How to deal with Sweaty Feet

Sweaty feet. It’s something most people prefer to just not talk about, however, it is estimated that up to 20% of people suffer from excessive sweat on their feet and in their shoes.

The body’s nervous system sends strong messages to some people’s feet when they are nervous or excited, which can produce a lot of moisture. Sometimes, the nervous system becomes “confused” and keeps sending the message to produce moisture – long after it should. Many people find this moisture (and the odor) embarrassing. This can make it difficult to interact with other people outside of the home. Not only is it embarrassing, but it causes discomfort, blisters, peeling skin and – unfortunately – odor.

Overly sweaty and moist feet are the symptoms of a medical condition called Plantar Hyperhidrosis. Although there are surgical procedures, called Lumbar Sympathectomy, to help with excessive foot sweating to stop sweaty feet, it is costly and can have some detrimental side effects. The main side effect is called compensatory sweating. This is when your body starts producing more sweat in a random spot, to make up for the sweat it was producing through your feet. This is usually in the groin, thighs, arms or back, but it can be anywhere on your body.

Some suggest wearing open shoes or sandals, but for those with severely sweaty feet, this does not help. Treating your feet with a regular deodorant or antiperspirant usually helps minimize the odor and wetness, but most products are made for the underarms, and not for the feet. The feet contain different sized pores than the underarms and the skin is much thicker. It takes a specialized product to penetrate the feet and protect them from excessive moisture and odor.

Shoe inserts can help with some of the odor, but they do nothing to stop the wetness, and after the inserts become saturated, they too, begin to fester in the moist conditions contained in your shoes, resulting in an embarrassing situation. People become hesitant to remove their shoes in front of other people and self confidence suffers.

Finally, there are a few products on the market that are specifically designed to stop foot odor and wetness (plantar hyperhidrosis). Many of the topical sprays that are mass-produced in the United States do not hold water (pardon the pun), however, there are products being imported from Dermatology Institutes in Europe that do fit the bill nicely. These Surefoot sprays usually contain ingredients like these: Ethyl Alcohol, Aluminum Chloride, Aluminum Chlorohydrate, Glycerin, Alcloxa, Dimethicone, and Propylene Glycol.

Some sprays claim that with only one application your feet are protected for up to 5 days.Whatever method you choose to combat your sweaty feet, try to pick a product that has been dermatologically tested for skin tolerance. And remember that you are not alone!

Thank you,
Guy Kitchell
President
http://www.klimadeodorant.com/