Causes of Excessively Sweaty Feet

What Defines Excessive Sweating?

Feet contain sweat glands, so it is natural for them to sweat, particularly after excercise. If your feet are sweating almost constantly for no apparent reason, you should talk to your doctor.

Hyperhidrosis and Other Causes

Excessive sweating, usually occurring in the hands, feet, or both is called hyperhidrosis. Some 2 percent of Americans suffer from this condition, according to the Mayo Clinic. The underlying cause can vary. Among them: a glandular disorder, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, an adrenal gland tumor, and the hormone disorder acromegaly. Monitor other symptoms besides your sweaty feet and report them to your doctor.

Curing Sweaty Feet

Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter treatments for sweaty feet, including wearing white cotton socks with all shoes, and applying a medicated antiperspirant. Your doctor may prescribe topical or oral medications. The topical medications usually contain an antiperspirant, while oral medications like glycopyrrolate and clonidine inhibit sweat production. Your doctor may curb sweat production by using iontophoresis, an electrical-impulse technique that thickens the skin on the feet. A last resort is hyperhidrosis surgery, which blocks the nerves that produce sweat.

References

• Mayo Clinic: Hyperhidrosis
• Embarrassing Problems: Sweaty Feet

Resources

• Sweaty-Palms: Sweaty Feet Causes