MD Podiatrist Discusses Hyperhydrosis

According to Dan Michaels, DPM, “Hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating of the feet. It’s slightly more common in men than in women, and more common in young adults than older adults. People whose feet sweat excessively often also have problems with excessive sweating of the palms. Hyperhidrosis can cause great emotional distress and occupational disability for many people. It is estimated to affect 0.6 to one percent of teenagers and as high as 2.8 percent of the population of the United States. Hyperhidrosis most commonly occurs among people aged 25 to 64 years of age ““ but some may develop it from early childhood or as teenagers.
 
 
“Both topical and systemic medications have been used in the treatment of hyperhidrosis. Prescription antiperspirants may be applied directly to the feet and are more effective than over-the-counter versions. Botox injections can temporarily control excessive sweating of the feet with treatment generally lasting for about six to nine months. Severe cases of sweaty feet may be treated with a surgical procedure called a sympathectomy, which interrupts the nerve signals that tell the feet to sweat excessively. It has been reserved as the final treatment option and is not often done.”