Get Rid of Your Embarrassing Foot Odor

Get Rid of Your Embarrassing Foot Odor

Are you tired of trying to cover up smelly foot odor? Although foot odor isn’t a serious medical concern, it is extremely common and can be rather embarrassing. Fortunately, there are ways you can help prevent foot odor from occurring. Chiropodist Brian Cragg provides the following information about why foot odor develops and what you can do to banish the smell once and for all.

How do feet emit such an obnoxious odor?

Your feet are one of the top three areas on your body that have the most sweat glands. When perspiration is produced by the sweat glands on your feet, bacteria that are present on your foot’s surface can mix in together with the sweat. When this occurs, the bacteria starts to digest oils and dead skin cells on the feet producing acids and voilà – the cause of that foul odor exuding from your feet.

How can you prevent this sweaty mixture from creating odor?

Removing the bacteria that is on your feet can be of great help. The best way you can accomplish this is to wash your feet on a daily basis and after rigorous exercise with antibacterial soap. Other helpful forms of home remedy treatment include:

  • Choosing proper footwear and socks. Shoes and socks that are made of synthetic materials don’t allow your feet to breathe and evaporate sweat.  This creates the environment for smelly feet to develop. Instead, choose sandals or shoes made of leather to circulate air properly. Natural fiber socks such as cotton or wool are also designed to help feet breathe.
  • Antiperspirants. Spray antiperspirants can be used on the bottoms of your feet and in between the toes to prevent odor just like armpit antiperspirants.
  • Changing your shoes and socks regularly. If you’re feet sweat profusely, make sure you change your socks throughout the day and wait until your shoes are completely dry before wearing them again.

If these home remedy solutions aren’t effective in diminishing your foot odor, please contact our office. Brian can assess your condition and prescribe alternative treatment methods. He’ll have feet smelling like roses...well, at least not like a locker room!