Are you the one whose feet sweat even in winter? Have you ever wondered, “Why are my feet sweating but are cold?” Then today’s article is for you.
First thing first- Feet can sweat for many reasons. Hyperhidrosis, inadequate footwear, spicy foods, several health issues, poor hygiene, infections, and genetics are responsible for most of the cases.
To get over this messy thing, you need to ensure proper hygiene and a healthy diet. Sometimes, antiperspirant and deodorant work very well. You will get the details over here.
Having sweaty feet is one of those conditions that can cause discomfort and embarrassment. The sweaty feet also can lead to the formation of blisters and abrasions, which can lead to ulcers. Also, excessive sweat can cause quite severe conditions, which are the prelude to the development of Diabetic Foot.
Although it may sometimes depend on medical factors that require diagnosis and treatment, usually sweating of the feet is due to easy-to-resolve factors.
Why are my feet sweating but are cold?
Sweating is a natural physiological process. Feet and hands sweat the most because these are where the most sweat glands are found.
Sometimes, however, the feet sweat so much that you can not feel at ease in your skin. It can be a symptom of other diseases as well.
Intense sweating of the feet is often caused by body disorders, metabolic diseases (e.g., diabetes, hyperthyroidism), neurological diseases, some infectious diseases, and hormonal disorders – especially during puberty. The cause of excessive sweating can also be stress, neurosis, or emotional disturbances.
The cause of sweating is sometimes an inadequate diet, including eating spicy foods and spices. Sweating also appears due to wearing artificial fibre socks (they intensify sweating and permanently store an unpleasant smell that the washing does not remove); walking all day in synthetic, impervious fibre shoes and not maintaining foot hygiene.
If you are searching for the best shoes for being on your feet, here are some recommendations for you.
Below we explain the reasons why we find ourselves with very sweaty feet even in the cold. If none of these is your case, contact a podiatrist: he will help you find the solution.
Hyperhidrosis
Our bodies sweat to control body temperature, or in response to emotional responses such as fear or excitement. Some people who sweat more than necessary are identified as suffering from Hyperhidrosis.
Symptoms of sweating of the feet are, for example, an excessive odor, whitening feet, and feet that slip into the shoe. The smell is due to a bacterium that grows in humid, warm conditions inside the shoe.
There is no so-called “normal” sweating, but if it’s going to bother you in your everyday life and you feel embarrassed, it’s excessive sweating. While we know that it is triggered unconsciously by our nervous system, the exact causes of excessive sweating are still unknown.
Inadequate footwear
This is one of the main reasons for excessive sweating of the feet, but also the easiest to solve.
Footwear is essential, but we rarely pay due attention. If you wear shoes made with synthetic materials or very closed, it is not strange to find yourself with very sweaty feet.
Non-breathable shoes increase foot sweating. The idea is to choose a shoe in a natural material that also adapts to our specific needs and does not cause problems like ingrown nails.
Spicy food
Even if it seems strange, and you probably haven’t even thought about it but some foods increase the sweating of the feet. We speak, for example, of spices, carbonated drinks, and caffeine.
If your feet sweat a lot, avoid these foods for a few days or weeks. If you notice an improvement, be sure to limit the consumption of these products.
Health problems
Other reasons why feet sweat a lot include disorders such as:
- Diabetes
- Diseases that alter the nervous system
- Hepatic disorders
- Constipation
If you have suitable shoes and socks and your food is without the products mentioned, but the problem persists, make a medical checkup to discard these problems.
Poor hygiene
This is an apparent cause of excessive sweating. If your feet are not washed frequently, they will swell more efficiently, even in winter.
Through the sweat, the body releases toxins, and if they are not removed, the feet will look for ways to get rid of it through more sweat.
You should:
- Wash your feet every day.
- Dry them properly.
- Change socks every day.
- Use talcum powder.
Emotional factors
Even the mood can lead us to have very sweaty feet. When you are nervous, for example, it is common to feel wet feet. As well as when you are angry, scared, stressed, or excited; your feet can sweat badly.
If you are going through a moment of intense emotional stress, try to adopt one of the many relaxation techniques.
Genetics
Sometimes excessive sweating is linked to genetics. Have you noticed that your family members sweat a lot? In this case, it is advisable to look for a specific product to keep the problem under control.
Infections
Infections find a perfect habitat in the feet in case of poor hygiene. The proliferation of fungi is often the result of maceration of the skin and affects the nails and the rest of the foot.
If you suffer from mycoses, you can apply a specific cream, or try a natural therapy.
For wearing the same shoes
Do you have a pair of shoes that you never abandon because they are your favourite? Do you wear the same shoes for more than two consecutive days?
If you find shoes that you love, buy two pairs instead. In this way, you can also have them in different colours to match the various looks.
Sweating of feet: Consequences
Without going to Hyperhidrosis (excessive perspiration), sweating of the feet can have unpleasant effects on our feet in particular, because:
- In your shoes, with socks, sweat is challenging to evacuate.
- Our feet are found in a hot and humid environment in which sweat macerates in the middle of bacteria and other fungal infections.
