Foot Odor, how embarrassing. It really shouldn’t be embarrassing since everyone has 250000 sweat glands which produce up to a half-cup of sweat daily. Sweaty feet are what causes foot odor.
Now that we know everyone suffers from sweaty feet, but what about the odor itself? The sweat itself has no odor. The odor is attributed to bacteria. The feet are the perfect breading ground for bacteria to grow: dark, damp, and usually enclosed in a shoe.
The type of shoe and sock one wears also plays a role in foot odor. If a shoe doesn’t ventilate properly, the feet gradually get sweatier and does not have the opportunity to dry out. Socks made up of polyester and nylon is common, but does not offer adequate ventilation. Cotton and wool allow for more breath-ability. The polyester and nylon socks increase perspiration and intensify odor. After wearing all day a combination of nylon sock plus dress shoes, one may find they need to wash their feet when they get home.
If you are concerned with foot odor, look in your kitchen for baking soda. Baking soda creates a hostile environment for bacteria and it can’t grow in that environment. This eliminates the odor with time. Use four pinches on each foot every day… two inside the sock and two on the insole of the shoe. Washing one’s feet daily also minimizes odor. Other remedies for foot odor include odor-eaters or powders which can be found at most stores. Also, check one’s shoes. If the shoes that are causing the most odors when worn are old, replace them with a new pair. Rotate your shoes and don’t wear the same ones every day.
Image by mary_thompson. (2011). Flickr. CC BY 2.0. Retrieved from
http://www.flickr.com/photos/maryamandathompson/5663879492/sizes/s/in/photostream/
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