Perspiration (sweating) is a normal bodily function that cools you down and maintains your temperature. In hot weather, your body temperature rises, which signals your nervous system to activate your sweat glands. 

It's common to have sweaty feet when you exercise or perform physical activities, are in a hot environment, or feel anxious or stressed. However, some people may have excessive foot sweat or plantar hyperhidrosis. This is when the sweat glands on their feet produce too much sweat. It affects 5% of people worldwide, is more common in men than women, and occurs more frequently in young adults and pregnant women due to hormonal changes. 

Excessive foot sweat can make you feel uncomfortable or embarrassed, but it may also indicate underlying health conditions. Left untreated, it can cause microbial growth leading to foot odor or fungal infections like toenail fungus and athlete's foot.

Here's what to do about sweaty feet and how to keep your feet dry and healthy.

Excessive Foot Sweat: How Much Is Too Much?

The amount of sweat your body produces depends on the number and activity of your sweat glands. The nervous system and hormones regulate the sweat glands, so the glands function differently in men and women — men tend to sweat more than women. If all your sweat glands are active, your normal sweating rate can be more than 3 liters per hour and up to 10 liters daily. 

The soles of your feet have more sweat glands than any other body part. Each foot has over 125,000 coiled, tubular eccrine sweat glands. They release salt and water to stabilize your body temperature and produce half a pint or approximately 0.3 liters of sweat daily. If you have excessive foot sweating, the eccrine glands produce extreme amounts of sweat. 

Excessive foot sweat can occur due to the following causes:

• External heat and increased body temperature 
• Strenuous physical activity, especially in a warm environment
• Standing on your feet all day

• Stress and anxiety
• Wearing tight shoes or socks made with material that prevents sweat evaporation 
• Poor hygiene, which includes not washing your feet or changing socks regularly
• Sympathetic nerve damage
• Hormonal changes during puberty, menopause, and pregnancy

• Certain medications like antidepressants
• Medical conditions such as obesity, diabetes, heart problems, thyroid problems, and cancer

5 Tips To Mitigate Excess Sweating

Here's how to stop sweaty feet:

1. Wear Breathable Shoes and Socks

Tight shoes tend to crowd your toes and increase sweating. For better foot care, wear shoes in the correct size. Also, check if they are made with breathable fabrics like canvas, which allow sweat to evaporate. Avoid patent leather or plastic shoes as they restrict airflow and trap sweat inside. Deodorizing insoles can also help absorb sweat and prevent foot odor.

Wear suitable socks based on your daily activities and the season. Cotton socks are ideal for warm weather as they allow proper ventilation, and woolen socks are better for winter. Avoid using synthetic materials like nylon as it makes sweating worse and may cause foot odor or infection.

Some sports stores offer moisture-wicking or quick-drying socks that move sweat away from your skin and prevent foot odor. Socks also come with a ventilation mesh to make them more breathable. Some have antibacterial chemicals that minimize microbial growth and foot odor. The official sock of The The Bro offers all these features and more — including a breathable mesh, flexible lycra cuffs, a Y-heel for the perfect fit, antibacterial and anti-odor ionic silver yarn, arch support, reinforced toe seams, and a cushioned sole for full comfort.

2. Pack an Extra Pair of Socks

If you are going out, carry a spare fresh pair of socks. Keep spare socks at your workplace or in your car so you can change your socks if your feet get sweaty or smelly. 

3. Use Antiperspirant for Feet

Antiperspirant foot products are a convenient remedy for sweaty feet. They are available as creams, powders, roll-ons, and sprays. They contain chemicals that temporarily reduce the nerve signals that activate your sweat glands, preventing sweat production.

Dry your feet and apply the antiperspirant before bed. Your feet absorb it overnight, and you can wash it off in the morning. Repeat the process for three to four nights, and then use it once or twice a week. You can also use foot deodorants to prevent bacterial growth and foot odor.

Strong antiperspirants may contain aluminum and other potentially harmful compounds that can cause skin irritation, allergies, or toxicity in large quantities. Check with your podiatrist before applying them. 

4. Try Antifungal Foot Powders

Excessive foot sweat can lead to fungal infections like athlete's foot. Antifungal powders can help keep your feet dry and free from fungal growth and odor. 

