What causes sweating on the soles of the feet?

Excessive sweating of the feet may be caused by high environmental temperature, emotional stress, hyperhidrosis, athlete's foot (tinea pedis), or hyperthyroidism. It can be improved by adjusting the environment, calming emotions, and medical treatments. If sweating is accompanied by odor, itching, or limb tremors, prompt medical attention is necessary.

1. High environmental temperature: Hot surroundings or wearing thick, non-breathable shoes and socks can impair heat dissipation from the feet, leading to increased sweat gland secretion. It is recommended to maintain a cool, well-ventilated environment and choose cotton, breathable footwear and socks, changing them regularly to keep feet dry.

2. Emotional stress: Mental anxiety or tension stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, increasing sweat gland activity and causing sudden sweating of the feet. Practicing deep breathing, meditation, or other relaxation techniques can help alleviate stress, reduce excessive anxiety, and minimize sympathetic stimulation.

3. Hyperhidrosis: Dysfunction of the sympathetic nervous system leads to abnormally excessive sweating of the feet. Sweating may persist even without obvious triggers and is often accompanied by moist, cold skin. Patients may use medications such as hexamethonium solution, formalin solution, or glutapyrone tablets under medical guidance to relieve symptoms.

4. Athlete's foot (tinea pedis): Fungal infection of the foot skin causes inflammation, stimulating increased sweat production. Symptoms include itching, peeling, blisters, and worsened odor after sweating. Under medical supervision, topical or oral antifungals such as clotrimazole cream, terbinafine cream, or itraconazole capsules can be used to alleviate discomfort.

5. Hyperthyroidism: Excess thyroid hormone accelerates metabolism, resulting in overactive sweat glands and increased foot sweating, often accompanied by palpitations, heat intolerance, and weight loss. Patients may take medications such as methimazole tablets, propylthiouracil tablets, or propranolol tablets as prescribed to manage symptoms.

Maintaining clean and dry feet in daily life is essential. Wash feet daily with warm water, wear breathable, sweat-absorbing socks and shoes, change them frequently, avoid prolonged exposure to hot and humid environments, and engage in moderate exercise to improve physical health and reduce abnormal sweating.