What to do if your feet sweat: how to get rid of sweating at home

One of the common manifestations of hyperhidrosis is sweating of the feet. How to get rid of this disease, which can ruin the life of any person? After all, hyperhidrosis of the legs is characterized not only by profuse sweating, but also by an unpleasant, pungent odor that follows the patient everywhere.

Many people who experience severe sweating of their feet are afraid to stop by once again, as everyone will see their wet socks and smell an indecent smell. For the same reason, they feel uncomfortable trying on shoes in a store or changing shoes in the locker room when getting ready for training. People suffering from hyperhidrosis of the feet have two options: either come to terms with the disease and adapt to the existence of the problem, or get rid of sweating with the help of folk remedies and medications.

Why do my feet sweat and smell bad?

There are several reasons for profuse sweating of the feet:

poor foot hygiene;
closed, tight shoes made of synthetic materials that prevent air from reaching the skin of the feet;
synthetic socks that do not absorb moisture;
sports training or work during which a person remains in a standing position for a long time;
nervous overstrain;
fungal diseases of the foot;
disruptions in the functioning of the endocrine and nervous systems, tumors and infectious diseases.

It's no secret that sweaty feet begin to emit a foul odor after a while. Why does this happen, since sweat has almost no smell? It turns out that it’s all about bacteria, numerous colonies of which populate the skin of our body.

Being under continuous influence of sweat, the skin of the feet becomes very soft, the stratum corneum is destroyed and becomes an excellent feed for microorganisms that feed on dead epithelium and sweat.

Sweat mainly contains water, and only a small fraction, only 1%, is occupied by various substances secreted by the human body. They are broken down by bacteria, during which isovaleric acid is formed with a sharp, specific odor. It is the results of the vital activity of microorganisms that give socks and shoes an unbearable odor.

Foot or nail fungus present on the skin can enhance the “aroma” of sweaty feet. In patients with diabetes, due to poor blood circulation, the legs are often covered with wounds and ulcers, which also increases the disgusting smell.

Why can the smell of sweaty feet be so bad?

Sweat itself does not smell. It consists of 99% water, the rest is trace elements and other waste substances.

The skin of the feet is quite rough. The layer of keratinizing epithelium softens with prolonged contact with sweat.

An ideal environment is formed for a huge number of microorganisms that feed on dead cells.

The products of their vital activity are the cause of the appearance of a specific aroma.

It is very important to regularly have a professional pedicure, if possible a hardware one. During the procedure, dead cells are removed, the skin is disinfected and refreshed!!!

If a fungal infection occurs, the stench becomes simply unbearable.

Folk remedies for sweaty feet

Alternative medicine, based on the centuries-old experience of famous healers, has accumulated many different recipes to reduce sweating of the feet and the disgusting odor that accompanies it. Herbs, foods, seasonings and other substances are used for treatment.

Powders

It's no secret that your feet need to be kept warm and dry. Therapeutic powders can dry and disinfect the skin of the feet and protect it from getting wet. Talc, starch, and boric acid are suitable for these purposes. Here are some recipes for making powders for sweaty feet.

Crushed oak bark or natural alum, crushed to a powder, is poured into socks for a while, reducing sweating and deodorizing the skin of the feet.
Table salt can be mixed with starch and powdered with the mixture on the feet. Starch will absorb moisture, and salt will destroy the smell.
Combined powders are effective in combating sweating, for example, 9 parts of starch are combined with 1 part of talc.
Boric acid is made into a fine powder and sprinkled on your feet at night. Sweating returns to normal within a few weeks.

Treatment with powders is usually carried out on clean, dry feet. After applying the powder to the skin, you should not press it down or pat it down, since the effect is achieved precisely because of the looseness of the powder. Oak bark powder should be applied at night, and talc and boric acid can be used during the daytime.

Baths

One of the most common remedies used to reduce the activity of the glands is foot baths. Of course, such water procedures are not able to completely get rid of hyperhidrosis, but it is quite possible to reduce sweating and unpleasant odor with their help. In addition, baths with medicinal herbs can easily cope with rough skin, calluses, and help prevent fungus.

Bath treatment is carried out every day before bedtime. The active elements in such procedures are usually oak bark, sage or chamomile inflorescences, which have an antibacterial and drying effect. Here are some tips on how to set up a foot bath.

