How to Stop Your Feet from Sweating

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Extreme sweating—also known as hyperhidrosis—can affect many parts of the body, but one of the most common is the feet. If you suffer from excessively sweaty feet, you may need to wash your feet and shoes more, change your socks more frequently, or try applying deodorant to your feet. If your condition worsens, contact your doctor for some prescription strength help.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Improving Hygiene and Cleanliness

PDF download Download Article
  1. One of the most important things you can do to keep your feet from sweating is to wash them thoroughly every day. This will help to minimize any bacteria or fungi that might be living in the damp environment of your socks. Use antibacterial soap each time you wash your feet. [1]
    • Even if you don’t shower every day, you should wash your feet with soap and warm water on a daily basis.
    • Bacteria and fungi thrive in warm, damp settings, so inside your socks and around your feet are perfect places for them to grow.
  2. Be sure to dry your feet completely before putting shoes or socks on. Any time your feet get wet, they need to be thoroughly dried before being confined to shoes and/or socks again. This will also help minimize the potential for bacteria growth. [2]
    • You may even want to use a hairdryer on your feet to make sure they are super dry.
  3. Antiperspirant deodorant can be applied to other parts of the body too, not just to underarms. If your feet are sweating a lot, try spraying some deodorant on the soles of your feet before you put your socks on. [3]
    • Make sure you use the antiperspirant type of deodorant for the best results. Look for the active ingredients aluminum zirconium (trichlorohydrex) or aluminum chloride (hexahydrate).
    • You can start by applying the same kind of deodorant you use on your underarms to your feet. But if this seems to have minimal effect, you may need to ask your doctor about prescription strength deodorant.
    • Purchase a spray antiperspirant deodorant for your feet.
    4. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Caring for Your Footwear

PDF download Download Article
  1. When feet are confined inside thick shoes, they often sweat. If you’re having trouble with this, try choosing more breathable shoes to minimize the problem. Try tennis shoes made of breathable canvas material, or sandals during warmer weather. Avoid rubber shoes that don’t allow any air flow. [4]
    • Try rotating your shoes every day. This will allow your shoes to dry completely between uses.
  2. Cleaning your shoes can help eliminate any buildup of bacteria or other pesky irritants inside your shoes. Wash shoes that you wear regularly at least once every week or so. [5]
    • You can try washing your shoes with soap and water in the sink, or running them through the dishwasher/washing machine by themselves.
    • Be sure to let your shoes dry completely before wearing them again.
  3. If your feet sweat a lot, your socks will inevitably soak up all of that excess sweat and grime caused by your feet. To prevent problematic odor and bacteria growth, you should avoid wearing the same socks for more than one day. [6]
    • Wash your socks regularly and consider changing your socks multiple times in a day if they become too damp with sweat.
  4. For sweaty feet issues, synthetic socks are often more effective because they allow more air to flow through and they absorb more of the excess sweat. They also wick moisture away from your feet. [7]
    • Some people have also had success with socks made of natural fibers. The natural materials often have higher levels of absorption, leaving your feet less sweaty and uncomfortable. Consider trying socks made of natural fibers like hemp, bamboo, or wool.
  5. If you don’t have any antifungal powders, you can try applying cornstarch to your feet. Just rub a pinch of cornstarch on the bottom of your feet before you put your socks on. This can help sweaty feet stay dry for longer periods of time. [8]
    • You can also sprinkle some cornstarch in your shoes to add an extra absorbent measure.
  6. If you find yourself with constantly sweaty feet, it might be a good idea to always keep an extra pair of socks handy. This will allow you to change your socks if they become too damp or smelly during the day. [9]
    • Consider keeping extra pairs of socks in your office, car, purse, or briefcase.
    7. Advertisement
Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Getting Medical Help

