Severe sweating of the feet is a condition known as plantar hyperhidrosis. This is a medical condition that affects numerous people worldwide. Frequently, if someone is afflicted with plantar hyperhidrosis, they will also suffer from palmar hyperhidrosis, excessive sweating of the hands.
Some of the problems that are associated with excessive sweating of the feet include foot odor, athlete's feet, blisters, as well as ruined and stained socks. In addition to having to purchase socks more frequently, people who have plantar hyperhidrosis also find that they go through shoes faster than those who do not have sweaty feet.
Unfortunately, another dilemma that someone faces when they have feet that sweat excessively is that they cannot wear sandals or thongs, as the moisture around the feet will cause the sandals to slip and slide. Additionally, driving can become dangerous when wearing shoes that slip due to too much moisture.
When someone who has plantar hyperhidrosis walks on a bare floor, they will leave wet spots where their feet make contact with the flooring; the condition can actually be this severe. Not only can this be extremely embarrassing, it may be hazardous if the person is participating in some physical activity, such as an exercise program or dance class.
Although there are few options available to those who suffer from this condition, there is a surgical procedure now being used that has offered patients successful treatment for the problem of sweaty feet.
This new treatment, lumbar sympathectomy has shown to be very effective for treating excessive sweating of the feet. This surgical procedure involves three small cuts made in each flank. If the patient also suffers from sweaty hands, this condition may also be treated with a similar procedure.
Aside from surgery, the common treatments used for sweaty feet include topical medicines, such as prescription antiperspirant. There are also some oral medications used to treat this condition; examples of these medications include calcium channel blockers, and catapres.
Some temporary corrective procedures that are used in the treatment of plantar hyperhidrosis are Iontophoresis; this is where a person uses a battery-powered device to deliver a low current of electricity to the feet, as well as the use of Botox injections in order to block the nerves that trigger sweating.
Everyone sweats to some degree, as this is the body's natural cooling mechanism, but if sweaty feet are a constant problem that causes odor and fungus difficulties, you may suffer from plantar hyperhidrosis.
Though plantar hyperhidrosis can be a very problematic disorder, there are ways to get relief.
Foot OdorMy name is Jenny and I run a website intended to help people lead healthier lives. Visit us if you are looking for more information and tips on how to stop sweating Or why not read one of our other information pages on sweating causes