A guide to treatments for foot perspiration
Many people experience foot perspiration from time to time, particularly if they have been exercising or spending time in a very hot environment. Whilst the occasional bout of perspiration isn't any cause for alarm, persistent, excessive sweatiness can make a person feel not only physically uncomfortable but also very self-conscious, as perspiration in this area of the body is often accompanied by an unpleasant odour.
Furthermore, the moisture and warmth that is associated with foot perspiration can increase their chances of developing fungal conditions such as athlete's foot, which can be very tricky to get rid of. Read on to learn about some of the most effective sweaty feet treatment options.
Self-help
There are several things you can do to reduce foot perspiration. You can, for example, apply some foot powder to your feet to absorb any moisture. Following this, you might want to spray an antiperspirant along the soles of your feet and in between your toes.
Additionally, consider investing in some special socks designed specifically for feet that tend to sweat excessively; these usually come with built-in ventilation panels (much like those you would find in gym clothing) that allow air to circulate and help to dry out any moisture that your feet might produce. When purchasing standard socks, always choose ones made from natural, breathable fabrics such as cotton.
Be careful about your choice of footwear, too; where possible, opt for shoes made from materials such as cotton canvas or leather, as these, again, will allow for better air circulation. Plastic footwear will only serve to worsen your existing problem.
Iontophoresis
In instances where a person's foot perspiration is very severe and cannot be managed using the above-mentioned methods, their doctor may recommend iontophoresis, a type of electrical stimulation which has found to be very effective in treating plantar hyperhidrosis (i.e. excessive foot perspiration).
Iontophoresis involves keeping the affected body part (in this case, your feet) in a bowl of water whilst a very mild electrical current is passed through that water. The current helps to block the glands that produce sweat. This treatment is considered to be completely safe; although some people experience a slight tingling sensation or a small amount of discomfort, the current is far too weak to cause electric shocks.
Most iontophoresis sessions last approximately half an hour. Patients will usually need about three to four weekly sessions during the first fortnight, after which the treatment frequency can be gradually lowered until their symptoms disappear.
