Smelly feet can bother anyone, but there are simple things you can do to make sure your feet stay fresh.
Who may suffer from bad smell in the feet? Anyone can suffer from bad foot odor, but you definitely will if:
- Adolescence
- pregnant woman
- under mental or psychological stress
- You stand all day at your job
- You suffer from a condition known as hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating).
- You are taking certain prescribed medications
Excessive sweating is known medically as profuse sweating, as the problem of stinky feet is a continuous problem throughout the year, and this is an embarrassing and disturbing matter for you and those around you.
The main reason for this is sweating of the feet in addition to wearing the same shoes every day.
Why do feet sweat
There are more sweat glands in each foot than anywhere else in the body. Anyone can experience sweaty feet, regardless of the temperature or seasons of the year. Whereas, teens and pregnant women in particular are more likely to sweat due to hormonal changes that make them sweat more.
Your feet will inevitably sweat if you stand on them all day, if you are under a lot of stress, or if you suffer from a condition known as “hyperhidrosis” which causes you to sweat more than usual. Fungal infections such as athlete’s foot may cause bad foot odor.
According to Lauren Jones, MD, a podiatrist and spokeswoman for the Association of Podiatrists and Physicians, feet can become smelly if sweat seeps into the shoes and they don’t dry before wearing them again. The bacteria on the skin break down the sweat that comes out of the pores. An unpleasant odor emanates from the decomposition of sweat.
By perspiring inside the shoe all day long, the feet become damp and bacteria begin to grow. Bacteria continues to multiply as soon as you take off your shoes, especially if you put them in a dark closet. If you put your shoes back on on the second day — even if you’ve just taken a shower — putting your feet in still-damp shoes provides the right environment — a warm, dark, moist environment — for bacteria to grow.
Prevent bad foot odor
According to Lauren, the freshness and good smell of feet is due to good personal hygiene and regular shoe changes.
Lauren also added that the main reason to prevent stink is to not wear the same pair of shoes two days in a row. Instead, wear different shoes the next day, giving the shoes at least 24 hours to dry. Make sure your teen has two pairs of training shoes so they don’t wear the same pair two or more days in a row.
Lauren says it’s important to wash and dry your feet daily and change your socks at least once a day (a wool or cotton sock is best, not nylon).
If you experience unpleasant odor from your feet, Lauren offers the following solutions:
After you shower, place a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol between your toes—the rubbing alcohol will help dry the area between the toes completely—and then pat dry with a towel.
Use deodorant or antiperspirant on your feet – You can use an underarm deodorant or antiperspirant as if you were going to use it for your feet, plus it’s more affordable.
Use anti-odor medical insoles in your shoes
Use the most up-to-date socks – some athletic socks have ventilation holes to keep feet dry and antibacterial socks are full of chemicals that inhibit odor-producing bacteria that feed on sweat secretions.
Wear leather or canvas shoes – they allow your feet to breathe, unlike plastic shoes
Wear open sandals in the summer and stay barefoot indoors in the evening.
Treating bad feet:
Basic tips to prevent bad foot odor
Lauren advised the podiatrist not to wear the same shoe two days in a row, but rather to wear another shoe the next day so that we give the shoe at least 24 hours to dry.
5 mistakes you make when choosing new sports shoes!
If you are already suffering from smelly feet, there is a simple and quick solution!
Lauren says the only sure way to get rid of stinky feet is to wash your feet with an antibacterial soap called Hibiscrub. There are also many foot health products available at any drugstore in your area without a prescription, but Hibiscurb soap is the best.
Leave the hibiscus soap on your feet for two minutes, then wash them. If you do this twice in one day, you will completely get rid of your stinky feet within a week.
Lauren also added that Hibiscrub should not be used on your feet if they have cracks in the skin like eczema.
When do you seek medical advice?
Bad foot odor is a common problem that can be eliminated, but it can sometimes be a symptom of the disease.
See your doctor if these simple measures don’t get rid of your stinky feet, or if you suspect you might have hyperhidrosis.
Your doctor may prescribe a strong antiperspirant or refer you to a treatment called iontophoresis, in which a weak electrical current is sent through water to your submerged feet to rid them of excess sweat.
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