Smelly feet often make people who experience it feel uncomfortable. In fact, not a few people become insecure due to the unpleasant smell on their feet. So, what causes smelly feet and how to deal with it?
Feet are one of the parts of the body that have the most sweat glands, so they are at risk of producing excessive sweat and causing odor. These glands secrete sweat throughout the day to regulate body temperature and keep the skin moisturized.
Foot odor appears when sweat and bacteria on the feet accumulate. When excessive sweat production, germs on the surface of the skin of the feet will easily multiply. The increasing number of these germs will produce an unpleasant odor that triggers the appearance of foot odor.
In addition to the large number of sweat glands in the feet, there are several other possibilities that can cause foot odor. By recognizing the possible causes, you can determine the right way to deal with smelly feet.
Causes of smelly feet and people who are at risk of experiencing it
Foot odor is more common in people who often wear closed shoes and socks throughout the day, which makes their feet damp. In addition, people who rarely change shoes and socks or rarely wash their feet are also more at risk of experiencing foot odor.
Apart from the lack of maintaining foot hygiene, there are other conditions or factors that can make a person more susceptible to smelly feet, including:
- Excessive stress
- Frequent sweating due to exercise or hyperhidrosis
- Hormonal changes, for example in adolescents and pregnant women
- Side effects of certain drugs
- Ringworm or fungal infection of the feet (athlete's foot)
Various Ways to Overcome Smelly Feet
There are several easy ways you can do to deal with smelly feet, including:
1. Wear different shoes
Shoes that cover the entire foot are most at risk of causing foot odor. When relaxing, occasionally use sandals or shoes that are slightly open. Choose shoes made of leather or canvas instead of synthetic materials to minimize the appearance of odors.
If possible, you should have more than one pair of shoes so you can use them interchangeably. This allows your shoes to be washed or dried in the sun at least every 2 days to prevent odors from forming.
2. Wear socks that absorb sweat
If using socks, choose ones made of wool or cotton because they can absorb sweat better. Don't forget to change your socks every day.
3. Always keep your feet clean
Keeping feet clean is of course the most important thing to prevent foot odor. Wash your feet every day up to between your toes with soap. You can also use a scrub or scrub to shed dead skin cells on the feet, especially the soles of the feet.
Make sure you dry your feet after washing them so they don't get damp. In addition, don't forget to trim your toenails regularly, because long toenails can be an ideal home for bacterial growth.
4. Use deodorizing foot products
Apart from keeping your feet clean, you can also use some deodorizing products, such as deodorants, special antifungal powders, disinfectant sprays, and special antibacterial soaps to wash your feet.
In addition to the above methods, also avoid using shoes that are narrow or tight so that the area around the feet is not damp. Washing shoes regularly, especially those that you use often, can also prevent the presence of bacteria and fungi.
If the smell of your feet has not gone away after applying some of the methods above, immediately consult a doctor to find out the possibility of other diseases that cause foot odor.