Foolproof tips to keep your feet cool and dry
At Pisamonas, as mums and dads ourselves, we know all too well how annoying excessive sweating in the feet can be for the little ones, especially during the summer. Apart from the fact that the inside of the footwear deteriorates and becomes uncomfortable, moisture can cause bad odour, skin irritation, and even infections from bacteria and fungi. But what are the causes of such excessive sweating in such small feet?
Why do feet sweat?
All feet sweat, those of adults and those of children. It's a normal and healthy physiological process, but when this sweating is excessive, it can become a problem, and it's important to understand why it occurs to remedy it. When children run and play, their sweat glands are activated, and they begin to produce sweat that helps them cool down. Additionally, heat and environmental humidity can also contribute to sweating in the feet. And we can't forget that stress and anxiety can also make their little feet sweat. In summary, the main causes of sweating are:
- Regulation of body temperature. During hotter times, the only way to regulate our temperature is through sweating. And in winter, we might cause it ourselves. Most of the time, this excess sweating is caused by mothers, as children tend to have colder feet due to lower peripheral circulation. Thus, we tend to overdress them to prevent them from getting cold, which leads to increased sweating.
- Physical activity. Just like when it's hot, when we exercise, our temperature rises. That's why we sweat to maintain it around 37º, which is the usual temperature our body should be at. Additionally, physical activity helps us eliminate toxins, and this occurs through sweating.
- Genetics. Some people sweat even when it's not hot or when they're at rest, which is a condition called hyperhidrosis. Some studies suggest that it's a genetic condition, meaning those who suffer from it often have family members with the same symptoms.
- Improper Footwear. Podiatrists include wearing improper footwear as one of the main causes of excessive sweating. This could be because the shoes used are not suitable for the season we're in, they're too closed and don't allow air circulation, or they're made of materials like plastic that don't breathe and allow moisture to accumulate inside.
What are the effects of excessive sweating on children's feet?
It's important to pay close attention to the care of the smallest feet because they are constantly developing, and excessive sweating can bring them problems apart from the discomfort of having damp feet. Some of the most important ones are:
- Unpleasant odour: Sweat accumulation on the feet can lead to the proliferation of bacteria that cause unpleasant odours that are difficult to eliminate.
- Bacterial or fungal infections: These same odour-causing bacteria can result in infections and more serious problems such as athlete's foot.
- Skin irritation: Constant moisture on the feet can lead to irritation and chafing of the skin, especially in areas like the toes and heels.
- Discomfort due to footwear: When feet sweat excessively, they slip inside the shoe and make walking difficult, potentially causing injuries.
How to Keep Your Feet Dry and Fresh
As you know well, the essential allies for healthy feet are water and soap. Washing your little one's feet every day with warm water and a mild soap, paying special attention to the spaces between the toes, and drying them thoroughly afterward is the best way to help keep them dry and fresh in any season—even in winter, feet sweat too!
As we mentioned a bit earlier, wearing inappropriate footwear spells discomfort and sweating for both adults and children, boys and girls alike. That's why buying your children quality kids' shoes made from breathable materials like canvas, linen, or suede is the best advice we can give you here at Pisamonas.
Make sure that the shoes and trainers your little ones wear are not only their size (you can refer to post on how to choose the perfect shoe size for your little one), but also that they can be adjusted to their foot to fit them perfectly without squeezing their toes or any part. Why? Because shoes that are too tight impede proper ventilation of the feet and always worsen sweating. So look for footwear that provides enough space for your children's toes to move comfortably.
In addition to considering all of the above, other daily actions are also very important, such as the following:
- Use appropriate socks for each type of footwear and season. It's important to change them every day and, if necessary, several times a day, to avoid moisture and unpleasant odours.
- Avoid socks made of synthetic material as they cause their little feet to sweat more.
- In moderate cases, we can use products or remedies such as talcum powders or special creams.
- Air out the shoes after use to prevent bacterial growth.
- Periodically wash the insoles of the shoes.
- Use disinfectant sprays to eliminate bacteria that cause unpleasant odours.
We trust that the advice shared in this post will be helpful to you. At Pisamonas, we value every detail in the making of our shoes, prioritising the comfort and health of your little ones' feet. Our goal is to simplify your life and ensure that your children enjoy maximum comfort with every step they take.
