For those of you who live with hyperhidrosis, you know that it’s not only an uncomfortable condition; it can also be a very embarrassing problem in social situations. Shaking hands when meeting new people or trying to hold hands with a significant other can feel daunting. Going to someone’s house and taking off shoes can also cause anxiety as you’re more likely to have foot odor or drenched socks.
The underlying cause of hyperhidrosis is not well known, other than the fact that it is a hereditary condition. For some, the excessive sweating of the hands and feet, as well as of the rest of the body can get worse with stress or physical activity. For others, however, it can happen randomly.
While there are no major health-related side effects, the areas of excessive sweating are prone to skin breakdown, infection, and odor. That’s why it’s important to maintain good foot hygiene and healthy lifestyle practices:
●Wash your feet each day with warm water and soap. Also, take note of any changes in your skin and promptly take care of any infections.
●Never re-wear used socks. If your socks get drenched during the day, try using antiperspirant or foot powder to absorb some sweat. It can also help to change your socks in the middle of the day, and then again after work. You will go through more socks, but it will prevent other issues like odor and blistering.
●Additionally, wear different shoes each day so that they have time to fully dry out in between wears. That will reduce foot odor and any bacterial, viral, or fungal problems.
Because it is not fully understood, there is no permanent treatment solution for hyperhidrosis. However, there are some options to temporarily reduce sweating in your problems areas. There is iontophoresis, which uses water and a low electrical current. There’s also the option of botox injections, which are short term solutions. Finally, there’s sympathectomy, a surgical procedure in which nerves are interrupted/cut to reduce the signals that tell sweat glands to sweat.
We know that living with severe hyperhidrosis can have a big impact on your life. To figure out the best solution for you, consult with our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brad Toll at Crofton Podiatry. Please make an appointment by calling (410) 721-4505. Our staff is waiting to assist you at our Crofton, MD office, which also serves the surrounding Gambrills, Odenton, and Bowie areas.