What to do if your feet are sweating profusely

Of the four to five million sweat glands on the body, as many as two hundred and fifty thousand are concentrated on the feet. It’s no wonder that moisture and an unpleasant smell appear so quickly in your favorite sneakers when it’s hot outside. Constant humidity in shoes is not just a discomfort.

It leads to an unpleasant odor, slipping, blistering, and even the risk of fungal infections. And if you encounter hyperhidrosis, that is, excessive sweating, then the problem becomes even more acute. But don’t rush to put up with wet socks and be shy about taking off your shoes at a party — there are proven ways to help you keep your feet dry and fresh.

1. Wash your feet correctly

Your feet deserve special care, so regular rinsing is not enough here. Make it a rule to wash them thoroughly twice a day — in the morning and in the evening. Arm yourself with antibacterial soap — it should be your must-have in the shower. Don’t just run soap suds over your feet, but treat every inch, especially carefully examining the space between your fingers, because that’s where moisture likes to accumulate, and bacteria that cause an unpleasant odor multiply.

After water treatments, do not just get your feet wet but achieve perfect dryness. Take a clean cotton towel and dry each area thoroughly. Pay special attention to the spaces between your fingers again — the moisture remaining there creates ideal conditions for the reproduction of the fungus.

If you make this kind of foot washing a habit, you’ll notice a significant difference in a couple of weeks. They will sweat less, and the unpleasant smell will cease to be a problem. An additional tip: after washing, you can put your feet in cool water for a couple of minutes — this will help close the pores and reduce sweating.

2. Choose the right shoes

Your feet will thank you if you choose shoes that can “breathe.” Closed shoes made of leatherette or thick leather without ventilation are a trap for sweaty feet. They create a greenhouse effect, and then no amount of money will help. Take a closer look at models crafted from natural materials, such as cotton, mesh, or fine natural leather, featuring perforations that allow air to circulate and remove excess moisture. Remember: the more comfortable the microclimate in your shoes, the less your feet will sweat.

3. Don’t neglect the socks

Closed shoes require the mandatory wearing of socks. And this is a steadfast rule for those who struggle with sweaty feet. However, it is essential to select the right socks and take proper care of them — they must be spotless, free from scorch marks, and made from the right materials. Forget about cotton, which instantly absorbs moisture and holds it like a sponge.

Instead, choose merino wool, which naturally regulates temperature, bamboo fiber, which has antibacterial properties, or special synthetic fabrics that can actively absorb sweat and dry quickly. Change your socks at least once a day, and if your feet sweat excessively, carry a spare pair with you. This way, you won’t give bacteria a single chance to turn your shoes into a hotbed of unpleasant odors.

4. Review the nutrition

What you eat and drink directly affects the sweating of your feet

Spicy food is a real provocateur. Chili peppers, hot sauces, and spicy dishes can accelerate your metabolism, forcing your sweat glands to work in an enhanced mode. Moreover, not only does the body sweat, but the legs also become involved. Try to exclude spicy foods from the diet for at least a week, and you will notice how sweating has decreased.

Coffee is another unobvious enemy. Caffeine stimulates the nervous system, activating the sweat glands. If you’re used to starting the day with a large cup of tart drink, don’t be surprised to have wet socks for lunch. Try to replace it with green tea or chicory — the effect may pleasantly surprise you.

Alcohol, especially beer and spirits, also causes vasodilation, which increases sweating, and sweating can persist even the next day after libations. But that doesn’t mean you have to go on a strict diet. Try experimenting by removing these products for a week and observing the body’s reaction. Most likely, you’ll notice that your feet sweat less and your shoes stay fresh longer. Also, if you want to cope with sweating, add more foods with zinc and magnesium to your diet — these trace elements help regulate sweating.

Keep talc handy

Talcum powder is your secret ally in the fight against sweaty feet. But for it to work effectively, you need to know a few essential tricks. Before putting on your shoes, take thirty seconds to do this simple procedure. Take a special foot powder or regular baby talcum powder — the main thing is that it is fragrance-free if you have sensitive skin.

Pour a small amount into the palm of your hand and distribute evenly over the entire foot, paying special attention to the area between the toes, the sole, and the area around the nails. Talcum powder works like a sponge — it instantly absorbs moisture, creating a protective barrier. It also prevents friction in shoes, reducing the risk of calluses, neutralizing unpleasant odors, and providing a fresh feeling. An important rule: use talcum powder only on dry feet and keep a jar of it away from moisture so that the powder does not stick.

Use lotions and sweat creams

A good antiperspirant for feet not only masks the smell but also reduces perspiration, creating a protective barrier. But it is important to choose it correctly so that the remedy does not turn out to be a disappointment. Pay attention to a few key points. Aluminum chloride is the gold standard in the fight against sweating.

A concentration of 15% is suitable for a moderate problem. If your feet sweat excessively, consider the option with a 20-30% concentration. The product must be an antiperspirant, not just a deodorant. The first reduces sweating, and the second only masks the smell. The form of release is your choice: the spray is easy to use, the stick does not stain socks, and the cream often contains additional caring components.

Make sure that there is no alcohol in the composition if you have sensitive skin. A valuable bonus would be the presence of natural antibacterial ingredients, such as tea tree or sage, which help prevent the growth of bacteria.