Prevention of Foot Odor
Foot odoris best described as type of body odor that affects the feet and gives off an unpleasant smell. Foot odor affects millions of people. Some people may develop extreme foot odor which is a condition known as bromhidrosis and may be influenced by various factors which include excessive sweating(hyperhidrosis), hormonal changes, stress, certain foods or drugs.
Foot odor often occurs because feet sweat from wearing socks and being enclosed in shoes. Feet have more sweat glands than any other part of the body and as a result they can sweat excessively because of the lack of air ventilation. This excessive sweating creates a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus which causes the foul odor.
Tips to prevent Foot Odor
1. Wash your feet daily in warm water with an antibacterial soap and dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes.
2. Change your socks and shoes at least once a day.
3. Apply an antiperspirant, foot powder, foot spray or foot creams to your feet every morning to keep them dry.
4. Wear thick, cotton or wool socks to help absorb moisture avoid synthetic fabrics such as nylon and polyester.
5. Insert insoles in your shoes as they not only absorb the unpleasant odor but also give off a lovely fragrance.
6. Avoid wearing shoes made of plastic, instead opt for shoes made of canvas, mesh or leather that will allow feet to breathe.
7. If you have worn the same shoes all day and they become moist or wet inside, allow them to dry completely before wearing them again coat them with talcum powder or stuff them with newspaper.
8. Soak your feet in a tub of apple cider vinegar or strong tea as the tannins in the tea will eliminate the odor .
9. Dust your feet frequently with a nonmedicated baby powder or foot powder. Applying antibacterial ointment also may help.
10. Wear thick, soft socks to help draw moisture away from the feet. Cotton and other absorbent materials are best.
11. Avoid wearing nylon socks or plastic shoes. Instead, wear shoes made of leather, canvas, mesh or other materials that let your feet breathe.
These preventive measures also can help prevent athlete's foot, which can flourish in the same environment as sweaty feet.
Persistent foot odor can indicate a low-grade infection or a severe case of hereditary sweating. In these cases, your doctor may prescribe a special ointment. You apply it to the feet at bedtime and then wrap your feet with an impermeable covering such as kitchen plastic wrap.
Soaking your feet in strong black tea for 30 minutes a day for a week can help. The tannic acid in the tea kills the bacteria and closes the pores, keeping your feet dry longer. Use two tea bags per pint of water. Boil for 15 minutes, then add two quarts of cool water. Soak your feet in the cool solution. Alternately, you can soak your feet in a solution of one part vinegar and two parts water.
A form of electrolysis called iontophoresis also can reduce excessive sweating of the feet, but requires special equipment and training to administer. In the most severe cases of hyperhidrosis, a surgeon can cut the nerve that controls sweating. Recent advances in technology have made this surgery much safer, but you may notice compensatory sweating in other areas of the body afterwards.
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