Most of us have probably found ourselves in an unpleasant situation due to the unpleasant odor and discomfort in footwear caused by sweaty feet. This is completely normal! Sweating is a physiological reaction of the body that helps to cool down body temperature.
Feet can sweat due to active physical activity, during sports, and due to inappropriate footwear. However, if your feet sweat constantly and unusually heavily, it could be HYPERHIDROSIS (excessive sweating).
Due to hyperhidrosis, not only the soles of the feet can sweat, but also the palms, armpits, and facial and scalp skin. This condition might be unheard of, as it is not very common – it affects only about 5% of the population. To those who have not encountered hyperhidrosis, it might seem like a minor problem, but this pathology causes enormous emotional stress, a feeling of discomfort, which degrades the quality of life, and people give up their favorite activities to avoid sweating.
WHAT CAUSES HYPERHIDROSIS?
Hyperhidrosis is divided into primary and secondary. Primary is usually idiopathic, meaning the cause is unknown. Secondary is most often caused by medication or illness. Studies have shown that up to 93% of hyperhidrosis cases are of idiopathic origin. Therefore, treatment is only symptomatic.
WHAT CAN BE THE CAUSES OF SECONDARY HYPERHIDROSIS?
Various diseases, such as hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus, menopause, Parkinson's disease, heart failure, and even some oncological diseases (lymphomas, leukemias).
Use of various medications. Such as antidepressants, analgesics, antipyretics (fever reducers), hormonal preparations, antihypertensive drugs (for high blood pressure).
WHY CAN EXCESSIVE SWEATING BE DANGEROUS?
Sweating - a moist environment creates excellent conditions for the multiplication of microorganisms, thus increasing the risk of foot fungus, bacterial, or viral infections. For this reason, it is extremely important to take care of your feet and prevent these diseases!
WHEN TO SEEK A SPECIALIST FOR HYPERHIDROSIS?
- If you notice that you sweat more intensely and more than usual and it bothers you for 6 months.
- If sweating interferes with daily activities and quality of life.
- If you cannot control sweating with any means.
In Lithuania, this disease is treated by dermatologists. Specialists prescribe special treatment, local or systemic medications. But it is also important to remember preventive measures.
HOW TO PREVENT FOOT SWEATING?
- Foot hygiene is very important! Feet should be washed daily and thoroughly dried, especially between the toes, to prevent moisture accumulation and wound formation.
- It is worth choosing shoes made of materials that allow feet to "breathe" (natural materials, leather), avoiding rubber, plastic shoes where feet quickly warm up and sweat.
- Avoid synthetic socks, choose cotton ones, which absorb moisture better and also allow feet to "breathe".
- If you feel that your socks have become damp, you should change them.
- Take care of your feet with selected special products. The most popular kit for strong sweat control https://irgigaliu.lt/products/feetcalm-prakaituojanciu-pedu-rinkinys
- Never be ashamed to seek help. We are here to help you with all your foot problems. We look forward to seeing you at our new studio at Mindaugo g. 6, Vilnius. 👣
Do you have questions? Write to me and we will try to find the most suitable solution for your problems together!
Karolina
