Having smelly feet can be a daily inconvenience, both for oneself and for others. However, there are certain tips to address this issue. Find our advice for combating foot odor in this article.
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How to combat foot odor?
Summary
Published February 16, 2024,
by
Manon, Scientific Editor
—
3 min read
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Why do feet smell?
Before seeking to eliminate these unpleasant odors, it is appropriate to understand why and how they occur.
Given its anatomy, the foot tends to sweat a lot. Indeed, the plantar arch is entirely covered with sweat glands, approximately 600 glands per square centimeter, which secrete nearly half a cup of sweat per day. However, it is neither these glands nor the sweat that are the source of foot odor.
When these, bare or wrapped in a sock or stocking, macerate in this moist environment, bacteria proliferate. Poorly or non-ventilated shoes then transform into a nest where these microorganisms feed on sweat and dead cells and produce waste that is responsible for bad odors.
Responsible for an unpleasant cheese-like odor, these bacteria vary from one person to another. They can then emit odors of varying intensity. Furthermore, the more bacteria present, the higher the chances of developing fungal infections and other fungi that further promote bad foot odors.
How to eliminate unpleasant foot odors?
To combat these foul odors, it is essential to focus on foot hygiene. It is therefore appropriate to wash them thoroughly with water and soap, not neglecting the space between the toes, and this, every day if possible. Above all, make sure to dry them properly afterwards to prevent the moisture that promotes the proliferation of bacteria. Also consider exfoliating them regularly to remove dead skin cells that bacteria feed on. For this, you can use our nourishing body scrub with sweet almond oil which thanks to its rich and fluid texture, leaves the skin nourished and soothed, without a greasy or sticky finish.
If that is not enough, the use of a sweat control treatment can prove to be beneficial. This can be in the form of a spray or powder. Generally, it often contains boric acid, baking soda, or talc that work by absorbing sweat through hydrogen bonds formed with the water from perspiration, thereby capturing moisture.
Regarding shoes and socks, it is also appropriate to wash and disinfect them regularly to prevent them from transmitting unpleasant odors to the feet. Similarly, prefer natural materials that limit moisture rather than synthetic ones. Opt for leather or fabric shoes and cotton socks/stockings to be changed daily. Also try to alternate your shoes to give them time to dispel moisture.
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