Foot odour is a big problem for many people, and it can be embarrassing and upsetting to live with. Our feet contain thousands of sweat glands, so it’s not surprising that feet often become sweaty and smelly, but addressing the problem doesn’t have to be stressful or complicated.
The good news is that there are many ways to treat foot odour at home, and using the following tips will usually help to keep it under control. The problem maybe more difficult to manage when you are exercising or experiencing hormonal changes, such as in the teenage years or in pregnancy, so a combination of these measures may be the best approach.
Foot Odour: What You Can Do
Here’s how you can combat foot odour at home:
- Choose socks with care. Socks sit next to your skin all day, and the type of socks you wear can make a big difference to foot odour. Breathable fabrics are essential, and you will probably find that cotton and wool socks are better choices. Do not wear socks for more than one day, and change them more frequently if you notice foot odour throughout the day or if you are exercising.
- Pay attention to your shoes. Shoes should also be made from natural materials that allow the feet to breathe. Leather or canvas are good options, although many styles made from synthetic fabrics are designed to have good air circulation, too. You should not wear the same pair of shoes every day, as this creates a breeding ground for bacteria, but rotate your shoes and ensure that you air and/or wash them in between.
- Wash your feet. It sounds simple, but washing your feet every day is an essential part of protecting your feet against foot odour. Use a simple, non-irritating soap, and dry feet very carefully after washing, especially between the toes. You can also try soaking your feet in a salt, vinegar or essential oil solution, and this may help to reduce odour build-up throughout the day.
- Use an antibacterial product. If you are experiencing persistent foot odour, the problem is likely to be a build up of bacteria on your feet. Using an antibacterial powder or spray can be very helpful, and can ensure that you won’t have to worry about this upsetting problem on special occasions, for example.
- Consider your diet. It may sound ridiculous, but the foods you eat can affect the health of your feet and you may find that some foods, such as those containing processed sugar, can make foot odour worse. This is because such foods feed the bacteria that create the problem, and you may notice that a whole-food diet makes a big difference to you.
Find Professional Advice And Great Shoes At Foot Solutions
Here at Foot Solutions, our experienced fitters can help you to find the best options for your feet, and this will usually involve comfortable, well-fitted shoes, with comfort socks and/or custom arch supports.
Pop in and visit us at Foot Solutions, or book an appointment online now and you can discover our stylish and comfortable shoes for yourself.
