Cold on the outside, hot on the inside – this helps against sweaty feet in winter
It is a problem that people are reluctant to talk about: Sweaty feet. No wonder, there are truly more enjoyable topics of conversation. But at the latest, when the host asks to take off our shoes and we take off our thick winter boots, it becomes unpleasant. That’s why you should tackle the problem early on. What may sound paradoxical at first: sweaty feet and, as a result, unpleasant foot odor are also a common problem in winter. The causes can be manifold. Some of them should be treated by a doctor. These include physical dysfunction, diabetes and athlete’s foot disease. Most of the time, however, the problem can be solved quite easily by yourself.
When sweating becomes a problem
In itself, sweating is a natural and necessary process. We need sweating to regulate our body temperature. Excessive sweating can indicate hereditary hyperhidrosis. However, the causes of sweaty feet are not always immediately disease-related. For most people, external factors are the reason for the annoying odor problem. Whereas the actual trigger for the odor is not sweat per se, but sweat-decomposing bacteria. As funny as the topic sounds at first, sufferers have a great deal of pressure to suffer. Sweaty feet are not only unpleasant. They also promote the formation of fungal diseases. Fortunately, there are a few tips to prevent sweaty feet in winter.
Why we suffer from sweaty feet in winter
What sounds contradictory at first is a common problem. Sweaty feet do not only bother us in hot temperatures. Winter time is a strenuous time for our entire body skin. Outside the cold air blows around our noses, inside the warm heating air is waiting for us. These temperature differences cause our skin to become dry and cracked.
Our feet do not have it easy in winter either. First of all, you should know that sweating on the feet does not have to have anything to do with the temperature. In order for our bare feet to have enough grip, they sweat more for evolutionary reasons. Unfortunately, it may be that you suffer from hyperfunction, which is also noticeable in winter. But even without hyperfunction, sweaty feet quickly develop during the cold season.
The trigger is surprisingly cold feet. Women in particular often suffer from cold feet. Our feet then become real ice lumps that make us shiver constantly and make our partner in bed shiver with fright. But we can not help it. Women have a lower muscle content than men and therefore freeze faster. If cold temperatures come along, the vessels constrict to keep the body’s core temperature high and to protect our organs. The result is that the extremities such as hands, feet or ears are less well supplied with blood and get cold.
What do we do when we have cold feet? We wrap them up. And really thick. Tights, thick woolen socks and warm winter boots should protect us from the cold. This is what our feet have to stay in all day long. The air cannot circulate, the heat accumulates and our feet start to sweat. If we peel off several layers of socks in the evening, our feet are wet with sweat. But what to do? Don’t worry, we don’t have to choose between freezing and sweating. If you pay attention to a few things, you will have peace from smelly sweaty feet in winter.
The right footwear
To prevent excessive sweating, make sure you wear the right footwear. Especially if you have to wear your shoes all day long, it’s important that they don’t encourage sweaty feet. Thick winter boots keep us warm, but there is often not enough air circulation. You should therefore use breathable materials. Also, your shoes should be waterproof to avoid moisture penetration. This will keep your feet dry and allow air to circulate. Here leather shoes and TEX materials are a good choice. Your shoes should also not be too tight, so that an exchange of cold and warm air can take place. It is even better if you change between several pairs, so that the shoes can always dry out well.
The right socks
Not only the shoes, but also what we wear underneath plays a role. In cold temperatures, we like to reach for the thick wool socks. The better choice would be thin and breathable socks. They transport moisture better to the outside. Cotton socks are more suitable for this than stockings made of synthetic materials. For the skiers among you, there are special sports socks that keep feet dry in ski boots. If you suffer from heavy sweaty feet, you can try antibacterial socks with silver incorporated in them.
The right care
Especially in winter, our skin suffers from constant temperature changes. Even if we do not wear open shoes in winter, you should not neglect the care of your feet. Especially people with allergies and neurodermatitis tend to develop atopic winter feet. This mild form of neurodermatitis leads to dry, cracked and even bloody feet. Suitable footwear and lipid-replenishing care can help here.
To prevent sweaty feet, you should wash your feet in the morning and in the evening. After washing, dry the feet well, also between the toes. This helps to prevent athlete’s foot. Very important especially in winter: Do not forget to apply lotion. In the cold season, the skin on our feet is heavily stressed. This can make them dry and cracked. Regular removal of calluses should also become a regular care ritual.
There are a few extra care tips for sweaty feet. Regular scrubs and foot baths with sage are not only a boon for tired feet. Thus, dead skin cells are removed and the antibacterial effect of sage inhibits the formation of unpleasant odors. Those who swear by old home remedies can still rub their feet with rubbing alcohol.
The drugstore also has a number of products to combat sweaty feet. Special aluminum deodorants prevent excessive perspiration. If you want to avoid aluminum, you can use foot powder. Applied between the toes and on the sole, it absorbs excess moisture and prevents wet feet. But also simple baby powder serves the same purpose.
If you want to prevent it twice, you can treat your shoes at the same time. Antibacterial sprays, powders and special insoles for shoes bind moisture and prevent the formation of unpleasant odors.
Freedom for your feet
Last but not least, a very simple tip: whenever possible, you should walk barefoot. Gladly also in the nature, where you feel the sand and the grass under the feet. If a short sprint through the snow is too cold for you, you can do without shoes in winter, at least indoors. This way your feet get regular fresh air and you also prevent painful deformities at the same time.
Our feet carry us through our whole life. Sometimes we forget the. Only when they cause problems, we turn our attention to our feet. They carry the whole load of our body. Neglected feet are both an aesthetic and a health problem. Therefore you should always treat your feet with care. Or to say it with Georg Buchner: "For tired feet every way is too long."