You may be able to relieve stinky feet by using certain soaps and over-the-counter products. Some practices like avoiding tight shoes may help.
Bromodosis, or smelly feet, is a very common medical condition. It’s due to a buildup of sweat, which results bacteria growth on the skin. These bacteria cause bad odors. Fungal infections like athlete’s foot can also lead to bromodosis.
The good news is that bromodosis is easy, quick, and inexpensive to treat.
These tips can help reduce your foot odor. The key is making sure you follow them regularly and carefully.
1. Always take your time to wash your feet at least twice daily
Use a nice, mild soap to wash your feet while bathing and during your evening shower. Pay intentional attention to your feet while bathing and make sure you dry your feet properly. While drying your feet, paying attention to your toes makes your toes dry in between. Wetness causes bacterial growth, which is the major reason behind the foul smell. This is why you need to make your feet dry.
2. Don’t wear wet shoes or socks
Wearing wet shoes or socks is very detrimental to your feet. Apart from the fact that wet shoes or socks can produce a foul smell due to lack of exposure to the sun or proper air, it also contributes to you having smelly feet.
3. Wear breathable shoes and socks
Cotton socks or socks made with wool are advised to be worn. This is because they can absorb sweat and stay moist. It allows your feet to breathe even while in the shoe.
Also, avoid wearing tight shoes. Wear shoes that allow your feet to breathe air. Wearing tight shoes causes your feet to produce more sweat than normal. The sweat produced allows bacteria into your feet, which causes smelly feet.
4. Avoid walking barefoot
Walking without shoes invites bacteria to live on your feet. You can allow your feet to be exposed to the air once in a while, especially at night. But make sure you don’t leave your feet exposed for too long.
5. Wash your shoes and insoles regularly
Some shoes smell naturally after they are worn. Sneakers and slip-ons have a tendency to be smelly over time. Some are usually washable. Make sure you wash them with nice-scenting detergents and make sure you dry them properly in the sun to extract the odour.
6. Use antibacterial soap, powder and cream
Buy antibacterial soap, powder, and cream from stores and apply them to your feet, shoes and socks if possible. Antibacterial soap will wash off the bacteria in between your toes and then the powder will keep your feet dry, which prevents a foul smell