What should you know about very sweaty feet?

Sweat cools the skin, but some feet produce far more moisture than needed. Sweating may happen on both soles, during the day, or even when the surrounding air is comfortable. Damp skin can soften and crack, while enclosed shoes can trap warmth and odour. Athlete's foot is a separate fungal infection that may cause scaling, itching, burning or cracks between the toes; sweating and damp footwear can make the environment more favourable for it.

Notice whether the sweating is long-standing and limited to the feet, or whether it began suddenly and affects other areas too. A clinician may consider excessive sweating and review medicines, general symptoms and the condition of the skin.

Wash your feet and dry carefully, especially between the toes. Change socks when damp and choose breathable footwear; rotate shoes so they can dry fully before you wear them again. Avoid applying moisturiser between the toes if the area stays wet, but protect dry, cracked skin as advised.

A clinician may suggest a prescription antiperspirant for the soles or iontophoresis, which uses a mild electrical current through water to reduce sweating temporarily. Treatment choice depends on your skin, medical history and how much the sweating disrupts daily activities.

Arrange a medical review if sweating persists despite foot-care measures, causes repeated skin breakdown, or interferes with work, sport or sleep. Seek prompt advice for spreading redness, warmth, swelling, pus, marked pain, fever, or a wound that is not healing. Sudden widespread sweating with dizziness, chest discomfort, fainting or confusion needs urgent assessment.

Ask whether the pattern fits excessive sweating, whether your skin shows athlete's foot, and which treatment is suitable for your soles. You can also ask how to use an antiperspirant safely, how often iontophoresis is needed, and what changes should prompt a review.