Hyperhidrosis
Foot hyperhidrosis — Hyperhidrosis pedis (Latin) — refers to excessive sweating of the feet accompanied by unpleasant odor.
Possible causes:
- Closed footwear
- Socks made of synthetic materials that absorb moisture poorly (for example, cotton can absorb moisture exceeding its own weight)
- Insufficient frequency of changing footwear and socks (socks should be changed daily and shoes regularly)
- Occupational factors, such as wearing rubber boots or safety footwear and working in humid environments (gardening, kitchens, saunas, greenhouses, etc.)
Relationship between these factors
On one square centimeter of the sole there are approximately 600 sweat glands, and the total surface area of the sole is about 250 cm². Such a density of sweat glands is found only in a few other areas of the body, such as the armpits, groin, and forehead.
In closed shoes and socks, moisture cannot evaporate and forms a “moist biotope”, creating a microclimate similar to that of a greenhouse.
Sweating is a natural mechanism for regulating body temperature. Even with mild sweating, a person loses about half a liter of fluid per day.
In hot weather or during intense physical activity, sweating may increase up to five liters per day, allowing the body to cool itself effectively. Physiologically, the body must compensate for this fluid loss.
These are natural processes necessary for maintaining the body’s internal balance, but there are additional factors that can increase sweating.
Additional causes of excessive sweating
- Overactive thyroid gland
- Stress or fear
- Hormonal changes (for example, during menopause)
- Spicy foods and coffee
Initially, healthy human sweat has no odor. Sweat consists of approximately 99% water and 1% salts, urea, amino acids, and lactic acid, which are excreted through the skin. The skin is not only a protective organ but also an excretory organ, and in certain diseases it can partially support the functions of the lungs and kidneys.
Sweat mixes with sebum produced by the sebaceous glands. In this environment live bacteria that, together with skin secretions, form the so-called acid mantle — a protective layer on the skin surface that prevents pathogenic microorganisms from entering the body.
During the biological breakdown of sweat, butyric acid is produced, which causes an unpleasant odor.
The smell of sweat is individual for each person, because metabolic processes differ from person to person.
Diet, physical activity, and other factors influence each person’s characteristic scent as well as their individual skin microflora.
Excessively sweaty feet not only produce a characteristic odor but can also lead to other problems.
There are no sebaceous glands between the toes, so the skin in this area lacks the protective lipid layer. Due to prolonged moisture exposure, the skin may swell, thicken, and lose elasticity.
Cracks that develop between the toes may become entry points for bacteria and fungal infections.
Prevention:
The most important method of preventing excessive sweating and unpleasant odor is proper personal hygiene. Recommended measures include:
- Daily washing of the feet, which reduces odor-causing bacteria
- After washing, applying a moisturizing cream containing natural ingredients that reduce sweating, such as New Zealand manuka oil, zinc oxide, aloe vera, and jojoba oil
(however, excessively frequent washing may damage the skin’s protective acid mantle) - Foot baths with appropriate additives
Treatment of hyperhidrosis
Regular use of proper foot care products helps maintain skin elasticity and protects the feet from fungal infections and persistent unpleasant odor.
At Estonian Foot Clinic, our foot care specialists provide professional advice on managing these problems. We also recommend high-quality care products from the world-renowned German brand BAEHR and explain how to use them properly at home.