Self-help for preventing smelly feet
There are a number of steps you can take to reduce the problem of foot odour and smelly feet.
These measures are designed to either reduce the amount of sweat or reduce the amount of bacteria, caused by the sweat, which leads to the unpleasant odour.
Fresh footwear
It is important to change your socks at least once a day.
Have more than one pair of shoes or trainers and don’t wear the same pair for two days in a row. Shoes need time to dry out properly before they are worn again. Help speed the drying process by stuffing newspaper into your shoes whilst they dry.
Surgical spirit
If you develop sweaty feet during the day then a really easy remedy is to dab them clean with cotton wool and surgical spirit.
Cleanliness is essential, so wash your feet in warm water at least once a day and use an appropriate soap or cleanser. Dry thoroughly, paying particular attention to the area between toes.
Manmade materials can make your smelly feet problem worse. In particular, avoid nylon socks. Cotton socks, or socks with a high cotton content, can help reduce sweating. Some major department stores sell socks specifically designed to aid the evaporation of sweat and reduce the problem of smelly feet.
Leather or canvas shoes can help, too, as they allow your feet to breathe, unlike their plastic counterparts.
Foot odour and fungal infections
Fungal infections can sometimes lead to unpleasant foot odour. Examine between your toes and the soles of your feet for redness, itching or dry skin and, if necessary, use an athlete’s foot medication, which can be bought from the pharmacist.
If you exercise every day then make sure you take off your sports shoes as soon as you have finished. Don’t leave them on if your feet are hot and sweaty.
Open-toed footwear
After a hard day, consider wearing open-toed sandals or going barefoot in the evening at home to get some air to your feet and give them a break.
Hard skin and foot odour
Accumulations of hard skin can block pores on the feet and actually lead to an increase in sweating. Hard skin is also an ideal breeding ground for foot odour causing bacteria.
Exfoliate your feet at least once a week. The best way to do this is to soak them for a while, in a hot bath, and then dry them thoroughly.
Wait for 10 minutes or so and then use a hard skin removing tool on your feet to get rid of the build up of hard skin. The amount of dead skin that sloughs off is highly satisfying.
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