To prepare a bath with chamomile flower, you need to take 7 tbsp. l. dried inflorescences and brew 2 liters of boiling water. Then, once the broth has infused, add it to the bath container and immerse your feet up to the ankles. Keep your feet in the broth until the water becomes cold. By taking such procedures for a week, you can achieve a significant improvement in your health.
A vinegar bath is not only effective, but also very easy to prepare. The only limitation when using it is the absence of wounds and cuts on the surface of the skin of the feet. Vinegar is added to a container of warm water, where the feet must be immersed and left for 20 minutes.
Baths with oak, willow, and birch bark will help get rid of hyperhidrosis. For example, such a simple recipe. Take common oak bark in the amount of 1 tbsp. l., brew 1 cup of boiling water and leave for an hour. Then for every liter of water needed to prepare the bath, add 1 tbsp. l. honey and 10 g of propolis tincture. The water in the bath should be warm and comfortable, and the procedure lasts more than 20 minutes. By taking these foot baths for 10 days, you can easily get rid of severe sweating of the feet and the disgusting odor that accompanies it.
A foot bath can be made using regular black tea. Strong tea contains tanning agents, which, when contacted with the skin, tighten pores and reduce sweating. To arrange such a bath, you need to brew 2-3 tea bags in a liter of water and pour into a container. The procedure can be done at any time of the day.

In any bath with medicinal herbs, water can be replaced with milk or fermented baked milk. This will further enhance the positive effect. After the procedure, dry your feet and apply powder.

Decoctions

By taking medicinal decoctions and infusions internally, you can also effectively combat foot hyperhidrosis. Of course, it is better to combine decoctions with foot baths and powders. Together, these remedies will help you get rid of the disease faster.

Such a useful plant as medicinal hyssop has long been known for its healing effects. To prepare a decoction with hyssop, you need to take 2 tsp. dried leaves and flowers and brew with boiling water. You can drink hyssop tea as many times a day as you like for a month.

An infusion of nettle and sage is very useful for hyperhidrosis. 1 tbsp. l. dried herbs are brewed with boiling water and taken orally for a month.

Folk remedies are distinguished not only by their effectiveness, but also by their safety. They can be used to prevent disease, improve blood circulation, tone up and improve the condition of the skin of the feet.

Preventive agents

An effective preventative against sweating feet is potassium permanganate - it can be used not only to combat hyperhidrosis, but also to prevent the problem from returning. Several times a week it is recommended to make foot baths with the addition of potassium permanganate, after washing your feet with tar or other soap with an antibacterial effect. This procedure is easy to perform at home; it does not require special expensive products.

Also, for prevention purposes, it is recommended to follow these rules:

change socks daily, more often if necessary, without waiting for severe sweating or odor to appear;
do not wear someone else's shoes;
buy high-quality shoes made from natural materials, wear them only in season;
When washing your feet, pay attention to the areas between the toes;
If you suspect the appearance of a fungus, immediately contact a dermatologist.

Advanced hyperhidrosis can provoke severe pain and serious health problems, so it is important for everyone to follow preventive measures.

Thus, excessive sweating of the feet is not an eternal problem that you have to put up with. You can cope with it in a short time with well-chosen treatment. It may consist of the use of pharmaceutical and cosmetic products, supplemented by the use of folk recipes.

With the help of furatsilin

Furacilin is an antibacterial agent widely used in surgery and burn medicine. Since the source of the unpleasant odor in foot hyperhidrosis is bacteria inhabiting the skin, treating problem areas with furatsilin has a positive effect. By destroying microorganisms, the medicine helps get rid of the disgusting odor and reduce sweating of the feet.

Why do my feet sweat a lot?

The thing is that they contain a lot of sweat glands, which play a huge role in regulating the temperature of the body.

Nerve impulses activate sweat secretion:

in hot weather, helping to cool the body;
during active physical work;
under stress (fear, anxiety, fright, etc.).

The causes of increased sweating of the feet may be the following factors:

wearing shoes made of airtight materials (rubber, leatherette, etc.), as well as low-quality synthetic socks and tights;
neglect of personal hygiene rules;
lack of proper care for shoes, etc.;
damage to the feet by a fungal infection;
problems with blood vessels;
diabetes;
diseases of the nervous system;
tumors, etc.

