What should you know about cold and sweaty feet at night?

Sweat on the soles can evaporate and make the feet feel cold, especially under bedding or after removing shoes. Plantar hyperhidrosis may cause repeated dampness without another illness. Athlete's foot becomes more likely when there is itching, peeling, cracking, burning, or scale between the toes. Symptoms that are new, one-sided, associated with colour change, numbness, pain, or swelling need a broader assessment.

Note whether sweating occurs during the day, affects both feet, wakes you, or follows a new medicine, fever, stress, or changes in your environment.

Wash and dry carefully between the toes, change damp socks, and choose breathable footwear. Rotate shoes so they can dry fully, and avoid occlusive creams between the toes. Do not scratch peeling skin. A clinician can check for fungal infection and discuss prescription antiperspirant or iontophoresis when excessive sweating persists; these treatments need instructions suited to your skin.

Arrange a review if sweating is persistent, newly severe, or affecting sleep, work, or walking. Seek prompt help for a cold foot with severe pain, numbness, pale or blue colour, marked swelling, wounds, or rapidly spreading redness. Fever or drainage from cracks also warrants medical attention.

Ask whether the skin shows athlete's foot, whether a medicine or medical condition could contribute, and which antiperspirant or iontophoresis schedule is appropriate.