How to Manage Excessive Feet Sweating
Sweaty feet are more common than you think, and more manageable. Learn why your feet might be sweating, and what you can do about it.
Excessively sweaty feet can affect everything from your choice of shoes to your confidence in social settings. Known as plantar hyperhidrosis, this condition causes excessive sweating on the soles of the feet and can lead to discomfort, odor, and difficulty navigating social interactions (especially those that require you to remove your shoes). But with more than 5 million people experiencing plantar hyperhidrosis in the US, you’re far from alone.
The good news? There are plenty of ways to manage plantar hyperhidrosis. From lifestyle changes to medical treatments, relief is possible. Continue reading to explore causes, challenges, and solutions.
What is Plantar Hyperhidrosis?
Plantar hyperhidrosis is a medical condition characterized by excessive sweating on the soles of the feet. The condition can be categorized in a number of ways—the type of hyperhidrosis you experience will inform the best course of action for dealing with excessive feet sweating.
Primary Plantar Hyperhidrosis
Plantar hyperhidrosis most often occurs as primary hyperhidrosis, which means it happens without an identifiable medical reason. While we don’t know the exact cause, experts believe overactive sweat glands are triggered by the nervous system, even when the body doesn’t need to cool itself down. This type of hyperhidrosis often runs in families and may begin during childhood or adolescence.
Secondary Plantar Hyperhidrosis
In some cases, excessive feet sweating is the result of secondary hyperhidrosis, which means it’s caused by an underlying condition or external factor, like hormonal events, medication side effects, and more.
Focal vs. Generalized Hyperhidrosis
Plantar hyperhidrosis is a type of focal hyperhidrosis, which affects specific areas of the body (in this case, the feet). This is distinct from generalized hyperhidrosis, which causes sweating across the entire body and is often linked to systemic health conditions.
What Causes Excessive Feet Sweating?
As mentioned, primary plantar hyperhidrosis (excessive feet sweating) occurs without a known medical cause (although it’s believed to be linked to overactive sweat glands, triggered by the body’s nervous system). Secondary plantar hyperhidrosis has many potential causes, including medical conditions, hormonal changes, or external factors like your choice of socks and shoes.
Hormonal Events
Hormonal fluctuations can cause hyperhidrosis, including plantar hyperhidrosis. These changes may occur during:
Puberty: Hormone surges during adolescence can overstimulate sweat glands.
Pregnancy: Increased blood flow and hormonal shifts can lead to heightened sweating.
Menopause: Hot flashes and hormonal fluctuations often trigger excessive sweating, which may extend to the feet.
Health Conditions
Certain medical conditions can lead to excessive feet sweating (as well as generalized sweating or sweating affecting other areas of the body). These can include:
Endocrine disorders: diabetes, thyroid disorders
Infections: chronic bacterial or fungal infections like athlete’s foot
Neurological conditions: Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injuries
If you experience excessive foot sweating alongside other symptoms, like unexplained weight loss or persistent infections, consider making an appointment with a healthcare provider. Sweating may be a sign of a more serious underlying condition.
Medications
Certain medications can cause excessive sweating as a side effect. These medications include (but aren’t limited to):
Antidepressants: SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclic antidepressants
Pain medications: Opioids, NSAIDs (like ibuprofen and aspirin)
Hormonal medications: Oral contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
Diabetes medications: Insulin, sulfonylureas
Cardiovascular drugs: Beta blockers, calcium channel blockers
If you think your medication may be contributing to sweaty feet, discuss alternative treatment options or dose adjustments with your healthcare provider.
Living with Plantar Hyperhidrosis
Excessive feet sweating doesn’t just cause physical discomfort (although it certainly can be uncomfortable)—it can have far-reaching effects on your daily life, mental health, and social interactions.
Common Challenges
Excessively sweaty feet can lead to several unpleasant side effects, including:
Odor: Foot sweat often produces a stronger odor than sweat from other areas of the body due to the interaction between sweat and bacteria.
Skin irritation: Persistent moisture on the feet can cause problems like:
Athlete’s foot: A fungal infection common in people with consistently damp feet.
Toenail fungus: Discolored, thickened nails caused by fungal growth.
Blisters and maceration: Wet skin is more prone to breakdown, leading to painful blisters.
Lifestyle Effects
Plantar hyperhidrosis can make everyday activities and social interactions more challenging:
Footwear limitations: Many people with plantar hyperhidrosis feel confined to wearing closed-toed shoes and socks, avoiding sandals, heels, or other open footwear.
