as sandals, you are likely suffering from plantar hyperhidrosis. In the winter time, the sufferer may have colder feet than normal because they are always wet.
Patients suffering from this condition are more prone to skin infections in the affected area.
Treatments
Antiperspirants – Prescription strength antiperspirants contain stronger formulations that over-the-counter formulas and can be used to manage the condition.
Iontophoresis – this treatment entails the introduction of ionic medicinal compounds into the body through the skin by applying a local electric current.
Botox injections – Botox is a toxic substance that causes paralysis. It has been used successfully to treat sweaty feet; however, the patient will need repeat treatments every 4 months as the effects wear off.
Surgery – If other treatment options fail, your physician may recommend surgery to remove the sweat glands or disconnect the nerves responsible for the overproduction of sweat.