What should you know about super sweaty feet?

Sweating cools the body, but feet may stay damp inside socks and shoes where moisture cannot evaporate. Some people have excessive sweating focused on the soles, sometimes beginning early in life; illness, medicines, heat or stress can also change sweating. Constant moisture may cause soft, pale or cracked skin, odour and friction. Athlete's foot commonly presents with itching, scaling or splits between the toes, and damp footwear can make the environment more favourable for it. Foot sweating can occur alone or alongside sweating elsewhere.

Wash and dry carefully between the toes, change socks when damp and rotate breathable shoes so each pair can dry fully. Do not share towels or footwear if a fungal infection is suspected. A clinician may recommend prescription antiperspirant applied as directed, often when the skin is dry, or iontophoresis for persistent sweating. These treatments need appropriate guidance, especially if you have broken skin, reduced sensation or an implanted electrical device. Avoid applying irritant products to cracked skin.

Arrange medical advice for sudden sweating, night sweats, sweating with weight change, or symptoms that began after a new medicine. Seek care for painful cracks, spreading redness, pus, fever, loss of sensation or a wound that is not healing. Urgent help is needed for severe weakness, chest symptoms or fainting with sweating.

Is this localised excessive sweating or part of another problem? Do I have athlete's foot or irritated skin? Which antiperspirant strength and schedule are suitable? Would iontophoresis be appropriate for me?