Q My feet sweat so much that the odor is severe too. Is there a separate way to manage foot hyperhidrosis?
A Foot hyperhidrosis is prone to odor and athlete's foot due to secondary bacterial and fungal infection. The basics are washing daily and drying completely, and using antibacterial socks and breathable shoes. If there is secondary infection, treat that first, and reduce the sweating itself with Korean medicine treatment.
Detailed Answer
When the feet sweat a lot, a humid environment forms inside the shoes, and bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis break down the sweat and cause odor. Tinea fungi (athlete's foot fungi) also multiply easily, so athlete's foot and foot dermatitis often accompany it. The most important thing is to wash thoroughly every day, including between the toes, and to dry completely after washing. It is good to frequently change antibacterial cotton socks and to avoid wearing the same shoes for more than one day in a row.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
At Dongjedang, we often view foot hyperhidrosis as a Spleen-Stomach Qi deficiency pattern (biwi-giheo) in which damp-heat (seup-yeol) has settled downward due to weakened digestive function. Along with herbal formulas that strengthen the digestive system and drain dampness, if athlete's foot or secondary infection is already present, we first connect you to the appropriate treatment for it.
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