Excessive sweating affects approximately 3 percent of the US population.

Excessive sweating and odor are two foot problems that usually occur together. While it is normal for your feet to sweat, as your body regulates temperature and prevents overheating, excess moisture due to sweat and heat inside a shoe provides a perfect environment for bacteria and fungi to grow: the culprits behind that dreaded smell.

Also, the more feet sweat, the worse the foot and the smell of the shoes tend to be.

Sweaty feet can be a problem for both children and adults, although older adults sweat less because the sweat ducts decrease in size as we get older.

In addition to odor, other foot problems can occur due to excessive sweating, which include:

• Warts
• Athlete's foot
• Nail fungus
• Eruptions, like eczema
• Bacterial infections of the skin

How to stop sweating the feet and the smell of the foot
The best way to control the smell of the foot is to keep the feet as dry as possible. That said, it may not be realistic for people to change their socks during the day or to remove their shoes frequently to allow their feet to ventilate. The good news is that some over-the-counter (OTC) products can help keep your feet drier and reduce the bad smell of your feet. They include:

• Antiperspirant products for the feet, such as Certain Dri Feet Moisture Control Pads
• Powders for feet and shoes to absorb sweat and odor
• Odor absorbing insoles that are inserted into shoes
• Sneakers with breathable hood
• Socks made with performance materials such as CoolMax, which remove moisture from the skin better than cotton, keeping skin drier
• Excessive sweating of the foot: hyperhidrosis
• In some cases, sweating is not easily controlled with over-the-counter products and is more than an occasional nuisance. When sweating is excessive and becomes a concern, it is known as hyperhidrosis.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, hyperhidrosis affects approximately 3 percent of people in the United States.

Hyperhidrosis can be related to stress, so it is sometimes called emotional sweating. Sweating related to stress often occurs in the palms, armpits and soles of the feet. This pattern of sweating, which occurs even when it is not overheated, is common in young people and can last into adulthood.

How does someone know when they are dealing with hyperhidrosis versus normal sweating? If sweat and odor do not benefit to any degree with OTC products, and have become a source of embarrassment or stress, it can be hyperhidrosis.

An example of hyperhidrosis is someone who needs to change socks often or who goes through shoes frequently because of the smell. In this case, a medical evaluation would be advisable to rule out other less common causes of hyperhidrosis, such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism or chronic fatigue syndrome.

Hyperhidrosis problems
People suffering from hyperhidrosis are more likely to develop certain skin problems and secondary infections in the feet. The symptoms to consider include:

1. Redness or painful areas of the plants
2. White wrinkled skin (a sign of excessive moisture and possible fungal infection)
3. Changes in the texture of the skin, such as stings (small craters)
4. Smell that does not improve with OTC remedies
5. Any itching or scaling of the skin (may be signs of athlete's foot or atopic dermatitis)
6. Home treatment for sweaty feet and odor
7. To help relieve odor and protect your skin from the irritating effects of sweating, try soaking Epsom salt. Dissolve approximately two tablespoons of Epsom salt (can be found where first aid products are sold) per quart of cold or lukewarm water and soak the feet for 10 to 15 minutes. This can be done daily or as needed.

Medical treatment for hyperhidrosis
Traditional medical treatments for hyperhidrosis typically include strong prescription topical antiperspirants such as Drysol.

A newer treatment for hyperhidrosis involves injections of botulinum toxin (Botox) into the plants, which can minimize excessive sweating for up to a year.

Another treatment, iontophoresis, uses a foot bath device to administer a low-level electrical current, at home or at a medical facility. The current can decrease the activity of the sweat gland.

Less frequently, surgical treatment is used to remove the sweat glands from under the arms. To treat hyperhidrosis of the palms, a surgeon can cut the nerves that irrigate the sweat glands; This type of surgery is called sympathectomy.

Source: verywell

RIVERA FOOT & ANKLE: At Orlando H.Rivera DPM, our priority is to deliver quality care to informed patients in a comfortable and convenient setting. When you have problems with your feet, you need to turn to a podiatrist who listens and responds… an experienced doctor who knows the field and can effectively diagnose and treat your needs… a friendly physician who counsels you on the best ways to maintain and improve your health. Our physician(s) meet all these criteria. Plus, you benefit from a dedicated team of trained professionals who give you the individualized attention you deserve.

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