Managing Sweaty Feet and Odor

Excessive sweat and odor are two foot problems that usually occur together. While it is normal for feet to sweat, as it's a way in which your body regulates temperature and prevents you from overheating, the excess moisture from sweating plus the heat inside a shoe create the perfect environment for bacteria and fungi to grow—the culprits behind that dreaded odor. 

Also, the more feet sweat, the worse foot, and shoe odor tend to be. Sweaty feet can be a problem for children and adults alike, although older adults sweat less because sweat ducts decrease in size as we age.

Besides odor, other foot problems can occur from excessive sweating, including:

• Warts
• Athlete's foot
• Toenail fungus
• Rashes, such as eczema
• Bacterial skin infections

How to Stop Sweaty Feet and Foot Odor

The best way to control foot odor is to keep feet as dry as possible. That being said, it may not be realistic for people to change their socks during the day or to remove their shoes frequently to allow their feet to air out. The good news is that some over-the-counter (OTC) products can help keep feet drier and reduce foot odor. They include:

• Antiperspirant products for the feet, such as Certain Dri Feet Moisture Control Pads
• Foot and sneaker powders for absorbing sweat and odor
• Odor-absorbing insoles that are inserted into the shoes
• Sneakers with breathable mesh tops
• Socks made with performance materials that wick moisture away from the skin better than cotton, keeping skin drier

Excessive Foot Sweat Is Hyperhidrosis

In some cases, sweating is not easily controlled with OTC products and is more than just an occasional annoyance. When sweating is excessive and becomes a concern, it is referred to as hyperhidrosis. This condition affects almost 3% of people in the United States.

Hyperhidrosis can be stress-related, which is why it's sometimes referred to as emotional sweating. Stress-related sweating often occurs at the palms, underarms, and soles of the feet. This pattern of sweating, which happens even when you're not overheated, is common in young people and may last into adulthood.

How does someone know when they are dealing with hyperhidrosis versus normal sweating? If the sweat and odor are not helped to any degree with OTC products, and they have become a source of embarrassment or stress, it may be hyperhidrosis.

An example of hyperhidrosis is someone who needs to change socks often or goes through shoes frequently due to odor. In this case, a medical evaluation would be advisable to rule out other less common causes of hyperhidrosis, such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism, or menopause.

Problems From Hyperhidrosis

People who suffer from hyperhidrosis are more prone to developing certain skin problems and secondary infections on their feet. Symptoms to watch out for include:

• Redness or painful areas of the soles
• White, wrinkled skin (a sign of excessive moisture and possible fungal infection)
• Changes in skin texture, such as pitting (small craters)
• An odor that does not improve with OTC remedies
• Any itching or scaling skin (may be signs of athlete's foot or atopic dermatitis)

Home Treatment for Sweaty Feet and Odor

To help alleviate odor and protect the skin against the irritating effects of sweat, try an Epsom salt soak. Dissolve approximately half a cup of Epsom salt (can be found where first-aid products are sold) per quart of cool or warm water and soak feet for 10 to 20 minutes. This can be done daily or as needed.

Medical Treatment

Traditional medical treatments for hyperhidrosis typically include topical, prescription-strength antiperspirants such as Drysol. A newer treatment for hyperhidrosis involves botulinum toxin (Botox) injections to the soles, which can minimize excessive sweating for six to nine months.

Another treatment, iontophoresis, uses a foot-bath device to deliver a low-level electrical current at home or in a medical facility. The current can decrease sweat-gland activity.

Less commonly, surgical treatment is used to remove sweat glands from under the arms. To treat hyperhidrosis of the palms, a surgeon may cut the nerves that supply the sweat glands—this type of surgery is called a sympathectomy.