Avon Podiatry Forms

Excessive Sweating

Excessive sweating, or what medically is called Hyperhidrosis , can be a real problem. Shoes and socks get wet and wear out faster, the skin stays wet, and various problems can ensue. A foot odor problem, known as Bromhidrosis , can also stem from excessive sweating.
There are several simple non-prescription ways to reduce or even stop foot sweating and odor.
One old fashioned natural way is with the tannins found in black tea. This can stop sweating for up to 6 weeks after each treatment.

Black Tea Soaks

1. Take 3 black tea bags and steep in 2 pints of hot water for 20 minutes.
2. Add 1 quart cold water.
3. Soak feet for 30 minutes.
4. Repeat once a day for one week.
After this, repeat as necessary.

Anti-Perspirant Treatment

Anti perspirant chemicals come in many available brands and may consist of various aluminum salts. It is best to buy one without deodorant added as some are allergic to those chemicals. Buy a brand in a spray formulation and use it daily. This works best if done at night before bed time. In that way, the active ingredient in the anti-perspirant can get into the pores before it is washed away by sweat.

Prescriptions

If either or both of the above do not work, then prescription strength aluminum containing anti-perspirants can be used. You will need to be seen in the office for this.

Odor

Often, many find foot odor to be a joking matter, but it can be socially embarrassing to be told to keep your shoes on at home.
Human sweat is odorless, but once metabolized by the normal bacteria that reside on the skin will form an odor.
For this problem, various compounds can be used to reduce the resident bacteria we all carry. I find that a product called On Your Toes® has always worked best. You can buy this on the internet, and it is available for sale in my office.
It is always important to try and keep your feet dry whenever possible. Shoes should be rotated so you do not wear the same pair daily. If you are troubled by Hyperhidrosis , then, until controlled with any of the above treatments, you should absolutely never wear the same pair of shoes two days in a row and if severe, you can take a clean, dry pair of socks to work with you and change at lunch time.

Please call me with any additional questions or concerns
Office: 272-0556 Answering Service: 745-6160

David E. Gurvis, D.P.M.

Avon Podiatry
Avon Station Medical Center
8244 E. US Highway 36, suite 120
Avon, Indiana 46123

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