Foot odor is a common condition which occurs when the sweat gland secretions of our feet break down when attacked by bacteria.
It is scientifically known as bromhidrosis.
If you suffer from sweaty and smelly feet, simply relax.
Here are some steps that you can consider to promote good foot hygiene and keep it fresher-smelling: 1.
Wash and Dry Thoroughly a) Wash your feet with soap, scrub it gently but thoroughly and make sure that you are scrubbing between the toes.
b) For strong foot odor, you may need to wash your feet more than once within the day.
The frequency that you determine should be enough to remove the bacteria but not so often that you already remove the protective oils from your skin.
c) After a thorough wash, dry your feet properly and pay attention again to drying between your toes.
2.
Powder or Spray a) Consider using a deodorant on your feet, either in powder or spray form.
The foot deodorant contains antibacterial agents which kills the bacteria.
Although they would not prevent you from sweating, they would at least help lessen or eliminate the bad odor that ensues on your feet.
b) You can also use an antibacterial shoe spray to spray the inside of your shoes before you wear it.
It destroys the bacteria in shoe linings and helps keep your shoes odor-free.
If you do not have one handy, try the more economical method of sprinkling the inside of your shoes with cornstarch or baking soda.
3.
Let Them Breathe a) Only wear socks that would let your feet breathe.
The materials can be cotton or wool.
Other socks are even made from special charcoal fiber which some companies claim to absorb moisture and promotes blood circulation.
Try to test different types of materials and choose the one that keeps your feet most dry.
b) Always change your socks at least once during the day and do not wear the same pair two days in a row.
c) Refrain from wearing shoes that would not let your feet breathe such as solid-rubber or synthetically lined shoes.
d) Air out your shoes after every wearing and let them dry out in the sun if the material allows it.
It would also be helpful if you can alternate shoes on a daily basis so that you are not wearing the same pair two days in a row.
4.
Watch the food we eat Try not to indulge too much on pungent foods as their strong smell can pass through the blood-stream and eventually concentrate in your perspiration.
Examples are garlic, scallions, onions, etc.
5.
Clean-up Day Schedule a special day when you can clean or wash your shoes.
After washing your sneakers or other canvass footwear, air dry them.
Clean the inside of your casual or formal shoes with a slightly damp cloth to remove the traces of dried sweats mixed with dirt.
Follow it up with a dry cloth.
Then, spray the inside with the antibacterial shoe spray and air dry it before you store it away.