Do you have sweaty feet?

There are some 250,000 sweat glands in our feet, more per centimeter than anywhere else in the body. They release nearly a cup of moisture every day. Most people suffer periodically from excessive perspiration and foot odour, yet for some sweaty feet are embarrassing persistent problems.

Hyperhydrosis (excessive sweating) has much to do with how the sweat glands in the feet work. Excessive odour or sweating of the feet is systemic in some cases, such as anaemia or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). The sweat glands’ function is to keep the skin moist and supple.

Sweaty feet can also be caused by many factors:

• Stress on the foot due to structural problem or because the foot is under strain or is tired, for example - when you have been standing all day.
• Hot weather may aggravate the condition, even though sweaty feet are not only a summer problem.
• Sweat glands on the feet and hands can also be triggered by emotional responses, mental or emotional stress may be a contributing factor.
• For young people especially teenagers, sweaty feet can be attributed or are often triggered by hormonal changes.

If you have sweaty feet it is accompanying foot odour, which occurs when bacteria on the skin break the sweet down. Smelly feet can be controlled with a few preventaive measures.

Simple hygiene is usually effective in dealing with this problem:

• Wash your feet daily with antibacterial soap to minimize the risk of minor skin infections, athlete’s foot or blisters.
• Wear well-fitting shoes made of leather or canvas, which allow your feet to ‘breathe’. Avoid wearing plastic shoes, synthetic fibers contribute to the production of excessive perspiration and promote bacterial growth.

• Always wear socks that absorb moisture well; cotton or wool/cotton blends. Make sure you change your socks everyday.
• Do not wear the same pair of shoes every day as sweat is absorbed by insoles and uppers allow shoes to dry out before wearing them again.
• Give yourself at least 24 hours to air your shoes out between wearing ; if the odor doesn’t go away, do not wear that shoes.
• Detachable insoles that can be washed are a good idea, or you can get medicated insoles which have a deodorizing effect.
• Dust your feet frequently with a nonmedicated baby powder or foot powder. Applying antibacterial ointment also may help.

Smelly feet can be not only embarrassing but uncomfortable as well. But once you understand the problem, you'll be able to take steps to reduce the odor.

• Caring for your feet

  Useful information about how to take good care of your feet. Basic foot care to help minimise foot problems.

• Manicure Kit Essentials

  While nothing beats the indulgence of having your nails done professionally, you can also give yourself a manicure at home provided you have the right tools for the job.