Summer in Arizona can be hot on your body and take a toll on your feet.  It is important for overall foot health to keep your feet dry during the summer to prevent foot odor and to prevent any fungal infection from occurring.  The cause of sweaty feet is called Hyperhidrosis.  Hyperhidrosis is more common in men than women and more common in young adults.  3 percent of the population suffers from Hyperhidrosis.

 Here are some of the causes of excessive sweaty feet and treatment options: 

Hyperactive sweat glands:  Some individuals have overactive sweat glands, leading to excessive sweating in the feet and other parts of the body. As a reminder, your feet have a total of about 250,000 sweat glands.  Feet have more sweat glands per square inch than any other area of your body. So making sure you wash and clean your feet daily with mild soap is important and drying thoroughly especially between the toes since moisture can contribute to excessive sweating.

Hot and humid weather, along with physical activity:  Warm and humid conditions can trigger sweating throughout the body, including the feet. When it comes to physical activity, if you have an increase in body temperature that can cause feet to sweat. Applying foot powder, sprays or antiperspirant products designed for feet before your physical activity can help in reducing sweat. Make sure your feet are clean and dry before applying. 

Poorly ventilated footwear and footwear made with synthetic materials:  Wearing shoes or socks that don’t allow proper airflow can contribute to excessive sweating in the feet.  Also, footwear made of synthetic materials, such as plastic or non-breathable fabrics, can trap moisture and heat, leading to sweaty feet.  Breathable footwear includes natural materials like leather or canvas that allows proper ventilation.  Wearing moisture-wicking socks made with a cotton-polyester blend can help absorb moisture from your feet and keep them dry.  Finally, we do recommend rotating your shoes to give them time to dry out completely and prevent buildup of moisture and bacteria. 

Hormonal changes: Hormonal fluctuations, such as those that occur during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause, can increase sweating in various parts of the body, including the feet.

Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions like hyperthyroidism, diabetes, obesity, and infections can be associated with excessive sweating, including sweaty feet.  Please discuss this with your doctor so that they can recommend the best course of treatment. 

In severe cases of Hyperhidrosis, Botox injections might be considered since Botox temporarily blocks the nerve signals that trigger sweating. 

If you are having issues with sweaty feet and can't get it under control, consider calling Dr. Margaret Withrow or Dr. Dylan Kaumaya from Roadrunner Foot and Ankle in Peoria, Arizona.  We want your feet safe and healthy for the summer.