Shake the antifungal foot powder before use. Sprinkle it on your feet and cover all the areas prone to fungal growth, including the space between your toes. You can also sprinkle it in your shoes and socks. Use it once or twice daily. If you have an infection, consult your foot doctor. Avoid using the powder as the only treatment for a fungal infection.

5. Take Time To Wash Your Feet Everyday

If you have sweaty or smelly feet, wash them with antifungal or antibacterial soap once or twice daily. It helps remove sweat and microbes that can cause odor and cools your skin to decrease sweating further. You can also soak your feet in water with added antimicrobial essential oils, such as eucalyptus or tea tree oil. Don't forget to dry your feet thoroughly after washing, particularly between your toes. 

When To Seek a Professional

Excessive foot sweat can be a sign of a serious medical condition. If you find that your feet are sweating a lot, it's time to get them checked by a podiatrist. Seek medical care if you experience the following symptoms along with heavy sweating:

• Chest pain, nausea, or lightheadedness
• Disruption of daily activities
• Emotional discomfort, embarrassment, or social withdrawal
• Night sweats

• Bacterial or fungal infection

A podiatrist can provide treatment options for some underlying conditions (such as fungal infections) and help you control and prevent excessive foot sweat. 

Control Symptoms With Better Hygiene and Foot Products

Better foot hygiene and comfortable, high-quality foot products can help you prevent excessive foot sweat and further complications.

The Toe Bro is here with the ideal pair of socks to keep your feet dry and protected, with nonrestrictive fabric, cushioned soles, and anti-odor and antimicrobial protection that allows your feet to breathe. Try out the official sock of The Toe Bro today for sweat and odor-free healthy feet.

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You may have heard of ingrown toenails and how annoying and painful they can be. They can eventually cause serious issues for your feet, so it's important to know how to prevent ingrown toenails.

But what causes ingrown toenails, and how can you fix them if you've already got them? We'll answer these questions in this article.

How To Prevent Ingrown Toenails: 3 Tips

Ingrown toenails occur when the corner or side of your nails grow into your toes' soft nail beds. They may also form when the skin on the side of your nails grows over the nail edges. They can cause swelling, tenderness and pain, and even severe infection.

This common condition can occur to anyone who doesn't care for their feet properly. However, teenagers and people with diabetes or other medical conditions that cause poor blood circulation in the feet are more likely to have ingrown nails. 

Thankfully, you can prevent ingrown toenails. One of the best ways to avoid ingrown toenails is to practice proper foot care. There are three main ways you can take care of your feet.

1. Inspect Your Foot Regularly

Prevention is the best cure, so make sure you inspect your feet regularly to prevent any potential issues before they arise. You may be able to spot a nail curving improperly and trim it before it grows into your skin.

2. Keep the Feet Clean and Dry

Feet sweat throughout the day, creating perfect conditions for harmful fungi to multiply. This can also soften your nail bed, making it easier for your toenails to sink into the skin. 

Pay special attention to your feet when you take a bath or shower. Clean in between the toes and around the toenails thoroughly with warm soapy water. Dry your feet completely once you're done, and don't forget the same places you washed.

3. Visit Your Foot Doctor Regularly

Your feet are just as important as the rest of your body, so make sure you visit your podiatrist for regular checkups. 

They will be able to catch any issues in the early stages and remedy them. They'll also show you additional ways to care for your feet to avoid common foot conditions.

But how can you prevent ingrown toenails specifically?

Steps To Prevent Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are often caused by excessive pressure, improper nail trimming, and genetics. Thankfully, there are specific steps you can take to avoid these three conditions and ingrown nails by extension.

Avoid Tight-Fitting Shoes

Your shoe fit directly impacts your foot health and the chance of growing ingrown toenails. 

Tight shoes cause ingrown nails by exerting excessive pressure on your toes. They will force the nails into the skin of your nail bed or make them curve in on themselves. 

So make sure you've got comfortable shoes that fit properly. You should be able to fit a finger between the top of your toes and your shoe.

You may also choose open-toed shoes often to eliminate the risk of pinching or pressure. However, you should wear protective shoes like steel-toed sneakers or boots if you're doing activities that may cause trauma to your toe.

Stop Improper Nail Trimming

Many people use toenail clippers to trim and shape their toenails into a curved shape, but this actually damages the toes. You may think that curved toenails look attractive, but they increase your risk of getting an ingrown toenail. 

