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Sweat of the feet: is there a remedy?

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This is one of the most frequent problems, especially in young people and especially when the heat season arrives. In most cases, the sweat of the feet carries with it a bad smell in these parts of the body, and the truth is that there are relatively easy remedies to face the problem and its consequences.

Why do they sweat their feet?

Sweating is somewhat physiological, therefore 'normal', since in this way our body lowers the temperature and eliminates the residues, but in some cases can appear serious alterations. In the case of axillae or axillae, and the sweat of the hands, the negative effects will mainly focus on the social part, since those affected can feel some discomfort when they have to give their hand or appear in public. However, when excessive sweating also appears on the feet, they can also present physical problems, since wearing the covered feet avoid volatilization and "ventilation."

The sweat glands are responsible for this evaporation of the skin, which are spread throughout the body and therefore in the feet. And like these parts of the body, the feet, we carry them covered, sweat more.

Sweating does not depend on our will, we cannot control this task to our liking, it is governed by the vegetative nervous system. And the fact that this part of the nervous system works weaker than it should and that there are more sweat glands are, for some experts, the reason why the sweat of the feet becomes a serious problem. People who have weaker their vegetative system brown (or are ashamed) more easily, and redden their ears or chest.

This excess of sweating in the feet is mainly due to the weakness of its vegetative nervous system: children and adolescents.

But in most cases, the problem is not only the amount of sweat, but we must also take into account the bad smell or the bad smell that results in that sweating: the skin is rich in bacteria and if we have the feet covered, with the sweat they degrade. And the next step is immediate: in the feet that have sweated too much will appear physical problems that prevent us from walking properly. The friction produced by the shoes and diseases produced by the fungi will intensify, since this humid or humid environment is ideal for the reproduction of the fungi.

What can we do in these cases?

If your excessive sweating is worrying, it is best to put it in the hands of a specialist (pediatrician in case of children, dermatologist or podiatrician for adults). But consider the following points:

• Use suitable products Your pharmacist recommends the most suitable product for your case. In the form of ointments, aerosols or dust there are special deodorants (both for feet and footwear) for the problem to be portable. But, of course, do not use the shoe or shoes used so far.
• Shoes or shoes This is the point that should be corrected most in case of sweating. If it is sports shoes, made of synthetic material, the drying will be much more difficult. Therefore, every day, those worn on the eve should leave home and use clean shoes. Those used during the day should be left in a ventilated place for a full day (and during the two accompanying nights) to dry up perfectly. And if possible, wear breathable and flexible material shoes with leather and non-rubber sole.

Since it is almost impossible for young people to leave their shoes to taste and use others, it would be convenient to have two pairs of shoes and use one of them in shifts every day. And in the time of greatest heat (summer, for example), whenever possible, use open shoes, sandals, flip-flops, etc. So that the foot is properly ventilated.

• If socks are used, it is best to use natural materials (such as cotton) and to discard synthetic materials that prevent sweating. If possible, change twice a day.
• Hygiene Foot cleaning at least a couple of times a day along with changing shoes and socks. Talc powders are also suitable for absorbing moisture. After the bath dry the feet well, especially between the fingers, to avoid the appearance of fungi.

Normally, these recommendations are sufficient for the feet to stop sweating and, in passing, avoid bad smells. However, in exceptional cases and when sweating breaks all measurements (including sweat drops), hygienic measures are insufficient and we are forced to use harder methods: more aggressive substances on the one hand and only surgery (see chart).

More severe treatments In some cases, the amount and quality of the sweat of the feet is such that the hygienic measures are not enough and more serious and hard treatments should be addressed if we want to solve the problem. Aluminum chloride: This solution that kills bacteria and fungi (applied at night to the feet) gives the feet a yellowish color. But before applying, the feet should be dry and then should be coated with a plastic. Botulinum toxin: This substance blocks the action of the nervous system on the sweat glands. It is injected with very fine needles and after several sessions, the patient can go from eight to ten months without excessive sweating. Unfortunately, treatment is performed only in private clinics and has a relatively high cost (between 75,000 and 100,000 pesetas). Surgery: Through small holes in the chest the nerve that gives the "order to sweat" is removed. It is done when the hands are affected. Very effective.