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Sweaty feet - causes and effective treatment
Sweaty feet (hyperhidrosis pedis)
Sweaty feet are often extremely uncomfortable for those affected. In view of the increased odor formation and the reactions of the environment, many sweaty patients feel socially isolated. In addition, sweaty feet increase the risk of fungal infections and other skin diseases in the area of the feet. Various measures may be considered for the treatment of the problem. In addition to traditional medical approaches, there are a number of naturopathic procedures, by which the sweat production can be minimized and the annoying odor can be combated.
contents
- Sweaty feet (hyperhidrosis pedis)
- definition
- symptoms
- Causes of sweaty feet
- diagnosis
- Treatment with sweaty feet
- Tips to combat sweat odor
- The right nutrition for sweaty feet
- Naturopathy with sweaty feet
definition
The medical term hyperhidrosis pedis describes excessive sweating in the area of the feet. The eccrine sweat glands of the soles release more than 50 milligrams per minute per foot. In colloquial terms, however, the term "welding foot" is based more on the odor than on the actual amount of fluid segregated. Unpleasant smelling feet are generally considered sweaty feet here.
Sweaty feet not only cause an unpleasant odor, but also increase the risk of various diseases. (Image: Finanzfoto / fotolia.com) symptoms
Sweaty feet but an excess of sweat on the sweat glands in the area of the sole of the foot. The cornea under the feet is thus constantly moistened and may swell under certain circumstances whitish.
Under the humid-warm conditions of the soaked horny layer bacteria can easily multiply and it follows the decomposition of keratin in the cornea. The remaining minerals (short-chain fatty acids and amines) produce an extremely unpleasant sour-rancid odor.
This is also perceived by the environment of those affected and often considered with appropriate comments. Many sweaty patients, therefore, try to escape situations in which their fellow human beings perceive the smell, and increasingly feel socially isolated, which in the worst case can also bring psychological problems.
The affected skin under the soles of the feet becomes more susceptible to other diseases, so that sufferers, for example, increasingly under virally-related plantar warts (verrucae plantares) and athlete's foot infections. The latter in turn favor the occurrence of secondary infections and inflammation. Under certain circumstances, the fungal infection can also cause a life-threatening blood poisoning.
Sweaty foot patients are generally more prone to skin diseases and eczema in the area of the feet, with the germ-friendly, moist and warm environment being held responsible.
Welding foot patients often suffer from eczema or athlete's foot due to the moist and warm environment. (Image: misalukic / fotolia.com) Causes of sweaty feet
The clinical picture is usually directly caused by a regulatory disturbance of the autonomic nervous system (autonomic dystonia) in connection with oversized sweat glands. Initially, perspiration on the feet is not used to regulate body temperature as much as sweating, but to give grip to the feet.
The sweating of the feet and hands is controlled by a separate center in the central nervous system. The signals are transmitted via the sympathetic nervous system (part of the autonomic nervous system). If the center of sweat in the central nervous system reacts disproportionately to external stimuli, those affected begin to sweat more.
People who sweat generally - so suffer from a so-called hyperhidrosis - are more prone to sweaty feet. However, excessive sweating may also be manifested only on the hands (hyperhidrosis palmaris) or under the armpits (axillary hyperhidrosis). The perspiration on shoes and stockings made of air-impermeable materials increases significantly on the feet. Synthetic fibers are therefore by no means recommended for sweaty patients.
The increased perspiration on the feet is also attributed to detoxification processes. The inclusion of toxins such as nicotine, tobacco and drugs would therefore be assessed as a risk factor for sweaty feet. However, the relationships are not yet clearly scientifically proven.
The sweaty odor itself can still be attributed to poor foot hygiene or inadequate washing of the socks or shoes. However, this is generally true and not only for patients who suffer from sweaty feet from a medical point of view.
Unpleasant foot odor spreads quickly if the socks are not washed regularly and thoroughly. (Image: pureshot / fotolia.com) diagnosis
Whether a pathological hyperfunction of the sweat glands in the area of the foot sole or only subjectively perceived sweaty feet are present, can be controlled by a measurement of perspiration. For this purpose, for example, an iodine tincture is applied and dusted after drying with a powder of potato starch. Leaking sweat is indicated by a blue discoloration of the powder. Furthermore, a so-called quantitative sudometry for measuring the amount of sweat comes into consideration, especially if accompanying a general hyperhidrosis is suspected.
