What should you know about severe sweaty feet?

Excessive sweating of the soles is called plantar hyperhidrosis. It may happen even when the body does not need cooling and can soak socks, make shoes damp and cause slipping. Constant moisture and friction can soften or crack the skin, while shared or poorly ventilated footwear can encourage athlete's foot. Sweating that begins suddenly or affects many body areas deserves a medical review because medicines or another health problem may be involved.

Wash your feet and dry carefully between the toes. Change moisture-wicking socks when damp, rotate breathable shoes and let footwear dry fully before wearing it again. Avoid applying occlusive creams between the toes unless a clinician recommends them. A prescription antiperspirant may reduce sweating when used as directed, but it can irritate cracked skin. Iontophoresis is another option that uses a mild electrical current through water; a dermatology clinician can check whether it suits you and explain the treatment schedule.

Book an assessment if sweating interferes with work, sleep, footwear or daily activities, or if self-care has not helped. Seek care sooner for painful cracks, spreading redness, warmth, pus, marked swelling, numbness or an itchy peeling rash. Urgent assessment is sensible when heavy sweating starts suddenly with chest discomfort, faintness, confusion or feeling very unwell.

Ask whether your pattern fits plantar hyperhidrosis, how to use a prescription antiperspirant safely, and whether iontophoresis is appropriate. Ask how to distinguish moisture damage from athlete's foot and what to do if the skin splits or becomes infected.