Once again, this proves to be very unsightly and a social disadvantage. Plantar hyperhidrosis is the excessive sweating of the feet and leads to moist socks and shoes as well as increased foot odor. The initial treatment for hyperhidrosis is usually medical and does not involve surgery. Another treatment is iontopheresis. This consists of a treatment of electrical stimulation, usually in the hands.
Patients place their hands in a bath through which an electrical current is passed.
This is a toxin that affects nerve endings and decreases the transmission of the nerve impulses to the sweat glands thus resulting in decreased sweating. It generally requires several injections in the palms or underarms and it remains effective from one to six months. Repeated injections are nearly always required to maintain an adequate level of dryness. In addition to the above treatments, many medicines have been utilized with varying success. A family practitioner or internist often begins the initial treatment for hyperhidrosis.