Important Tips for Sweet Smelling Feet

It’s happened to the best of us – a long day at the gym, or just a long day, you pull off your shoes, and there it is, the musty unpleasantness that is foot odor.  The odor-causing bacteria we carry with us loves moisture and darkness, so sweaty feet inside enclosed shoes is perfect for raising a stink.  Controlling those bacteria, and the sweat it feeds on, is usually the key to eliminating the unpleasant scent.

Foot odor is incredibly common, and mostly temporary, but if you have issues with smelly feet that are more chronic than occasional, here are some tips to get your feet smelling sweet.

• Clean your Feet – Wash thoroughly with an anti-bacterial soap, and use a washcloth or brush to make sure it really exfoliates.
• Keep them Dry – Removing moisture is the key to starving the bacteria.  Also consider using talcum powder or corn starch to keep your feet dry on the move.
• Wear Breathable Shoes – More commonly workout and running shoes are lighter and much better ventilated to keep your feet cool to prevent sweat as well as discomfort.
• Change your Socks – Even if you don’t use socks the whole day through it still makes sense to replace them every day, otherwise you’re just turning your socks—normally an ally in the war on foot odor—into a bacteria factory.
• Keep your Shoes Dry – Let them dry out completely and rotate different pairs for different times.  Alternatively or additionally, use an anti-bacterial spray to kill the bacteria or use baking powder to speed your shoes drying.

With these tips you should be able to keep your feet dry and smell-free most of the time.  Foot odor isn’t entirely caused by bacteria however, as fungal infections and other ailments can create problems of their own.  If you suspect that might be the cause of your foot odor, or you have any other foot related problems, schedule a visit with Toronto Podiatrist Sheldon H. Nadal D.P.M.