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What Causes Sweaty Feet?
There are several causes of sweaty feet. These include inherited conditions, acquired diseases and simple lifestyle choices. Biological causes include conditions such as hyperhidrosis, while lifestyle choices include hygiene, exercise and diet.
The primary symptom of sweaty feet is the production of water suffused with dissolved solids. This liquid is produced by sweat glands all over the body. The highest concentration of sweat glands can be found around the groin, armpits, hands and feet. Sweat glands help to regulate body heat and are a common feature amongst mammals across the globe. They are regulated by the hypothalamus region of the brain.
Sweaty feet are often found with sweaty hands if they have a biological cause. That said, they are more likely to happen due to poor hygiene. This is because feet are often covered in socks and shows, restricting the natural evaporation of sweat into the atmosphere. Poor footwear choice is a common cause of sweaty feet.
Poor hygiene is another common cause. By not changing their socks or by not washing their feet, a person allows bacteria and sweat levels to build up. This increases toxicity and smell caused by bacteria-creating amino acids. High toxicity levels are also caused by a lack of exercise and low levels of water. Foods high in saturated fats and spices are more likely to cause sweaty feet.
Hygiene and lifestyle cases of sweaty feet are relatively easy to deal with. The sufferer needs to make basic changes to the way he lives. This either means cleaning more often or making a healthier diet based on fruit and vegetables instead of spices and saturated fats.
Approximately 3 percent of people suffer from a condition called hyperhidrosis. This is where the sweat glands overproduce sweat. Hyperhidrosis causes stress and anxiety because sufferers become increasingly aware of their own sweat. With this condition, sweaty feet are just one of a number of symptoms.
Hyperhidrosis is divided into two types. Primary hyperhidrosis is an inherited condition that usually develops during adolescence. Secondary hyperhidrosis develops later in life and tends to be a symptom of something more serious. Conditions such as diabetes, gout, tumors and menopause can cause thyroid dysfunction leading to secondary hyperhidrosis.
The basic symptoms of this condition can be exacerbated through stress and anxiety. Hyperhidrosis can be treated using antiperspirants, medication and Botox. Surgeons are also able to offer a number of surgical procedures to reduce® the number of glands.
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