Social embarrassment: Situations like removing your shoes in public or at a friend’s house can be anxiety-inducing.
Dating concerns: People with excessive sweating may feel self-conscious in romantic settings and intimate moments.
Recognizing how excessive feet sweating affects your life can help motivate you to seek effective solutions.
Medical Treatments for Plantar Hyperhidrosis
Luckily, hyperhidrosis is a treatable condition. These medical treatments can provide relief from plantar hyperhidrosis.
Glycopyrrolate
The medication glycopyrrolate works by blocking the nerve signals that stimulate sweat glands. These treatments can be taken orally if sweating occurs all over the body or applied topically on certain areas to reduce sweat production.
Botox
Botox injections are FDA-approved for excessive sweating and are effective for feet. Botox temporarily blocks the chemical signals that activate sweat glands, with results lasting 4-12 months. However, the soles of the feet can be sensitive, making the procedure uncomfortable.
Iontophoresis
Iontophoresis is a non-invasive treatment that involves soaking your hands and/or feet in water while a mild electrical current is sent through the water, temporarily blocking sweat glands. Iontophoresis is time consuming—you’ll need to repeat the treatment three times per week until you achieve the desired results, and then receive a maintenance treatment once per week.
Prescription Antifungals
For people with fungal infections that contribute to odor and irritation, prescription-strength antifungals like econazole can treat the underlying issue and reduce sweating.
Tips for Managing Excessive Feet Sweating
Use Antiperspirants
Antiperspirants aren’t just for underarms—they can also be effective for feet. Look for clinical-strength antiperspirants containing aluminum chloride. For best results, apply the product at night.
Try Powders, Inserts, and Dryers
These products may help absorb moisture on the feet to make you more comfortable:
Foot powders: Talc-based powders help absorb moisture, reduce odor, and keep feet dry.
Shoe inserts: Inserts made from materials like activated charcoal or cedar can absorb moisture and minimize odor.
Shoe dryers: Electric dryers remove moisture and reduce bacteria buildup, helping to keep your shoes fresh.
Choose the Right Socks and Shoes
Your footwear can make a big difference in managing excessive feet sweating:
Socks: Choose moisture-wicking socks made from synthetic materials. Avoid cotton on the feet (it retains moisture).
Shoes: Opt for breathable footwear made from mesh (some shoes are even made with moisture-wicking material).
Rotate your shoes daily to allow them to fully dry.
Wash Feet for Odor Control
Proper hygiene is critical to controlling odor caused by plantar hyperhidrosis:
Wash your feet daily with antibacterial soap.
Use washes containing chlorhexidine (an antiseptic ingredient) for added odor protection.
Dry thoroughly between your toes after washing to prevent fungal growth.
What’s Next: Tackle Excessive Feet Sweating
Living with plantar hyperhidrosis does not mean you have to live with discomfort. With the right treatments and lifestyle adjustments, you can reduce excessive feet sweating and regain your confidence, wherever you are. Ready to take the first step? Schedule an online consultation with SweatRx today to explore personalized treatment options.
References
Doolittle, J., Walker, P., Mills, T., & Thurston, J. (2016). Hyperhidrosis: An update on prevalence and severity in the United States. Archives of Dermatological Research, 308(10), 743–749. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-016-1697-9
Felson, S. (2023, July 16). What is iontophoresis for hyperhidrosis? what it treats and how it works. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-to-know-iontophoresis-hyperhidrosis
Hoffman, M. (2024, August 31). 6 common complications of hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating). WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/common-complications-of-hyperhidrosis
Lee, H. H., Kim, D. W., Kim, D. W., & Kim, C. (2012). Efficacy of glycopyrrolate in primary hyperhidrosis patients. The Korean Journal of Pain, 25(1), 28–32. https://doi.org/10.3344/kjp.2012.25.1.28
Sweaty underarms - international hyperhidrosis society: Official site. Sweaty Underarms - International Hyperhidrosis Society | Official Site. (1970, November 12). https://www.sweathelp.org/where-do-you-sweat/sweaty-armpits.html?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA0fu5BhDQARIsAMXUBOLSaIg4oGcqB3gvv5ATW7kgjL30dJmT2UNYHfyKyXDRqP3ZWSvwkQYaAiL-EALw_wcB
