Foot odor is a common problem and one that can be very embarrassing to contend with. People tend to develop unpleasant odors in this area due to various deficiencies in their personal hygiene and as a result of excess sweat. The bacterial action that occurs between the toes and in the toenail area is the primary cause of smelly feet. There are several contributing factors that generally determine the severity of this issue. These include:
- Moisture on the feet – feet should always be carefully dried, even between the toes, upon leaving the bath or shower
- Excessive perspiration – sweaty feet tend to be more odorous than feet that are kept clean and dry
- Poor hygiene – the feet should be washed routinely and with the proper products
- Humidity – keeping the feet trapped in warm, sweaty shoes will usually result in unpleasant odors
- Excess bacteria on the feet and around and under the toenails – these organisms can lead to various toenail infections and gradual deterioration of the nail bed and nail health
Tips For Combating Foot Odor
Given the different factors that typically determine how bad or good the feet smell, it is easy to see that a person’s footwear and the amount of time that he or she opts to keep the feet trapped in socks and shoes can have a dramatic impact on the resulting odors. With this information, there are several ways to alter your personal hygiene or self-care plan in order to eliminate or reduce the severity of this issue.
- Use an antibacterial solution or soap to clean the feet each day.
- Dry the feet thoroughly, especially after having cleaned them.
- Use foot spray or powder with deodorizing or disinfecting properties.
- Choose footwear that is comprised off all natural materials and breathable fabrics. Your shoes should have plenty of ventilation and will ideally feature interior materials that have wicking properties that help to remove moisture from the surface of the skin.
- Avoid wearing the same shoes every day.
- Wear shoes and socks that are loose-fitting as these will absorb moisture best.
- Always keep your toenails neatly trimmed as this will prevent fungal infections and accumulations of moisture.
How to Deal With Foot Odor
If you have been suffering from foot odor for quite some time and are ready to start actively caring for your feet, it may be time to seek out the right footwear. When the feet have been affected by odor-causing bacteria, old shoes are likely to retain unpleasant smells. This makes it best for people to look for new footwear that is designed with ample ventilation and breathable interior fabrics for lifting moisture away from the skin.