Instead of curving the toenails to match your toe shape, you should trim them straight across. You can use a nail file or emery board to round the corners gently.

You should also trim your nails to the proper length, just to the tip of the toe. Toenails that are too long will begin to curl in on themselves and dig into your skin, and pressure from your shoes may cause too-short toenails to grow into your nail tissue.

Understand Your Genetic Predisposition

You may be surprised to learn that the tendency for ingrown toenails can be inherited. How so?

Well, your toe and nail shape are passed down genetically. You may also inherit conditions that affect the toe shape or foot circulation, such as arthritis and diabetes.

Ingrown toenails may occur due to these genetic factors. So while ingrown nails themselves are not genetic, these genetic factors can make you more susceptible if someone in your family line suffers from ingrown toenails. 

When you know that you're genetically predisposed to ingrown nails, you can take active steps to prevent them before they even form.

Ingrown Toenail Treatment

It's important to know how to fix an ingrown toenail, so you don't risk excessive pain and infection. There are two simple ways you can treat ingrown nails.

Soak in Warm Water

Soak the affected foot in warm water several times a day. This will keep the nail and skin around it soft and hydrated, preventing the nail from digging into the skin too firmly.

If this doesn't work after a few days, you'll need to see a foot doctor to treat your ingrown nail.

See a Foot Specialist

Don't try DIY surgery on your ingrown toenail. Go see your foot specialist, also known as a podiatrist. They will know how to treat the ingrown toenail.

They may prescribe an antibiotic cream if they detect any signs of infection. They'll also give you pain relievers if your symptoms are severe.

They may suggest surgical removal of part or all of the infected ingrown toenail. There's no need to worry — the procedure is straightforward, and you'll be numbed for the entire process.

Avoid Painful Ingrown Toenails by Maintaining Your Foot Health

Ingrown toenails can be painful and cause a host of foot problems. Thankfully, you can avoid ingrown nails by avoiding tight-fitting shoes, trimming your nails properly, and understanding your genetic predisposition. If you've already got an ingrown toenail, you can soak it in warm water or visit your foot specialist for professional treatment.

Maintaining foot health keeps your toes and feet looking and feeling their best. One of the ways you can maintain foot health is to use tools and products specially designed for the foot. 

The Toe Bro offers a wide range of high-quality, specialized foot products to prevent and treat common foot conditions. Take a look at our collection to begin your journey to happy, healthy feet today!

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What comes to mind when you hear the word corn? You may think of that delicious golden vegetable that tastes amazing on the grill, or maybe a joke that's not too funny. But there is another kind of corn that can affect your foot health: a foot corn.

What is a foot corn, and what can you do if you've got one? This article will discuss the signs of a foot corn and how you can treat it.

Foot Corn Common Symptoms

A foot corn is a type of callus made from dead skin that develops when the foot experiences excessive pressure or friction. Layers of skin build and harden in response as a protective measure. 

Foot corns can develop between your toes, below your toenail bed, and on the sides or bottoms of your feet. They often appear as small, hard, raised knobs with thin skin over the top. The skin may appear white or become yellow and flaky if left unattended for too long.

There are several types of corns:

• Seed corns: Small corns that form on the bottom of the foot.
• Soft corns: Corns that appear between the toes. They are a whitish or gray color and have a semi-soft, rubbery texture. 
• Hard corns: Small areas of hard skin underneath larger areas of thickened skin. These form on the tops of the toes, typically right above bone joints.

Common symptoms include skin irritation, discomfort/pain, blisters, and redness. If left untreated, they can become infected, affect your ability to walk, and require surgery.

So how can you prevent the development of corns? Several health tips will help you:

• Avoid ill-fitting or tight shoes, and wear comfortable shoes with a soft cushion. 
• Wear thick socks when breaking in new shoes.
• Cover the sides of your feet and the tops of your toes with breathable bandages when engaging in physical activity.
• Keep your toenails trimmed to the edge of your toe.

But what can you do if you already have foot corns? Let's look at four options for foot corn removal.

Treatment for Corns

There's no reason to despair if you have corns on your feet. There are several foot health tips that you can follow to treat corns and enjoy healthy skin again:

Soak Hardened Skin in Warm Water

Corns can be treated at home if they are adequately softened and prepped.