With salt

Sea salt is considered an indispensable remedy for leg hyperhidrosis. It contains unique elements that improve blood circulation in the legs, relieve tension and fatigue, reduce swelling and eliminate the disgusting smell of sweat.

To prepare the bath, take a glass of sea salt and dissolve it in 2 liters of cool water. Dip your feet up to your ankles in a container of liquid and take the procedure for 15 minutes. Then, wait until the skin of your feet dries and treat your feet with antibacterial cream.

After such a foot bath, a person feels relaxed and calm, so it is better to take it at night. Along with sea salt, you can add a little essential oil to the bath.

Fungus (mycosis) - how does it manifest itself and why is it dangerous?

The warm, moist environment created by wearing closed, poorly ventilated shoes is ideal for the growth of fungal microflora.

A person suffering from a fungus can infect his household. For infection, contact with the smallest particle of the affected skin is enough!

The symptoms of the disease are as follows:

dryness, thickening, flaking, cracking of the skin;
itching, pain, burning;
redness, inflammatory infiltration, blistering.

When the pathological process spreads to the nails, the following is observed:

thickening;
tarnish;
deformation;
color change;
they crumble and even fall out.

Basic rules of hygiene and more

Without regular, thorough self-care, it is impossible to get rid of sweaty feet.

The basic principles are simple:

wash your feet in slightly warm water with antibacterial soap morning and evening;
wipe them dry, especially the spaces between the fingers;
buy only cotton socks, wear a clean pair every day;
choose shoes made from high-quality natural materials, dry them regularly, and monitor the condition of the insoles;
in the warm season, give preference to sandals, open light shoes, sneakers with perforated tops, etc.;
Check your feet regularly. If it is difficult or inconvenient to do this yourself, ask a loved one to help you;
Have an antifungal product on hand so you can use it right away if needed.

For hygiene purposes, use only personal, clean towels. Don't wear other people's slippers and don't give yours to anyone!

Creams, ointments, sprays – what to choose from all this?

Remedies for foot odor and sweating can be pharmaceutical or folk remedies. You can choose from them which are suitable for you.

First of all, I would like to name the most popular aerosol antiperspirants:

«42»;
"Scholl 3 in 1";
"Dry Dry Foot Spray";
"Odaban"
“Maxim Dabomatic 30%”, etc.

They deodorize and disinfect well, and also reduce the activity of sweat glands. They should be applied to clean, dry skin according to the instructions.

As for creams, their selection is also good. They differ in duration of exposure and degree of water resistance:

"Deo-control";
"Cross";
"5 days";
"Lavilin", etc.

Pharmacies sell well-proven drugs that are used to treat problem areas of the body:

formidron;
Teymurov pasta;
Lassara pasta;
borosine;
drisol, etc.

Time-tested traditional methods

Treatment of sweaty feet at home can be started with simple bath recipes:

with oak bark decoction - place 5 tablespoons of bark in 1 liter of water and boil over low heat for about half an hour. Then let the broth brew for one and a half to two hours;
homemade anti-sweat cream - carefully grind oak bark and rub with honey. Apply the paste to each foot for half an hour. After this time, rinse it off with warm water and wipe with oak broth;
with chamomile – 7 tablespoons of dried flowers, pour 2 liters of boiling water. Leave it for an hour, then strain;
baths with chamomile, calendula and plantain - take 1 tablespoon of each herb and pour 2 liters of boiling water over them. The infusion takes 1 hour to prepare. Baths should be done every evening before bed for 20 minutes for 10 days.
If there are no cracks, erosions or other damage, you can use vinegar, which is good for sweating. To prepare the bath, mix 1 cup of natural apple cider vinegar with two liters of warm water. Perform the procedure for 20 minutes for three days. Then take a break for three days and repeat again;
The well-known potassium permanganate effectively eliminates stench. Dissolve some crystals in water until it turns pale pink and wash your feet twice a day. Potassium permanganate has a pronounced antibacterial and antifungal effect;
The well-known furacilin - due to its antiseptic properties, is used in the form of wraps and added to baths. It actively fights unpleasant odors.

Various powders can be applied to clean, dry skin to help maintain dryness and freshness:

alum powder;
boric acid;
crushed oak bark.

What you need to know about shoe disinfection?

Sports sneakers, casual shoes, shoes or boots - they all become more or less saturated with sweat. This promotes the development of pathogenic microflora.

The secretion of the sweat glands may contain substances that have a specific odor. Moreover, you yourself do not always feel this, which cannot be said about the people around you.

