Sweaty Feet Remedies

Sweaty feet are an occasional fact of life for everyone. However, some people suffer from excessively sweaty feet that cause unpleasant smells and embarrassment. Thankfully, there are medical treatments, lifestyle changes and home remedies that can help reduce the problems associated with sweaty feet.

Medical Name

• Excessive sweating of the feet is called plantar hyperhidrosis. Hyperhidrosis.com urges people suffering from this condition to check with a doctor to determine if the cause can be linked to any other disease. Treatment for primary hyperhidrosis, which is "excessive sweating that is not due to an underlying medical condition," includes conventional medical treatments, lifestyle adaptations and other home remedies.

Medical Remedies

• Sedatives, beta-blockers and anticholinergics are types of medications used to treat sweaty feet. Hyperhidrosis.com says that sedatives may relieve the condition when the primary cause is stress. Beta-blockers are usually used to treat heart disease, and anticholinergics "block the substances that are responsible for nervous system activity." These drugs all carry a risk of unpleasant, harmful side effects and are, along with surgery, often last resorts after patients have tried other strategies. Improving personal hygiene habits and using home remedies are more common treatments for sweaty feet.

Personal Hygiene and Home Remedies

• "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies" and mothernature.com recommend thoroughly washing feet often as the first line of defense. Suzanne M. Levine, D.P.M., clinical assistant podiatrist at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, suggests keeping feet cool and dry as much as possible and treating the insides of shoes with powder or cornstarch. She also recommends frequent soaking in water and vinegar.
  International Hyperhidrosis Society board member and dermatologist Dee Anna Glaser, along with podiatrist Cary Zinkin, agree. They suggest spraying antiperspirant on the feet and avoiding shoes made of "plastic, rubber or fake leather. These materials can cause feet to sweat even more." Medicated foot powders and absorbent insoles are available over the counter.
  Menshealth.com suggests washing feet with tea tree oil to reduce bacteria and wearing cotton socks rather than those made of synthetic fabric.
  Relaxation can also help, according to Men's Health. "The sweat glands on our palms and soles produce the most moisture when we're under emotional pressure. Reduce your stress levels and you'll reduce the smell, too."
  Levine also points to diet as a possible cause of sweaty feet, pointing to spicy or pungent foods such as onions, peppers, garlic and scallions as ones to avoid.