Over the holidays, yes almost 6 months ago, I received a pair of shoes. I pair of shoes I fell in love with. They were a pair of velvet, embroidered, Gucci Mules. They are the coolest. In the middle of winter I needed to start wearing them. I needed to wear them immediately. Even in the cold December air I was ready to wear them. And then I did. And I slipped. I slipped out of the shoes, not the ice as you would think. For whatever reason, my feet started sweating and sweating (sorry for the TMI). I have worn the shoes a couple of times and regardless of the activity or weather it happens. I am not alone, and it impacts many. I was lucky enough to ask podiatrist, Dr. Emily Splichal questions about how to prevent this from happening over and over again.
How do you prevent foot sweat?
You can prevent foot sweat by managing the type of shoes you wear, fabric of socks and overalls foot sweat gland activity. Shoes that are made of fabrics that do not breathe will increase foot sweat. Socks that are made of cotton will increase foot sweat. And for those with over active sweat glands or hyperhidrosis will have a higher rate of sweating compared to the average person. What can you do when it starts to help it stop?
Some of the best ways to decrease foot sweat is to wear synthetic socks and to soak feet in brewed tea or to use a prescription strength antiperspirant on the feet. Why does it happen with only certain shoes?
All shoes are made of different fabrics. Those that are less breathable, such as plastic. This means that the heat of the feet enclosed in a space is going to be higher than in a more natural fabric such as mesh or leather. Do products that claim to prevent foot sweat work?
Yes the prescription strength anti perspirants do work if used on a consistent basis as does soaking the feet in brewed tea. The Arm & Hammer Invisible Foot Powder Spray ($7) offers a sweat Activated Fresh Guard Technology that keeps feet feeling fresh all day. This ultra clear dry spray contains baking soda and odor neutralizing ingredients to absorb moisture and sweat.
If so, what are they? The Arm & Hammer Invisible Foot Powder Spray and Shoe Refresher Spray
The Shoe Spray is great for footwear and sports gear too.
Does Botox work for foot sweat like other areas where people sweat and treat it with Botox?
Yes Botox is an effective treatment for hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating. The only downside is it can be painful and may not be covered by all insurances.
Sweat Facts
There are over 250,000 sweat glands in the feet alone
Adults tend to excrete a half pint of sweat per day
We are all born with the same number of sweat glands, however in early childhood the temperature that we are exposed to "activates" them; activating more sweat glands in warmer climates than those in colder climates
Hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating due to over stimulation of the sweat glands; this is often localized to the palms of hands, bottom of the feet or under arms; around 3% of Americans experience hyperhidrosis