Do your feet sweat just looking at a pair of shoes? If your feet sweat excessively, for what seems like no good reason, you are likely experiencing hyperhidrosis. According to the International Hyperhidrosis Society, 3 percent of the population suffers from this condition.
Living with sweaty feet can be embarrassing, with less than 40 percent of people with excessive sweating seeking medical care, statistics from the US National Library of Medicine show.
Walk with confidence by learning more about this condition, how it’s diagnosed and what you can do to manage it.
Causes
According to the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), a singular cause for excessive sweaty feet is unknown. However, it is believed to be inherited. The site states, “…people sweat when it’s hot out, or when they become warm. People with hyperhidrosis sweat excessively almost all the time.”
Symptoms
Feet that are sweaty all the time is the most obvious symptom of hyperhidrosis, but it isn’t the only. Feet may be excessively smelly and may also have a whitish, wet appearance. When the feet are constantly wet, this breaks down the skin and creates a prime opportunity for infection to set in.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If you’ve noticed excessively sweaty and smelly feet, you should make an appointment with a podiatrist. A podiatrist can help diagnose the issue and help you manage it. A physical foot exam is typically performed but the APMA explains, “A podiatrist can also do a starch-iodine test to confirm the diagnosis. First, an iodine solution is applied to the bottom of the feet. After the solution has dried, cornstarch is sprinkled over the area. The treated area turns dark blue if excessive sweat is present.”