Leatherettes and other materials that do not provide normal ventilation can also be a source of unpleasant odors.

How can you disinfect and kill fungal flora:

1% "Chlorhexidine" ("Desihand") - sold in pharmacies. Thoroughly treat the inner surface of the shoe with the solution and put it in a plastic bag for several hours, then dry it open for 2-3 days;
"Miramistin" is an antibacterial drug that is used in medicine to disinfect the skin and mucous membranes. It is advisable to look for half-liter bottles in pharmacies, because... the solution consumption will be quite large;
Mycostop spray - the main active ingredient is lactic acid. It is very convenient to use, because... has a sprayer;
"Dezavid" - destroys unpleasant aroma, being a powerful antiseptic drug. After spraying, wait until the solution dries completely;
“Lina” is a liquid that is produced in canisters. You can put slippers in it, designed for the beach and pool, which are not afraid of water. It is also possible to carry out treatment by abundant wetting;
“Bitsin” is a concentrated nano-complex that, after one use, protects against bacteria, fungi and, accordingly, odor for a month;
“Betadez” is a product used to wipe shoes from the inside.

There are special devices for disinfection. Their action is based on the use of ultraviolet irradiation, which is harmful to bacteria and fungi.

They do not pose any danger to human health.

The Timson device destroys 99-100% of fungi in 6-8 hours;
The Xenelight device - treatment with it takes only 5 minutes, but this time is enough to kill 99.9% of fungi.

Physiotherapeutic technique - effective and safe

Many doctors recommend combating sweaty feet using iontophoresis. The procedures can be easily performed at home.

With proper use of the device, it is possible to get rid of excessive sweating by 100%

For this purpose, a device called an electroantiperspirant has been developed.

During iontophoresis, a blockade of sweating occurs, which lasts for quite a long time - up to a month. The effect is easy to maintain at the required level thanks to regular procedures.

How to get rid of odor

It is impossible to get rid of the disgusting odor that sweaty feet emit without reducing sweating and suppressing the growth of bacteria on the skin of the feet. Therefore, you should not neglect the rules of personal hygiene. You should wash your feet twice a day using antibacterial soap. Wear knee socks and socks made exclusively from natural materials, and take care of your shoes.

To combat the smell, you can use various powders that are used before going outside.

It is necessary to use antiperspirants and deodorants. An effective remedy to reduce foot sweating is 20% antiperspirant Drizol, which perfectly stabilizes sweating and inhibits the growth of bacteria.

If antiperspirants and powders do not help, when deciding how to get rid of sweaty feet, you can try iontophoresis sessions. During the procedure, the patient's feet are immersed in an electrolyte, through which a weak discharge of electricity is passed. Treatment is carried out every other day for 20 minutes until sweating becomes minimal. For prevention, maintenance procedures are prescribed once a month.

Causes

Excessive foot sweating is not just a cosmetic problem. In medicine, this disease is called hyperhidrosis. There are two types of disease:

local - increased sweating manifests itself in one or several parts of the body (for example, sweating of the armpits and face, only the palms);
generalized – increased sweating of the whole body.

Sweaty feet is a local form of hyperhidrosis; getting rid of it is easier than dealing with a generalized one.

Excessive sweating of the feet is caused by various factors, the most common causes are:

Inappropriate shoes. It occurs especially often in winter, when boots and shoes with fur are made of unnatural material. It wears out quickly, after just a few weeks of regular wear an unpleasant odor appears, and your feet quickly become sweaty immediately after going outside. This is especially true for shoes that are not suitable for the season. If you wear winter shoes in autumn and spring, when the temperature is no longer as cold as in winter, your feet will sweat all the time.
Lack of proper hygiene. Even adults do not always know how often to change socks, how many times a day to wash their feet, what to do if they have an unpleasant odor, or where to buy the best foot wash.
Problems with the nervous system. In a stressful situation, excessive sweating is a common occurrence. Not only your feet can sweat, but also your hands, face, and the area between your legs. Even young children can experience nervous hyperhidrosis.
Foot skin diseases, fungus. Which doctor should I contact with this problem? First of all, you need to consult a dermatologist. For fungus and any infectious diseases, comprehensive treatment is prescribed. Using an antiperspirant, cream, or spray will only temporarily eliminate sweating.

