Got stinky feet?
Don’t be too embarrassed, you’re not alone. 16% of adults over 21 have experienced foot odor.
Nonetheless, it’s not exactly a turn-on… So, here’s a complete list of how to cure stinky feet and get your confidence back!
Where the Stink Starts
Before we can talk about how to get rid of it, you need to know what’s causing your smelly feet.
With over 250,000 sweat glands on your feet, it’s no wonder they don’t smell very fresh. Of course, if everyone has this many sweat glands, why don’t we all have constantly odorous feet?
One word: Bacteria.
Bacteria on your feet or in your socks and shoes create nasty acidic byproducts that create, well, stink. Foot fungus is also known to produce these smelly acids.
Now let’s talk about remedies and prevention.
Wash Right
First things first, are you washing right? You may think this is too basic to be helpful, but improper washing is often at the root of foot odor.
Next time you hop in the shower, be sure to use an antibacterial soap. When you scrub, leave no area unwashed. Scrub between and beneath your toes.
If basic 6th grade hygiene lessons failed you, you may not realize that daily showers will be vital to preventing odors.
Having completely dry feet and toes will also be vital in preventing smelly feet as the spaces between and under your toes are where moisture gets trapped, thus feeding potential bacteria.
Foot Antiperspirants
So you’ve got the cleansing part right, but you still sweat like a pig?
If you suffer from hyperhidrosis, you may need an antiperspirant made with aluminum chloride hexahydrate. This is the same effective chemical found in underarm antiperspirants. You can find them in a spray version for your feet.
Just be sure to let your feet dry and air out after applying or spraying the product to them. Again, dry feet are essential to preventing bad foot odor.
Buy Nice or Buy Twice
Owning the right footwear in the first place will help those stinky feet breathe.
Literally.
When you’re purchasing socks, choosing materials that will allow your feet to get some air and get plenty of. Cotton, for example, is generally a much more foot-friendly material than other (fancier), materials like nylon.
This means you may need to look extra hard for dress or work socks that are breathable. If you’re not sure it’s worth the investment, just remember that when it comes down to it, buying a good pair of socks once, is better than having to buy endless pairs in the future because you’ve stunk them up…
On the same note, never, NEVER go sock-less. Not only is it not an attractive look, this is just asking for sweat accumulation and buildup.
You know what that means: bacteria.
The same idea goes for shoes. Purchase materials that will allow some ventilation for your feet. Think leather or other such natural materials.
Trash that “Lucky” Pair
You know what they are… Maybe it was funny in high school to go months without washing a pair of socks because they were, “good luck.” As an adult, however, it’s just disgusting.
Even if you’re exhausted and doing a load of laundry is the last thing you want to do, wearing the same pair of socks two days in a row is a terrible idea for someone struggling with smelly feet.
When you do wash your socks, try turning them inside out before throwing them in. This will allow all that nasty sweat and dead skin that’s built up to get a thorough cleaning during the cycle.
As far as your shoes go, to cure stinky feet, try to avoid wearing the same pair of shoes two days in succession.
If this isn’t a possibility for you, simply be sure to leave your shoes in a well-ventilated spot overnight to make sure they air out.
In addition to moisture, bacteria thrives in warm, dark places. Odds are, your closet is both.
Take Flip-Flops
Next time you head to the gym, bring a pair of flip-flops with you for showering.
Better still, use a towel for a mat to dry your feet off when you get out.
Standing barefoot in a shared, moist, sweat-prone place is just asking for a bacterial or fungal infection.
According to the New York Times, skin infections in athletes are quite common and can be rather nasty. So take a simple step to avoid bringing one home with you and stop going barefoot in the gym shower.
Odor-Eliminating Foot Products
If it’s Friday night and you need to impress your date. This situation may call for a quicker cure to your stinky feet problem.
In this case, make a grocery store run and pick up some Odor-Eaters Foot Powder or some other kind of anti-odor foot spray.
You can try an anti-bacterial spray or odor-absorbing powder. But if you’re feeling more like a home remedy, you can try cedar chips, talcum powder, baby powder, corn starch, or even good old baking powder.
Symptoms of Athlete’s Foot
The sole of your foot should be the same color as the palm of your hand.
If it’s not, you may have athlete’s foot.
Athlete’s foot is usually identified by itching, bad foot odor, redness, swelling, or dry patches on the skin.
Interestingly, even wearing the wrong size shoe may contribute to this cause of bad foot odor. So, make sure you’re shoes are a little snug or a bit big.
When All Else Fails
So you’ve tried everything and your feet are still stinking up the place.
It’s time to see your doctor.
A podiatrist or dermatologist may be able to write you a prescription for a stronger anti-fungal.
However, sometimes the foot odor may be a sign of a more serious medical issue. Your doctor can carefully examine your feet or perform any necessary tests to be sure there are no cuts or wounds between the toes or under your nails that might be causing a bacterial infection.
If you have diabetes, you’re at particular risk of bacterial or fungal infections on your feet. If you’re a diabetic, let your doctor know first if you begin to notice any bad foot odor.
Now that your feet are covered (pun intended), check out these other essential grooming tips.
