What is it? Excessive foot sweating, medically known as plantar hyperhidrosis, is a common and often distressing condition characterized by an overproduction of sweat on the soles of the feet. This is more than just 'sweaty feet' after exercise; it's a persistent, daily issue that can affect your social life, choice of footwear, and self-confidence.

The feet have a higher density of sweat glands than any other part of the body—over 125,000 glands per foot. In individuals with hyperhidrosis, these glands are overactive, often triggered by emotions, hormones, or simple activities, rather than heat or physical exertion. The resulting excessive moisture creates an environment where secondary skin problems can thrive, making professional podiatry management essential for both hygiene and foot health.

What are the symptoms?

• Excessive Moisture: The soles of the feet are constantly damp, or even wet, regardless of the temperature or activity level.
• Foot Odour (Bromhidrosis): This is a primary concern. The moisture creates the perfect breeding ground for bacteria to thrive. As the bacteria break down the sweat, a foul odour is produced.
• Soggy Skin (Maceration): The skin between the toes often becomes white, soft, wet, and 'pruned' (macerated). This weakened skin is prone to painful splitting (fissures).
• Secondary Infections: Constant moisture significantly increases the risk of fungal infections like Athlete’s foot and verrucae (plantar warts), as well as bacterial infections.
• Difficulty with Footwear: Shoes can become quickly damaged, slippery inside, and have a shortened lifespan due to moisture.
• Skin Damage: The skin on the soles can develop a rough, 'pitted' appearance (pitted keratolysis) due to bacterial infection.

What causes it? Sweaty feet can be divided into two main categories:

• Primary Hyperhidrosis: This is the most common form, where excessive sweating is localized to specific areas (hands, feet, armpits) and is not caused by an underlying medical condition. It often runs in families and is believed to be a result of overactive sympathetic nerves.
• Secondary Hyperhidrosis: Sweating occurs across the whole body and is a symptom of another condition, such as a thyroid disorder, menopause, diabetes, certain infections, or a side effect of medication. If your sweating is sudden or widespread, we may liaise with your GP for a full medical assessment.
• Other Triggers: Stress, anxiety, and strong emotions are frequent triggers.

What are the treatment options? It is important to understand that while we cannot always "cure" hyperhidrosis, we can manage it extremely effectively, allowing you to live comfortably:

• Clinical Antiperspirants: The first line of professional treatment. A podiatrist can recommend or prescribe strong, professional-strength antiperspirants containing aluminium chloride. These work by temporarily blocking the sweat ducts, providing significant reduction in sweating.
• Iontophoresis: A highly effective, non-invasive treatment where the feet are placed in shallow trays of water through which a gentle electrical current is passed. This current "shuts down" the sweat glands temporarily, typically requiring a series of treatment sessions.
• Advanced Foot Hygiene: We provide precise advice on daily hygiene, including using antibacterial soaps, drying the feet meticulously (especially between the toes), and changing socks regularly.
• Footwear and Hosiery Advice: This is critical. We recommend specific materials that wick moisture away from the skin, such as merino wool, bamboo, or specialized synthetic fibers, and advise on 'breathable' footwear like leather or mesh shoes.
• Treatment of Secondary Infections: We manage Athlete's foot, verrucae, and maceration (soggy skin) simultaneousl