Important! In an infant, sweating feet may accompany other symptoms of high body temperature: weakness, drowsiness, etc.

Sometimes leg hyperhidrosis occurs in a child 12 years of age or older during puberty, especially in girls - with the onset of menstruation. During menopause and pregnancy, excessive sweating may occur periodically due to hormonal changes.

Treatment of sweaty feet with pharmaceutical drugs

Alternative medicine is not always able to cope with the problem of excessive sweating of the feet. In the later stages of the disease, they are replaced by medications, which are convenient and effective. They are available in the form of aerosols, ointments, creams and are sold in any pharmacy without a doctor's prescription.

Medicines for hyperhidrosis are based on formaldehyde. This substance disinfects, dries and deodorizes the skin of the feet. All drugs based on formaldehyde dull the action of the sweat glands, thereby reducing the amount of sweat produced. The effect of using the medicine lasts up to 1 month.

Formagel

This medication for foot hyperhidrosis is a clear gel. The drug for sweating feet is applied to clean, dry skin of the feet, after which it is covered with a thin protective film. After 30 minutes, your feet should be rinsed with cool water. The effect after one procedure lasts at least 3 weeks. If after the first treatment the sweating has decreased slightly, you can apply the drug again until the desired result is achieved.

Teymurova paste

Teymurov's paste is a long-tested remedy for foot hyperhidrosis, which, due to the advent of newer drugs, has recently faded into the background. Along with antiseptic components, the medicine contains glycerin and mint oil. Thanks to these additives, the drug does not dry out the skin and does not cause peeling.

Apply the product to dry, clean skin of the feet. It is advisable to remove the paste after half an hour, rinsing with water. Treatment should be repeated for a week, then take a break for a month.

Formidron

This remedy for sweaty feet is considered the most powerful of the above drugs. Since formidrone can cause skin irritation, it is not recommended for frequent use. Once a day, apply the medicine to the feet using a cotton swab. Application of the drug may be accompanied by burning and tingling.

What to do if your feet sweat

The popular medical resource HealthLine has compiled a whole program How to Handle: Sweaty Feet to overcome hyperhidrosis of the extremities. There are many points in it, and it is important to take each one into account.

Keep an observation log

Wash your feet often

If you have hyperhidrosis, it is advisable to wash your feet at least twice a day. Carefully, using cool water and soap with antibacterial essential oils (tea tree, eucalyptus and others). After washing, dry your feet thoroughly, paying special attention to the area between the toes. If moisture remains there, it will become an additional breeding ground for microbes.

Take baths

Regular foot baths will also be good. Pour warm water into a basin, add 3-4 tablespoons of baking soda and soak your feet there for 20 minutes. Thanks to the powerful antibacterial properties Antibacterial activity of baking soda. , baking soda will reduce the number of smelly germs on your feet.

You can also add brewed black tea to the water: it contains tannins, which tighten pores, and therefore reduce sweating. Brew 2 tea bags, pour the tea leaves into water and lower your feet into the basin for 10 minutes.

Use antibacterial and antifungal powders

Regular talc and cornstarch are also suitable - they absorb moisture. However, the effect lasts no more than half an hour.

It is better to use special powders sold in pharmacies. They contain antibacterial and antifungal elements, and therefore not only keep feet dry, but also fight the growth of bacteria.

Use antiperspirants before bed

Antiperspirants (not to be confused with deodorants!) reduce the amount of sweat. To maximize their effect, it is important to follow the rules of use.

In particular, apply the product to dry feet before bed. At night, the sweat glands are less active, which means the antiperspirant can penetrate deeper into them and reduce the amount of sweat during the next day.

Choose socks made from breathable materials

When it comes to socks, these are cotton and wool. Nylon, polyester and other synthetics do not breathe and do not wick moisture away from the skin, so it is better to avoid them.

And in any case, if possible, change your socks at least a couple of times a day.

Pay attention to shoes

It will be good if it is also made of breathable materials - genuine leather, suede, canvas or sports moisture-wicking synthetics. By the way, about sports models: they are often equipped with insoles with an antibacterial and odor-reducing effect. In your case, such shoes are just right.

In addition, experts recommend not wearing the same pair for two days in a row - give the shoes a chance to dry thoroughly. And don’t forget to take care of your shoes, sneakers or sandals. Here Lifehacker wrote in detail how to rid shoes of odor.