Here's How To Prevent Uncomfortable Sweaty Feet

We've all experienced the nuisance that is sweaty feet. Not only can sweat make your feet stink but it can also cause your foot to slip out of your sandal beds, wet the inside of your shoes, and even harbor the perfect environment for fungus and bacteria. The feet have the highest concentration of sweat glands in the entire body, according to Angela Ballard, a registered nurse and advocate for the International Hyperhidrosis Society (via The Strategist). This causes a lot of sweat, even more so if you suffer from hyperhidrosis (aka excessive sweating).

Sweaty feet are not only caused by heat. Strenuous activity, emotion, damaged nerves, various medical conditions, and more are also common culprits of super sweaty feet (via Patient). Excessive sweat is both uncomfortable and dangerous, as it can cause infections, so it is understandable that many people are searching for prevention. Some people who suffer from excessive sweating on their feet even turn to drastic measures, such as Botox injections in the bottom of their feet. Luckily, nothing this dramatic is required most of the time. In fact, there are several simpler ways to prevent the discomfort of foot sweat.

It may sound like a broken record, but staying hydrated really does help many conditions, including excessive sweating. Drinking the right amount of water for your body size each day will help regulate your body temperature and reduce the likelihood of excessive sweating (via Medical News Today). Sweat is your body trying to cool itself down when too hot. Water will work like an air-conditioning system to keep your body from overheating and, therefore, causing excessive sweat.

Some socks are better than others when it comes to keeping your feet dry. If you have excessively sweaty feet, cotton is probably not your best option. Cotton soaks up sweat and can leave your socks soaking wet. It is best to stick to athletic socks made with blends of moisture-wicking fabrics if you struggle with super sweaty feet. This will prevent the discomfort of walking around with wet socks all day and the poor side effects that come with it. Damp socks are a breeding ground for fungi such as athlete's foot, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Hopefully, you are using antiperspirant for your underarms, but did you know that you can also use antiperspirant for your feet? Using the same antiperspirant you use on your pits is an easy solution for sweaty feet. Antiperspirant works by temporarily blocking the sweat glands. Simply apply an antiperspirant to your dry, clean feet before bed and wash it off in the morning (via the American Academy of Dermatology Association). Repeat this for three to four nights before switching to applications only once or twice per week.

Powder is a great way to prevent foot sweat, but it is important to use the correct type. Some powders, such as talk, combine together with your sweat to create mush in your socks, so it should be avoided. Other powders, like baby powder, can help stop a bit of sweat but not all while making your skin dry (via Amope). Try an anti-fungal powder that prevents athlete's foot. The powder will both soak up excess sweat and prevent a condition that can cause even more discomfort.

Podiatrist and consultant for Vionic shoes Jackie Sutera recommends soaking your feet in black tea for reduced sweating (via The Strategist). The tannic formula in black tea will help draw out moisture, leaving you with dry feet. Create a mixture of two tea bags and the corresponding correct amount of water. Once the water cools to the touch, soak your feet for 30 minutes a day for one week. To continue to reap the benefits after your one week is up, continue to soak once or twice a week.