How to avoid foot odor
You've got 'Stinky Feet' if -
- You clear the room when you take off your shoes
- When you take off your shoes you leave a puddle on the floor
- Your feet stink even to you
- The dog won't play with your shoes
- Your dog goes on your shoes
- Your mate puts your shoes on the porch
- Your socks stand up all by themselves
- When you visit a friend’s house, they insist that you only leave
your shoes on
- You try to justify the 'manly' odor reeking from your feet
- When visitors come over they always ask ‘where’s the kitty?’
and you don't have a cat
More often than not foot odor is detected in work boots and men's work shoes especially. Ladies can attest to that. However this problem is not gender specific.
What causes foot odor?
The main cause is foot sweat. Sweat itself is odorless, but it creates a
perfect environment for certain bacteria to grow and produce bad-smelling
substances. Foot odor is also the result of wearing shoes and/or socks for many
hours with inadequate air ventilation. Since human feet are densely covered
with sweat glands, perspiration of the feet can combine with surface bacteria
to produce odor.
How
can you avoid foot odor?
Wash your
feet well enough to remove the offending bacteria but not so
often that you remove all the protective oils from your skin. For strong foot
odor, you may need to bathe your feet several times a day. However, if you
notice that your feet are becoming flaky and cracked, reduce the number of
washings. Soaking your feet with table
salt or Epsom salts in warm water for about ten minutes will help rid foot
odor. After soaking, don't rinse your feet, just dry them thoroughly.
A very successful way to avoid foot odor is with sodium bicarbonate also
commonly known as baking soda. Use a few pinches of baking soda on each foot,
the socks and the insoles of each work boot everyday to abate the odor. It may take
a couple of days before the shoes completely lose their smell.
The ordinary deodorant or antiperspirant that you use under your arms can be
used on your feet, too. Deodorants contain antibacterial agents that can kill
bacteria -- they won't stop the sweat, but they will eliminate the odor.
Wear socks of any color that let your feet breathe. Some people find that materials
such as cotton or wool are best for them. Find the fabric that works best for you. When possible,
change your socks at least once during the day, and don't wear the same pair
two days in a row without washing them.
Open shoes allow air onto the feet, which helps evaporate sweat. Choose
open shoes such as sandals whenever possible, because they allow air onto the
feet, which helps evaporate sweat. If sandals aren't an option, as is the case for men's work boots, choose leather
or canvas work boots or work shoes, which breathe a bit, and avoid shoes that are lined with solid
rubber or synthetic materials.
Some sneakers or canvas shoes can go right in the washing machine. Let them
air-dry rather than using the dryer, be sure to check your labels. Sprinkle the
inside of your shoes with cornstarch to help absorb moisture and keep your feet
drier.
Finally, try airing out your shoes. If you can, alternate shoes on a daily
basis so that you don't wear the same pair of shoes two days in a row. Let the
pair that you are not wearing air outside in the sun making sure that you pull
up the tongue and loosen the laces.