Hyperhidrosis Treatment at Foot Foundation
Sweaty feet can be more than an inconvenience—they can lead to odour, discomfort, skin infections, and embarrassment. If you’re changing socks multiple times a day or avoiding shoes because of moisture, our podiatrists at Foot Foundation provide targeted solutions to restore comfort and confidence.
Treatment may include medical-grade antiperspirants, footwear and sock guidance, orthotics to reduce pressure, and advanced options such as iontophoresis or referral for Botox®. We also help you with hygiene and prevention strategies, so you stay active without the worry of persistent sweat.
What is Hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis is a condition where the sweat glands are overactive, producing more sweat than is needed to regulate body temperature. When this affects the feet (plantar hyperhidrosis), it can cause persistent moisture, odour, discomfort, and increased risk of infection.
Sweaty feet may seem minor, but hyperhidrosis can significantly affect quality of life, confidence, and foot health.
At Foot Foundation, we provide evidence-based treatments to manage excessive sweating, reduce odour, and prevent complications such as fungal or bacterial infections.
Causes & Risk Factors
Primary hyperhidrosis – overactive sweat glands with no underlying condition (often starts in childhood/adolescence)
Secondary hyperhidrosis – caused by medical conditions such as thyroid disease, diabetes, or side effects of medication
Genetics – family history of hyperhidrosis increases risk
Footwear & socks – non-breathable materials trap sweat
Lifestyle factors – sports, heat, and stress can worsen symptoms
Skin infections – fungal and bacterial infections more common in sweaty feet
Treatment at Foot Foundation
Footwear advice – breathable shoes, rotation of pairs, and moisture-wicking socks
Antiperspirant sprays & powders – medical-grade foot products to reduce sweating
Iontophoresis – electrical current therapy to reduce sweat gland activity (specialist referral if required)
Botulinum toxin injections (Botox®) – can be arranged via specialist referral for resistant cases
Custom orthotics – improve biomechanics and reduce pressure points worsened by sweat
Hygiene education – daily washing, drying between toes, and antifungal shoe sprays
Secondary infection management – treating fungal or bacterial complications
Symptoms
Constant sweating of the feet, regardless of temperature or activity
Damp socks and shoes, often requiring multiple changes per day
Persistent foot odour (bromhidrosis)
Slipping inside footwear due to moisture
Increased incidence of blisters, athlete’s foot, and fungal nail infections
Psychological distress or embarrassment
Diagnosis
At Foot Foundation, diagnosis includes:
Clinical assessment – ruling out fungal infections and other causes of damp feet
Medical history – identifying whether sweating is primary (idiopathic) or secondary to other health conditions
Referral if needed – collaboration with GPs or dermatologists if systemic causes suspected
Hyperhidrosis – FAQs
It may be primary (overactive sweat glands with no cause) or secondary to medical conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disease, or medications.
While not life-threatening, it can cause significant discomfort, odour, and secondary skin infections.
Yes. Excess moisture increases the risk of athlete’s foot and fungal nail infections.
Treatment includes antiperspirants, footwear changes, iontophoresis, and specialist options such as Botox injections.
Yes. Podiatrists assess causes, provide practical solutions, and coordinate referral for advanced therapies.
Moisture-wicking socks (cotton blends, merino wool, or technical sports fabrics) are best. Avoid synthetic-only socks.
Yes. Orthotics can improve airflow, reduce pressure, and improve biomechanics, limiting excessive sweat-related skin damage.
Yes. Many patients with primary hyperhidrosis have a family history of the condition.
Yes. Primary plantar hyperhidrosis often begins in childhood or adolescence.
If sweating is persistent, causing odour, infection, or lifestyle problems, podiatry treatment is recommended.
Why Choose Foot Foundation?
Foot Foundation provides specialist hyperhidrosis care, offering tailored treatment to reduce sweating, prevent infections, and restore comfort. We also work closely with dermatologists and GPs for advanced therapy when needed.
With clinics in Rosedale, Takapuna, Remuera, Botany, Hamilton, and Tauranga, expert sweat and skin management is available across New Zealand.
