Have you ever questioned why your feet perspire, even during winter? While many think that sweating or foot odor only happens in summer, there are a number of factors that contribute to this issue in the winter months. Today Dr. Hubert Lee of CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists is sharing some causes and remedies for sweaty feet.
What Causes Sweaty Feet?
Your footwear. During the colder months, we typically wear warmer, insulated footwear. When your feet are enclosed in footwear that doesn’t allow them to breathe, bacteria thrive.
Changes in temperature. Changes in temperature – such as when you go back inside after walking outside in the snow or slush – make your feet work harder to control the temperature, and in doing so, they sweat.
Drier skin. Because the air is so much drier during winter, our skin tends to dry out quicker, providing food for the bacteria that can cause feet to smell.
Layering thick socks. Wearing several pairs of socks can keep your feet warm and toasty, but it also seals the sweat in, causing foot odor. Wearing two or more pairs of socks can cause friction, which can cause corns or calluses to develop, resulting in excessive sweating and odor.
Remedies for Sweaty Feet
There are several things you can do to prevent foot odor this winter.
If your shoes or boots get wet, wear a different pair the next day until they dry out completely.
Exfoliate your feet to remove dead skin cells from the top layer of the skin.
Take off your warm boots as soon as you’re back inside so they can air out and so your feet don’t overheat.
Change layers of socks often if you tend to sweat a lot and wear socks that wick moisture away.
To give your feet a chance to air out, wear breathable footwear.
Follow these tips from Dr. Hubert Lee at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists and you can enjoy warm, toasty feet this winter that don’t sweat or stink. If you find that your feet are still sweating, contact our office at (425) 455-0936 to book your visit or schedule an appointment online.