Try soaking your feet every day. Fill a basin with hot soapy water and add a cup of apple cider vinegar. Ensuring that the patch of skin with the corn is fully immersed, soak your feet in the water for at least 15 minutes.

This soaking process will soften your corns, preparing them to be filed away or readied for the use of castor oil and corn pads.

File with a Foot File

It may be possible for you to remove foot corns with a foot file. A foot file is a pedicure tool with a pumice surface designed to grate dead skin off your feet. Once the dead skin is gone, fresh, healthy, and smooth skin is exposed.

There are several steps you can follow daily to remove layers of hard, dead skin:

1. Soak your feet in warm water with Epsom salt. 

2. Use a clean towel to pat your feet dry.

3. Moisturize your feet with lotion or cocoa butter.

4. Gently rub the corn with the foot file after it's soft and does not hurt. Use an emery board if the corn is in between the toes.

5. Repeat these steps every day until the corn disappears.

This process may take several weeks, but it is a gentle way to remove corns physically.

Apply Castor Oil and Corn Pads

Castor oil and corn pads are a great option if you don't want to file away your foot corn. 

Castor oil is a thick, vegetable-based oil that is an excellent emollient for the skin. Corn pads are small pads specially designed to cover the affected area and help relieve pressure so it can heal. Both items are over-the-counter products that can be purchased online or at your local pharmacy. 

This method also includes several steps:

1. Soak your feet in warm water.

2. Use a clean towel to pat your feet dry.

3. Apply castor oil to your corn.

4. Place the corn pad on the corn.

Your socks and shoes mustn't be too tight after you apply the corn pad. You also want to pick spare socks since castor oil can stain the fabric. This method may take ten days to several weeks, but the foot corn should peel away.

Meet With a Foot Specialist

Allowing corns to remain on your feet for too long can lead to painful corns and foot complications. So if your home treatments don't work after several weeks, you should visit your doctor. Your doctor may refer you to a podiatrist — a doctor that specializes in foot conditions.

Your foot specialist may use specialized tools to shave, scrape, or cut away the hardened skin layers. Depending on the size of the corn, this foot corn removal process may take a few appointments before the corn completely disappears. They may also opt for laser treatment instead. 

Your podiatrist may prescribe topical medications to help soften the corns and slough away dead skin. Topical medications may include pads or a solution with a high concentration of salicylic acid, urea, or silver nitrate. Another option to use is hydrocolloid dressings.

Stop The Formation of Corns and Keep Your Foot Pain at Bay

Foot corns can be painful and embarrassing, but there are ways to treat them. If you notice a foot corn, you can soak it in warm soapy water, file it with a foot file, use castor oil and corn pads, or meet with a podiatrist if it is too severe for home treatment. These steps will help you treat existing foot corns and prevent new ones from developing.

As you can see, a good foot care routine is essential to the health of your feet. The Toe Bro provides high-quality advanced foot care products to prevent and treat symptoms of foot problems like foot corns and athlete's foot. Visit our website today to begin your journey to healthy feet. Your feet will thank you.

If you've visited your general doctor about a foot problem, they've probably recommended that you visit a foot specialist. You may have heard of both chiropodists and podiatrists. But what are they, and is there a difference between the two? In this article, we'll compare a chiropodist vs. a podiatrist and evaluate any differences.

Comparing Foot Care Specialists

You need to know which foot doctor to contact when you have a foot problem. So what is a chiropodist, and what is a podiatrist? 

To put it simply, there is no real difference when you compare a podiatrist vs. a chiropodist. Both are feet doctors — primary healthcare professionals that specialize in the well-being and health of your feet.

The term chiropody can be called podiatry's ancestor. How so?

The term chiropody was first used in the U.S. in the late 19th century. A group of foot doctors established the first recognized medical organization for foot specialists in New York in 1895. This organization was known as the first society of chiropodists. 

The first chiropody school was established nearly 20 years later in 1911. All practitioners in the United States received a Doctor of Surgical Chiropody degree from the beginning of WWII. 

All schools in the United States changed the name of the profession to podiatry by the late 1960s. Practitioners have been awarded a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree and called podiatrists since then.

Other countries such as South Africa, the United Kingdom, and Australia gradually adopted the term podiatrist to refer to a foot doctor, and their scope of practice remained the same.

