Foot Odour
There are a lot of people who would rather ignore the fact they have smelly feet, but it can be a sign of a potential medical condition. If you have experienced this, don't hesitate to visit your podiatrist and discuss your options.
Foot odor is a common problem faced by people worldwide, a problem that can be both embarrassing and frustrating to deal with. A recent survey showed that over 12% of British citizens suffered from foot odor, which could be the result of a number of factors.
If you have always had a horrible and persistent foot odor, then you might be suffering from Bromodosis. This inherited condition causes bad-smelling sweat to come out of the feet. The condition can be aggravating and embarrassing, especially if it comes out when wearing open shoes or socks.
Your sweaty, stinky feet could be the result of a multitude of different things. At the top of the pile is excessive sweating — every time you go for a jog or walk down a sunny street (even if it's overcast), your feet start to release moisture. Over time, your sweat builds up, creating an ideal environment for bacteria, fungi, yeast, and other foot odour causing agents to thrive.
Some other causes of smelly feet include:
Poor hygiene
Poor blood circulation
Underlying medical conditions like diabetes
Ingrown toenails
Tight or restrictive shoes
Obesity
Dehydration
By following these simple tips and tricks, you can maintain fresh and clean feet without much effort.
Buy the right socks
No matter what kind of workout you're doing, your socks should keep you comfortable. If you're going to be sweating, you need a pair that wicks moisture away from your feet, moisture wicking socks are great for a number of reasons. You can look for merino wool or bamboo, but synthetic blends aren't bad either. They're easy to care for and are often less expensive than all-natural options.
Wear a fresh pair of socks every day. From the moment you put them on, moisture from your feet will be absorbed by the fabric fibres. The friction caused by walking or running can cause sweat and bacteria to accumulate in the socks, making them smell bad after just a couple of hours.
Replace your insoles
You don't have to just replace your socks. Keep your shoes in tiptop shape by replacing your insoles as well. Be sure to find a suitable replacement before you throw out the old ones, and be sure to buy a pair that provides the necessary support for your feet and has antibacterial and deodorizing properties. Consider investing in a spray for disinfecting your insoles and keeping them fresh before use.
Switching shoes
Switching between different pairs of shoes before they've had time to dry is a mistake that many people make. This can cause health problems and even damage your shoes. By allowing at least 24 hours for your shoes to dry out before moving on to another pair, you can avoid this issue and keep your shoes lasting longer.
Healthy eating
There are actually foods that can make your feet stink more, including alliums (onions, leeks and garlic, for example) and brassicas (broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts and kale). These foods contain sulfur as well as other chemicals that can cause a reaction in your skin, leading to an offensive odour. To help them neutralize the odour — and prevent further smells — make sure you're practising good hygiene.
Keep your feet clean and dry
Washing your feet daily with warm water and mild soap and rinsing thoroughly is important to prevent stinky feet. Gently and thoroughly dry your feet so they don't get smelly — using a towel or air-dryer. Then, apply deodorant to reduce foot odour.
How to treat smelly feet?
Treating smelly feet can seem challenging, but it doesn't have to be.
First, use a pumice stone to remove any dead skin. Next, wash your feet with antibacterial soap and let them dry. If your feet are still smelly after that, throw away your old shoes! Shoes that sit out in the open for long periods of time are perfect breeding grounds for bacteria and fungus.
If your feet tend to smell, it's important to visit a podiatrist to get them checked out. An odour can be a sign of athlete's foot or an underlying health problem that needs treatment. A podiatrist will assess your symptoms and help you treat them as quickly as possible.
*This blog contains general information about medical conditions and is not advice. You must not rely upon the information in this blog as medical advice. Medical advice should always be sought from an appropriately qualified podiatrist such as ourselves.