It is fine if your feet sweat sometimes as it is the nature of our body. But if you have excessive foot sweat, then it is a medical condition which not only causes bad odor but also lack of confidence, as well as a warning sign of certain health problem.
What is Sweaty Feet?
Sweating is a normal body condition to lower the body temperature while excreting water and sodium, as well as protecting your body from bacteria and creating bodily balance. Moreover, feet have more sweat glands than other parts of the body. Therefore, it is not surprising that feet sweat more than other areas. But if there is an excessive condition, you need to consult your doctor immediately.
Causes of Sweaty Feet
There are many factors that trigger sweaty feet:
- High temperature
- Being on your feet too long
- Exercise and strenuous activities
- Tight footwear
- Anxiety, stress and mood swing
- Congenital disease such as heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes
- Heredity
- Side effects from some medications, espeically from some antidepressant groups
How Much Sweaty Feet is Too Much?
Excessive sweating is when sweat glands work more than usual and create hyperhidrosis condition without other factors which should be observed carefully. If your feet sweat excessively more than once a week for more than 6 months consecutively and the symptom gets worse, or you have excessive sweat feet during your sleep, you need to seek advice from a specialist for thorough checkup.
Treatment for Sweaty Feet
The first thing you need to do if you have sweaty feet is lifestyle modification, use antiperspirant products and take medications as recommended by your doctor. If your condition does not improve, you may need iontophoresis, botox injection, or microwave therapy. If those treatments do not work, you may need an endoscopic surgical procedure to interrupt sweat production. This will have to be under evaluation and advice from a specialist.
What is Surgical Procedure for Sweaty Feet?
Thanks to Endoscopic Lumbar Symphatectomy approach for sweaty feet, this surgical treatment is not that scary anymore. The procedure requires three small one-centimeter incisions into the retroperitoneal space on each side of the abdomen to clamp the sympathetic nerves controlling sweat glands in the feet. It does not take long for the patient to recover and return home, depending on each person’s health status. However, doctor’s recommendations must be strictly followed post-surgery.
Techniques to Reduce Sweaty Feet
You can take charge to reduce sweaty feet by cleaning and drying your feet properly, cutting your nails and scrubbing out dead cells from your feet, wearing socks or panty hoses that are made from natural fiber and do not reuse them, as well as avoid wearing tight shoes. If the condition does not improve, you need to consult your doctor right away.
Hyperhidrosis Specialist
Asst. Prof. Dr. Sira Laohathai, Thoracic Surgeon Specializing in Endoscopic Thymectomy, Bangkok Heart Hospital
Hospital Specializes in Hyperhidrosis
Bangkok Heart Hosptial is ready to provide treatment for MG by our specialists team of multidisciplinary doctors and nurses together with up-to-date technology to hel you regain your quality of life.
