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We've all had our fair share of sweaty, damp, and smelly feet experience once in a while. However, for some people, it's a persistent problem that causes them embarrassment. I have a cousin who has a pair of deadly feet. The minute he removes his shoes, he could clear out an entire room--because nobody wants to deal with the smell. And it's not that he lacks good hygiene (well, I hope not), it's just that his feet sweat a lot.
For people like him, smelly feet is not just a simple condition, it is a source of embarrassment and discomfort. Let's explore what causes this condition, how to prevent and treat it.
✧ What is Bromodosis? ✧
Bromodosis is the medical term for smelly feet. It is a very common condition caused by sweat build up. This results in bacteria growth on the skin that causes bad odors. Fungal infections such as athlete's foot is also another common cause of bromodosis.
People with hyperhidrosis, a condition that causes the skin to sweat a lot, are more likely to develop odors on their feet, especially if they wear synthetic footwear every day. Fortunately, there are various easy and inexpensive ways to treat this condition.
✧ Common Causes of Smelly Feet ✧
Sweat is the common culprit when it comes to stinky feet. However, that's not the only cause of this condition. Let's explore the many possible causes of bromodosis.
✧ Excessive sweating
Sweat is the number one cause of bromodosis and the feet produce a lot of it. However, people with hyperhidrosis produce more sweat than usual. It is a condition most often suffered by teenagers and pregnant women because of the hormone changes their bodies are undergoing. The bacteria in the sweat can cause the feet to smell if it is constantly trapped in shoes and socks.
✧ Synthetic footwear
Synthetic socks and shoes do not only encourage the production of sweat, they also trap and prevent it from evaporating or being absorbed properly. This leaves your feet extra warm and moist which is exactly how bacteria like it.
✧ Poor hygiene
Poor hygiene is also a major cause of bromodosis. If you don't wash your feet or change socks regularly, you are basically inviting bacteria growth. Likewise, washing your feet but neglecting to dry them properly can also land you in the same predicament.
✧ Other factors
Your occupation can also increase your risk factor of bromodosis. For example. people who stand all day at work are more likely to develop this condition. Stress, certain medications, and hormone changes can also increase the amount of sweat produced by the body.
✧ How to Prevent Smelly Feet ✧
Shoes, socks, and your hygiene all play an important role in reducing smelly feet. Improper footwear coupled with poor hygiene can worsen your bromodosis. Here are some preventative measures you can take to ensure reduction of smelly feet.
✧ Wear breathable shoes and socks
Wearing socks can help with smelly feet as it can absorb sweat while reducing the odors. However, you need to wear the right kind of socks such as sports socks and thick, soft socks made from natural fibers. Breathable shoes, such as those with mesh panels, can also help reduce sweating and moisture in your feet area.
Avoid shoes and socks made from synthetic and non-breathable materials like plastic and nylon as they promote foot sweating, leading to a pair of smelly feet.
✧ Don't wear the same shoes every day
Another way you can avoid smelly feet is to not wear the same shoes every day. This way, you are allowing your shoes to dry out completely from the sweat it has absorbed the day before. If you have an active teenager, make sure that he has at least two pairs of shoes he can wear alternately.
You can also opt to wear open-toed sandals when the weather is particularly warm or go barefoot as much as you can, especially when at home. This will give your feet time to properly dry.
✧ Change socks every day
Socks, especially those made from sweat-wicking materials, can help reduce foot odors because they absorb sweat. However, that doesn't mean you can wear the same pair of socks twice or more in a row--for obvious reasons, I hope. Make sure to always change socks every day. If you really sweat a lot, are exercising, or live in a hot humid area, you can bring an extra pair to change with when necessary.
✧ Observe proper hygiene
Poor hygiene is often the leading cause of smelly feet. For example, if you don't clip your toenails or wash your feet regularly, of course, your feet will smell. You should also use a foot file to remove the hard, dead skin from your feet. Hard skin can get soggy when it's wet which becomes a likely breeding ground for bacteria.
✧ Replace shoe insole
Another option for reducing feet odors is to replace your shoe insoles with antibacterial or odor-reducing insoles. Such insoles are widely available online. Another alternative is to spray the insoles with a disinfecting or antibacterial spray. However, that's not as effective as letting the insoles to completely dry out before using them.
✧ Home Remedies ✧
There are also various inexpensive home remedies you can try to treat smelly feet.
✧ Exfoliate your feet
Bacteria like to feed on dead skin. So, the more dead skin you have, the higher the likelihood of you developing a nasty case of smelly feet. You can use pumice stones or a scrub to exfoliate your feet in order to remove the dead skin.
People with a really bad case of bromodosis can use pumice stones 2-3 times a week to avoid buildup. Pumice stones are available for purchase online.
✧ Homemade foot soak
Foot soaks are very relaxing. But when you add certain ingredients, they can also help treat smelly feet. Take for example these foot soaks.
- Salt soak. Dissolve 1/2 cup of Epsom salt in a tub or bowl of warm water. Soak feet for about 10-20 minutes and then thoroughly dry your feet afterward.
- Vinegar soak. Combine one part vinegar and two parts warm water in a basin or tub. Soak feet for 15-20 minutes. You can use white vinegar or apple cider vinegar. A word of caution though--do not use this foot soak if you have any cuts, scratches, or sores on your feet. The acid in the vinegar can irritate any open areas of the skin.
✧ Use foot deodorizers and antibacterial soaps
You can also apply a foot deodorizing powder or antifungal spray on your feet once a day. Antibacterial and antifungal soaps are also effective in treating smelly feet. If you want to use a more natural ingredient to combat your condition, you can sprinkle your feet with cornstarch as it is highly absorbent. However, if you really need to reduce the smell of your feet real quick, using an antiperspirant or deodorant spray is perfectly fine.
✧ The Bottom Line ✧
If you've tried everything but nothing works, maybe it's time to see your doctor. Your doctor may prescribe you with a stronger antiperspirant that is specifically for the feet. If that still doesn't work, your doctor may suggest medical treatments such as Iontophoresis and botox.
One last thing. Do not ignore your bromodosis, especially when it gets out of hand as it might also be a symptom of a more serious medical condition. Always seek the help of a doctor when necessary.
Thanks for stopping by. Hope you have a good one today. :)
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