- You have here the origin of the bad smell that can sometimes be released from your feet.
- Your feet, inside the socks and shoes, then turn a bit into the Ecosphere.
- But, in addition to the smell, which remains a lesser evil, you also risk infections of the feet and nails, contact eczema, poor blood circulation and dehydration (rarely).
Solutions to fight against sweaty feet
There are more sweat glands in the feet than anywhere else, which is why you will tend to feel sweaty feet. If you stay up all day, the sweat in your shoes becomes a perfect haven for bacteria. Here are some tips you can use to prevent the excessive sweating of feet:
Good plantar hygiene
Even though dermatologists are not for daily health, wash your feet like the rest of your body at least once a day. If you sweat your feet, we advise you to wash them morning and evening.
Take the time to clean your entire foot by not forgetting the space between each of your toes. Once clean, dry them properly, especially between your toes. A wet foot is a breeding ground for the proliferation of bacteria, causing a bad smell.
To prevent your feet from sweating excessively, you can:
- Wash them, at least twice a day, in warm soapy water and rinse them with cold water
- Dry them thoroughly, especially in the middle of the fingers, right where the skin tends to be sweaty and to create macerations
- Choose comfortable (in length, width and height) and breathable footwear, possibly made with natural materials
- Get soft or semi-rigid support for the shoes (plantar) that accompanies the gait of the foot
- Give you a relaxing and sanitizing foot bath.
Take care of your feet
Often neglected, we do not take the time, or we do not think to take care of our precious feet. Watch the condition of your feet from time to time and treat them. If you notice that there is sweat damage such as blisters or fungal infections, be alert. The footbath is strongly recommended; it is an excellent solution against excessive sweating.
There is a multitude of grandmother’s recipes such as a black tea footbath, for example, or cider vinegar and salt. You can do it every day if you need to know that this moment will allow you to relax after a big day of work.
Watch your shoes
To avoid sweating too much, you need to choose suitable shoes. You should avoid all closed shoes without ventilation or synthetic materials like rubber. Favour canvas or leather shoes that will allow your foot to breathe a minimum.
Also, prefer shoes that can wash or at least those where the sole is washable. Try never to wear the same pair for two days in a row so that it can aerate and dry if there is evidence of excessive sweating. There are also deodorants and disinfectants specifically designed for the inside of your shoes.
If you want to wash your favourite white shoes; follow this article. Â
Choose suitable socks
The sock is nowadays a fashion accessory to which one brings particular importance. But before the artistic side, consider choosing them according to your feet.
In other words, if you know perspiration problems, think about the composition of your socks. Know that 100% of synthetic materials are harmful to feet. It is better to opt for cotton or wool.
If one can be tempted not to wear socks, they nevertheless provide some comfort and hygiene. The solution is often called an invisible sock that can be associated with sneakers or Derbys without this being seen.
No need to remind you that it is also necessary to change the pair of socks every day, whether you sweat or not!
Test antiperspirants and deodorants
The ideal for people suffering from sweaty feet is to combine an antiperspirant with a deodorant. The first will stop or reduce perspiration, and the second will bring a feeling of freshness and control odors.
In-gel, powder, and spray you will find this kind of product in supermarkets or pharmacies. Your pharmacist can also offer antifungal treatments to fight against the formation of fungi if necessary. You can also sprinkle your feet with talc, known for its absorbent properties or some household item that can bring shoes freshness without spending any bucks.
Consult a chiropodist
If all of the advice and solutions discussed above have not worked or are not effective enough, turn to a medical professional, your podiatrist. The latter will be able to carry out a complete examination of your foot, carry out a pedicure, and he will give you the necessary keys to help you fight against your perspiration problem.
Also, he can practice iontophoresis. This technique involves immersing your feet in the bottom of the water in which, with the help of electrodes, a weak electric current circulates. No risk of electrocution in a weak current. This current modifies, on contact with the skin, the abnormal functioning of sweat glands responsible for perspiration.
After only a few sessions, the result is surprising. Unfortunately, if we stop the treatment, Hyperhidrosis comes back. It is now possible to purchase an iontophoresis machine for home treatment.
The Botox
Although the results are good, iontophoresis remains a binding treatment. Another solution exists in the medical field, the benefits of cosmetic surgery. Your surgeon will be able to offer you an injection of the miraculous and controversial product: Botox.
This product is best known for erasing facial wrinkles as an alternative to a facelift. But know that Botox prevents sweating.
Two days after the injection perspiration will decrease, and after 2 to 4 weeks, the result will be optimal with a sharp decrease in sweating and odors. The effects of Botox last between 6 to 8 months. It is costly and apparently very painful but somewhat effective.
Wrapping Up
Contrary to appearances, in winter, the feet sweat more than during the heat. Why? Because of warm, windproof, and often high shoes and thick socks (sometimes double) or tights. As a consequence, feet sweat and give off an unpleasant odor, which can lead to the development of fungal diseases.
But now that you have read our article and know what to do, you’ll be all right. Next time someone asks- “Why are my feet sweating but are cold, help him with the knowledge.