Treatment with sweaty feet
The basis of a successful therapy against sweaty feet should be a particularly thorough foot hygiene. Even though the causes of excessive perspiration can not be remedied in this way, daily foot care can at least minimize the consequences such as odor formation or the susceptibility to infection.
One approach to therapy is tap water iontophoresis (treatment with DC water baths). The feet are placed in two water tanks with electrical conductors, which closes a circuit. The effect is ideally a reduced sweat secretion. However, the treatment of each patient is crowned by extremely different success.
Relief can bring about a superficial treatment of sweaty feet with aluminum chloride. The sweat channels are closed by the aluminum salts, which form a compound with the keratin. Depending on the degree of perspiration, preparations with different aluminum chloride concentrations are used. The aim here is that the sweat glands at the end degenerate so much that the perspiration reduces to a normal level.
Chemical denervation (disruption of the nerve tracts) is another option for treating sweaty feet. This can be done for example by means of botulinum toxin (Botox). However, even with this method, the treatment success is individually very different. In addition, due to a lack of scientific research, Botox is not officially approved for the treatment of sweaty feet.
If the patients suffer from particularly severe (health) impairments in everyday life due to their sweaty feet and all treatment attempts fail, the last option is an operative procedure in which the supplying nerves are severed. However, the risk of unwanted side effects is relatively high, so that this option is rarely used.
Anyone who has sweaty feet should regularly go to the pedicure and remove excess corneas. (Image: Andrea Arnold / fotolia.com) Tips to combat sweat odor
Footbaths from cold salt water, thorough cleaning, drying and subsequent creaming counteract the possible damage to the skin and increased odor development. Excessive cornea should be removed mechanically with a cornea planer or similar instruments regularly to prevent the spread of germs.
Sweaty feet patients can resort to antibacterial, odor-inhibiting insoles, for example based on cedar wood, cinnamon or activated charcoal, which absorb perspiration and thus avoid the moist, warm microclimate in the shoe. It can also contribute to the omission of socks made of synthetic fibers and the wearing of breathable footwear.
The socks should be changed and washed frequently. Generally, sweaty feet patients are advised to walk barefoot as often as possible and otherwise wear sandals. The unpleasant smell can be prevented by the increased change of stockings. The footwear should also be changed regularly to minimize odors. In addition, foot powder can counteract the moisture on the feet and the odor of sweaty feet.
The right nutrition for sweaty feet
Since a relationship between the occurrence of sweaty feet and dietary habits is suspected, may be accompanied by a nutritional therapy. In general, should be dispensed with foods that stimulate sweat production, if possible. These include hot spices with the ingredients allyl isothiocyanate (for example, in mustard, wasabi) and capsaicin (in peppers, chili peppers) and the pleasure poisons coffee, tobacco and alcohol.
Coffee and nicotine should be consumed as little as possible on sweaty feet. (Image: sabot26 / fotolia.com) Frequently also acidic foods such as e.g. Sauerkraut or pickles sweating. Meat, sausages and salt should only be consumed in small quantities and instead be used mainly to fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and nuts. Always make sure you drink enough, preferably water and diluted fruit juices.
Naturopathy with sweaty feet
Naturopathy offers numerous approaches to the treatment of sweaty feet. So different homeopathic remedies can also help against the excessive sweating as Schüssler salts or the Bach flower therapy.
The composition of the extracts, tinctures and preparations should always be individually adapted and left to experienced therapists. In homeopathy, Calcium Carbonicum and Silica are more commonly used.
A foot bath with fenugreek seeds can be a good help for sweaty feet and a strong smell. Because the seeds contain active ingredients that have a calming effect on the sweat glands and thereby reduce sweat production.
Foot bath against sweaty feet
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An effective home remedy for sweaty stinky feet is a foot bath with a decoction of fenugreek seeds. (Image: invizbk / fotolia.com) If you sweat heavily on your feet, you can use a self-mixed foot powder to reduce perspiration and prevent odors.
Anti-Schweißfuß Powder:
Thoroughly mix the four ingredients (all available at the pharmacy). Put the mixture in a sealable container. Powder your feet before putting on stockings and before going to sleep well with it. |
Furthermore, self-treatment of hyperhidrosis and sweaty feet can be treated with teas or tinctures of sage, which reduce sweat production naturally.
If the sweat on the feet occurs especially in stressful situations, relaxation exercises can be very helpful to reduce stress and inner restlessness or tension. Good practices for stress relief include autogenic training and Jacobson progressive muscle relaxation. (fp, nr, last updated on 27.1.2017)
Specialist supervision: Barbara Schindewolf-Lensch (doctor) 