Transcript

Voice- The Bodyshop with Jennifer Black and Dr. Steve is brought to you by Allegheny Chesapeake Physical Therapy.

Jennifer Black - Tonight we are going to talk about hyperhidrosis. Dr. Steve, what is this?

Dr. Steve - Hyperhidrosis is excessive perspiration. Hyperhidrosis usually affects your hands and feet.

Hyperhidrosis of the hands can be a very embarrassing situation when you go to shake hands with someone, given that your hands are always wet. It is difficult to feel comfortable in public situations.

The other area where hyperhidrosis is an issue is in the feet, and that is what I would like to talk about tonight.

You have approximately 120,000 sweat glands in your feet and when you stick that many sweat glands inside a sock and shoe on a warm day with activity that can lead to some significant fluid and perspiration. As a matter of fact, in a situation like this your foot can produce up to a pint of perspiration. People who have this situation are usually aware of it, but they don't always know that it is something that can be managed.

If you know that you sweat a lot or know that your shoes stinks after wearing them that is a good indication that you have hyperhidrosis. If you experience this excessive perspiration, you should look at high tech socks. High tech socks are made from polypropylene (or some other material), which wicks the fluid away from your skin and allows the fluid to dissipate in to the air.

There are insole beds that also help with perspiration wicking and aeration in your shoe. A sealed leather shoe that has no ability to allow air to dissipate is one that you'll find is making your situation worse. So, ventilated shoes that have holes in the upper part of the shoe or even in the sides of the shoe can make a huge difference in the ability for that perspiration to wick and dissipate.

Running shoe liners often times have the ability to do this well. They are frequently ventilated well and have insoles that dissipate heat. You can also buy insoles with wicking properties to put in your other shoes.

Another approach is to use an antiperspirant on your feet. Get an antiperspirant spray, not one that has a deodorant with it, and spray it on the soles of your

So, in summary, if you have hyperhidrosis in your feet, it is manageable, just remember to take these steps:

• wear the right socks - stay away from the cotton socks
• get insoles for your shoes
• make sure that your shoes have good aeration
• use an antiperspirant on the foot