A smelly foot is a very common problem for people around the world. Doesn’t matter what age group you fall into, you can have smelly feet if you’re not too careful with yourself. Having a smelly foot can be very annoying. Imagine going to your girl or your man’s house, you take off your shoes only to notice a thick smell coming from nowhere else but your feet (I know right?…ewww). Embarrassing!
Smelly feet or Bromodosis (its medical term) is a condition caused by the build-up of bacteria on the feet. The feet contain more sweat glands than any other part of the body so the tendency to sweat more there is very high. Certain shoes and socks can also increase sweating on the feet which can become damp and allow bacteria to form there, and cause it to become odoriferous (awfully smelly).
The good thing about smelly feet though, is that it’s totally curable and avoidable. Since it’s caused by sweat and bacteria, the best way to combat it is by keeping your feet dry and clean all the time. In the following 9 easy steps, I’ll tell you how you can keep your feet from smelling.
1. WASH YOUR FEET REGULARLY
Having smelly feet is as a result of sweat and dampness which allows bacteria to get involved. In order to stop it from happening, you do not give bacteria room to form. Always wash your feet with soap and clean water at least, twice a day.
2. CUT YOUR TOENAILS
Long toenails create room for dirt which in turn, creates room for bacteria. Mix that with sweat, and you know what that means…keep your toenails cut low always, and you’ll minimize your chances of having Bromodosis. For the women, I know a lot of you fancy longer toenails; but always ensure they’re cleaned out for your own good.
3. CHECK UNDER THE FEET FOR DEAD SKIN
From time to time, check for hard, dead skin (the area is usually very hard and dry) under the feet, and remove it with a foot file. If mixed with sweat, dead skin can get soggy, and provide great conditions for bacteria to form.
4. CHANGE SOCKS OFTEN
If you’re a man, you should have at least, 5 different pairs of socks. This makes it easy for you to change to a new one once your feet get sweaty. Sweaty socks are usually dirty; change into new socks often, and wash each pair of socks after you wear them once, to keep smelly feet at bay.
5. WEAR THICK SOCKS
Some socks do not absorb sweat; instead, they make you sweat more. When you’re shopping for socks, be sure to always buy the ones made from cotton. They’re thick and allow for sweat to be absorbed easily.
6. CHANGE SHOES OFTEN
It’s not ideal to wear the same pair of shoes over and over within a short space of time. It’s advisable to change your shoes from time to time; this gives the ones you wore before time to dry up, and lose some of the foul smell in it. If you do not have more than a pair, just sun the one you have after each wear.
7. CLEAN YOUR FEET WITH SPIRIT
Methylated spirit has great medicinal value. They contain substances that are very harmful to bacteria. After washing your feet, clean it with methylated spirit, it can go a long way in keeping foul smells away from your feet.
8. USE DEODORANTS ON THE FEET
There are special deodorants for the feet, but you can also use body deodorants on the feet. Just spray some on the feet after each shower. Deodorants reduce sweating and make the body smell good.
9. BATH WITH MEDICATED SOAP
Medicated soaps contain both antibacterial and antifungal ingredients. Using them to a bath can shield you from harmful bacteria which can cause smelly feet.
Above all, always practice good hygiene
All the above tips should help you curb the problems of smelly feet. Imbibe and keep to them, and you’ll have a different story to tell.