PDF download Download Article
  1. There are many antifungal foot sprays, creams, and powders that are available over-the-counter. These can help protect your feet from becoming infected with athlete’s foot, or other ailments common in the wet atmosphere caused by overly sweaty feet. [10]
    • Try creams like clotrimazole, sprays like Tinactin (tolnaftate), or powders like Desenex (miconazole).
  2. If you are really struggling with sweaty feet and none of the at-home remedies seem to be working, you might want to ask your doctor or dermatologist about it. Make an appointment and discuss your symptoms with your doctor. [11]
    • Your doctor may run some tests, consult your medical history, and come up with a plan for moving forward.
    • Some of the more intense medical options will require a prescription, so it’s always a good idea to ask for your doctor’s advice.
  3. Your doctor may be able to prescribe you some stronger topical medications that can help prevent your skin from sweating so much. One commonly prescribed medication is Drysol. [12] Drysol is basically a prescription strength antiperspirant.
    • If your doctor prescribes Drysol, make sure to follow their instructions for using this medication. You will need to apply the medicine to the affected area and then put on a protective covering, such as a pair of socks.
    • Ask your doctor for their advice about any other topical ointments or creams that could help your condition.
  4. This is a medical procedure that involves sending small electrical currents through water before it comes into contact with the skin. It is often used to treat excessive sweating, as well as certain sports injuries. Your doctor must prescribe treatment. [13]
    • This procedure can have quite positive results. The procedure has a 91% success rate among people with excessive sweating of their hands and feet. [14] It is usually necessary to continue treatments indefinitely if you want to continue seeing the effects. If you stop after a few treatments, your excessive sweating will likely return.
  5. Sometimes people with excessive sweating problems are directed to undergo Botox injections in the affected areas. Botox has been proven to stop signals between nerves and sweat glands, which can lead to less sweating. [15] You’ll need your doctor’s approval to move forward with this possibility.
    • Remember that this is a fairly extreme and expensive option with results that typically only last a few months at the most.
  6. In this surgical procedure, the surgeon either cuts or clamps the nerve chain running up the spine that regulates the body’s fight or flight response. This will prevent your body from sweating, blushing, or reacting to cold temperatures as much as it once did. [16]
    • Keep in mind that this procedure should be a last resort option.
    7. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    What causes my feet to sweat so much?
    Catherine Cheung, DPM
    Board Certified Podiatrist
    Dr. Catherine Cheung is a double board-certified Podiatrist based in San Francisco, California. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Cheung specializes in all aspects of foot and ankle care, including complex reconstruction, injury treatment, custom orthotics, bunion surgery, and all general foot and ankle issues. Dr. Cheung is affiliated with the Brown & Toland Physicians and the Sutter Medical Network. She received her BS from UCLA. She earned a DPM from the California College of Podiatric Medicine, completed her residency at the Encino Tarzana Medical Center, and completed a fellowship at the Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Medical Center. She is double board-certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery in Foot Surgery and Reconstructive/Ankle Surgery.
    Catherine Cheung, DPM
    Board Certified Podiatrist
    Expert Answer
    Your socks and shoes restrict airflow which causes your feet to sweat more than the rest of your body. If you can, switch to sandals. If you have to wear shoes, bring a few extra pairs of socks with you and change them out as your feet get sweaty.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 7 Helpful 9
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Prevent Sweaty Palms
      How to
      Control Excessive Sweating
      How to
      Prevent Smelly Feet
      How to
      Give a Sexy Foot Massage
      How to
      Give a Foot Massage
      How to
      Give Yourself a Professional Pedicure at Home & Save Money
      How to
      Use a Foot Scraper
      How to
      Clean Your Feet
      How to
      Get Rid of Foot Odor
      How to
      Remove Dead Skin from Feet
      How to
      Use an Exfoliating Foot Peel
      How to
      Get Rid of Dry Skin on Feet
      How to
      Get Baby Soft Feet
      How to
      Give a Sensual Foot Massage
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://patient.info/health/sweaty-feet
      2. ↑ Catherine Cheung, DPM. Board Certified Podiatrist. Expert Interview. 21 April 2019.
      3. ↑ http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/foothealth/Pages/smellyfeet.aspx
      4. ↑ Catherine Cheung, DPM. Board Certified Podiatrist. Expert Interview. 21 April 2019.
      5. ↑ http://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-get-rid-of-smelly-feet
      6. ↑ Catherine Cheung, DPM. Board Certified Podiatrist. Expert Interview. 21 April 2019.
      7. ↑ Catherine Cheung, DPM. Board Certified Podiatrist. Expert Interview. 21 April 2019.
      8. ↑ https://www.prevention.com/health/15-tips-to-help-with-foot-odor
      9. ↑ Catherine Cheung, DPM. Board Certified Podiatrist. Expert Interview. 21 April 2019.
      1. ↑ http://www.footvitals.com/skin/sweaty-feet.html
      2. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/dry-sweaty-skin/hyperhidrosis
      3. ↑ https://www.drugs.com/cdi/drysol.html
      4. ↑ http://www.healthline.com/health/iontophoresis#overview1
      5. ↑ https://sweathelp.org/hyperhidrosis-treatments/iontophoresis.html
      6. ↑ https://www.drugs.com/botox.html
      7. ↑ http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/test_procedures/neurological/sympathectomy_135,25

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      Sweaty feet can be uncomfortable and embarrassing, but by washing them regularly and applying drying products, you can keep your feet dry and odor-free. Wash your feet every day with an antibacterial soap to help minimize any bacteria from forming. Dry your feet completely after you wash them and before you put on shoes or socks. To help your feet stay dry, rub a pinch of cornstarch on the bottom of your feet before you put socks on and sprinkle some in your shoes. You can also try applying antiperspirant deodorant on the soles of your feet before you put your socks on to keep them from sweating. For tips from our Medical co-author about how to use antifungal foot spray on your feet, keep reading!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 82,837 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Sandra Kennedy

        Jun 23, 2019

        "My feet get very warm in summer. I found the products suggested very good, and although I have already been doing ..." more
        Rated this article:
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement