Have you ever wondered, what causes this unbearable foot smell? Foot odor is caused by bacteria. The occurrence of foot odor is similar to the process causing breath odor. There are normal bacteria on your feet, which usually have no smell. When these bacteria interact with the moisture in socks or shoes, there occurs foot odor, because these bacteria lose access to oxygen and, thus, emit stinky sulfurous byproducts. Women, men, even babies – everyone can have foot odor.
How to Get Rid of Foot Odor
The most effective way to get rid of foot odor is to keep your feet dry. Follow the tips below to make your feet healthy and rid yourself and people around you of this smell.
- Choose shoes made from breathable materials, for example, leather.
- Wear socks made from natural materials, like cotton.
- Change socks for sports, as well as you do with your shoes.
- Dry your sport shoes properly after every gym visit.
- Wash your sneakers and other canvas footwear in the washing machine, when needed.
- Change your shoes at work, especially in winter. Avoid wearing the same shoes for many hours.
- If you have worn the same shoes all day long and they got moist inside, either wear another pair the next day and let these shoes totally dry or use special shoe dryer.
- Use drying powder, foot creams or foot sprays every morning.
- Wash your feet properly, use pumice stone for old and rough skin.
- Pedicure regularly. Do not let your toenails grow long.
- Try to keep calm. The more you are stressed, the more you sweat.
- Soak your feet in a basin with tea (several black tea bags) for 10 minutes twice a week. This will inhibit sweat production for some period of time.
If your feet are also red or scaly, see your doctor, because in this case the smell can be caused by a bacterial or fungal infection.