However, the term chiropodist is still used in one place in the world today.

Location: Ontario vs the World

The difference in foot doctors' titles is determined by which country they received their degree. The province of Ontario in Canada is the only place that still uses the term chiropodist.

All specialists who graduated outside Ontario and moved there before 1993 are referred to as podiatrists. Specialists who moved to Ontario after 1993 are registered as chiropodists. The College of Chiropodists of Ontario regulates both professions. 

Since specialists who moved there after 1993 are called chiropodists, the term is still used to promote the profession of chiropody in Ontario. A new podiatrist hasn't been registered in Ontario for the last 29 years!

But what about other countries?

The rest of the world has completely replaced the term "chiropodist" with the term "podiatrist". Sometimes older patients may use the term chiropodist, but the terms are used interchangeably.

Education: Doctors vs Foot Health Professionals

Both chiropodists and podiatrists must pass provincial licensing exams and comprehensive board exams to obtain licensure to practice. Both must also complete university-level schooling.

Podiatrists must attain a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree — a four-year, post-bachelor's degree. Both podiatrists and chiropodists can take additional courses to expand their knowledge of certain foot conditions.

The majority of chiropodists in Ontario have a bachelor's degree in the sciences or other fields. They must also have a post-secondary diploma in chiropody.

However, it's important to note that neither podiatrists nor chiropodists are medical doctors. They are highly skilled and knowledgeable health physicians that specialize in disorders and conditions of the foot.

Scope of Practice: Surgical Procedures vs Basic Foot Care

Both podiatrists and chiropodists provide foot care services for patients with foot disorders or foot pain. However, there are some differences in their level and scope of practice depending on where they are located.

Podiatrists around the world can carry out both basic foot and nail care as well as advanced surgical procedures. Their scope of practice includes:

• Perform physical examinations
• Complete and study medical histories
• Take and interpret MRIs, ultrasounds, X-rays, and other imaging studies
• Diagnose and treat foot conditions like flat feet, athlete's foot, and ingrown toenails
• Prescribe podiatric medicine, including oral, topical, and injectable forms of medicine
• Administer anesthetics and sedation
• Prescribe, order, and fit insoles, custom foot orthodontics, prosthetics, and casts
• Order and perform physical therapy
• Treat sports-related injuries and set fractures
• Perform surgical management and procedures
• Perform reconstructive surgeries and microsurgeries

Chiropodists in Ontario can also carry out most of these duties, but they can not perform surgical procedures on foot bones, communicate a diagnosis, or order diagnostic X-rays. Most patients will see orthopedic surgeons or podiatric surgeons for these procedures.

What does that mean for you? Both chiropodists and podiatrists can treat a host of foot conditions, including:

• Bunions ‍
• Ingrown toenails ‍
• Plantar fasciitis
• Flat feet
• Cracked dry heels ‍
• Corns
• Calluses
• Warts ‍
• Diabetic feet ‍
• Neuromas

So you don't need to worry. Both a podiatrist and chiropodist are fully qualified and able to treat your foot problems with no issue.

Is the Chiropody Profession Going Away?

Even though most countries have adopted the podiatry model, the chiropody profession remains strong in Ontario. 

In response to the pandemic, the scope of drugs that chiropodists can prescribe has been widened to provide more comprehensive care to their patients.

Furthermore, requests for new podiatrists to be registered in Ontario were recently denied. The Minister of Health and Long-Term Care determined that the public needs access to the more affordable, routine, basic foot care that chiropodists provide. Chiropody remains an important medical science for Ontario residents because it gives them access to holistic foot care services.

Are Podiatry or Chiropody Services Right for You?

Both podiatry and chiropody are important professions when it comes to your foot health. While the term chiropodist is only used in Canada, both podiatrists and chiropodists specialize in the care and treatment of the ankles and feet.

So if you are in Ontario and need preventive care, therapy, or surgical treatment, you will benefit from visiting your local chiropodist. If you live anywhere else in the world, you will visit a podiatrist at a foot clinic. Both doctors will take care of your foot care needs and get you back to health.

In addition to visiting your local chiropodist or podiatrist regularly, you also need to use proper tools and materials to take care of your feet. The Toe Bro offers many specialized foot care products to enhance your foot care routine. Take a look at what we offer and see how you can enjoy happy, healthy feet today.