Sweaty, smelly feet don’t just happen in summer. In fact, wearing closed shoes in cold weather creates the perfect environment for foot odor.
Our feet have the most sweat glands of any part of our body – 250,000 to be exact! But sweat by itself doesn’t mean a bad odor. Instead, bacteria cause foot odor and thrive in a dark, damp environment like the inside of our shoes. When bacteria lurk and multiply, foot odor is the result.
You Can Prevent Foot Odor
It is possible to reduce sweating and eliminate foot odor with these easy steps.
Wash your feet every day. Use warm, soapy water and dry thoroughly, especially between the toes.
Help keep feet dry by sprinkling on over-the-counter anti-fungal powder.
Change your socks every day and whenever they get damp. The best socks are those that wick moisture away including special athletic knits and wools.
Select shoes made of materials that breathe. Leather, linen and canvas are good choices.
Let shoes dry out completely between wearings – at least 24 hours.
A disinfectant spray can kill germs. Spray shoes lightly and then let them dry completely in the sun.
Wash sneakers and athletic shoes regularly.
Going barefoot is a good way to air your feet, but protect them from outdoor bacteria and injury with comfortable sandals.
Soaking feet in warm water with 2 bags of black tea or 3 tablespoons of baking soda can help eliminate odor by killing the bacteria and shrinking the pores.
If your foot odor persists, let us help! Come visit us for an evaluation and to discuss solutions for your smelly feet. Our in-house Doctor Store has great options to reduce foot odor including a Shoe Sanitizer that kills 99% of all fungus and bacteria in shoes.
Let Us Know If You Have Any Foot Pain
If you have any problems with your toenails, or neuropathy or any foot problem like heel pain or plantar fasciitis, discomfort from arthritis, an injury or just from overuse, please call Michele Kurlanski, DPM at Lighthouse Foot and Ankle Center. Dr. Kurlanski offers expert and professional podiatry services in Cumberland County, Maine. Please call us today at 207-774-0028 to schedule your appointment in our Scarborough office.