Smelly Feet
Foot odour is an
extremely common but embarrassing problem. Feet
have more sweat glands than any other part of
the body. Sweat is produced by the sweat glands,
when the body heats up, sweat is produced which
evaporates from the skin surface, cooling us
down. However, footwear traps the sweat,
preventing evaporation. Bacteria thrive in warm,
moist conditions & sweaty feet are the perfect
environment for them to reproduce. It is the
bacteria feeding on our sweat that cause the bad
odour.
Treating smelly
feet:
The good news is
that it is relatively simple to solve foot odour
problems by the following methods;
-
Change your
socks daily, more if necessary. Avoid socks
made from synthetic materials. Cotton socks
should be worn as these allow your feet to
breathe.
-
Avoid
synthetic shoes, leather is better.
-
Wash your feet
daily, preferably with an antibacterial
soap. Dry thoroughly, paying particular
attention to between the toes to help avoid
fungal infections.
-
Wipe washed
feet with methylated spirits.
- Make a
solution of 50% water, 50% white vinegar,
wipe over feet.
- Wherever
possible, allow the feet to breathe by going
bare foot (ie; at home).
- Try to
rotate your shoes, avoid wearing the same
pair on successive days. Allow shoes to air
when not being worn.
- Odour
absorbing insoles can be purchased from your
local chemist. These are inserted into the
shoes & help absorb the smell. They should
be taken our regularly to air & if possible,
washed.
- You can
also buy sprays to use on your feet to help
reduce food odour. These are available from
your chemist or supermarket.
If the above
methods don't help reduce the problem, see your
doctor or podiatrist.
Also see:
Athlete's Foot,
Black Toenail,
Bunions,
Chilblains, Corns,
Cracked
Heels,
Foot Care,
Hammer Toe,
Ingrown
Toenails,
Onychomycosis,
Plantar Warts,
Smelly Feet
