Do My Feet Smell?

Do My Feet Smell?

Yes, dear, they do and what are you going to do about it? Well, let’s start with some facts. The way your perspiration interacts with the bacteria that lives in your shoes is the main offender. Together these two will kill your social life and scare off your friends faster than you can throw those stink bombs in the garbage. Dr. Discont understands this embarrassing foot problem and can offer some suggestions to help.

Prevent foot odor:

  • Always wear socks with closed toe shoes and don’t wear the same pair each day. Give them a rest and alternate them so they can breathe.
  • Use thick soft socks to help with moisture absorption and change them often throughout the day if they become too wet.
  • Sprinkle a nonmedicated baby powder or foot powder to your feet before slipping on your shoes especially on hot days or when you are going to play sports.
  • Stay away from nylon socks or plastic shoes as they do not allow much space for your feet to release their moisture.
  • Practice good foot hygiene to help keep bacteria out and dryness in.
  • Check for fungal infections often to make sure you have not developed athlete’s foot which breeds in these conditions.

If odor won’t quit don’t give up because there are some treatments, you can try from home to correct the problem.

Remedies for foot odor:

  • Soak your feet in black tea for 30 minutes a day – the acid in the tea kills unwanted bacteria.
  • Apply antibacterial ointment cream before bedtime and wrap you’re your feet with plastic wrap to keep the ointment on while you sleep.
  • Electrolysis can reduce the sweating which leads to smelly feet. This requires special equipment to administer but we can guide you in the right direction.

If odor won’t quit you may suffer from Hyperhidrosis, a condition which is inherited and causes excessive sweating in the feet and hands. Simple life changes like hormones can trigger it along with stress, and some medications. Let our specialists give you a hand with your feet and call Family Foot & Ankle Care, PC in our Chandler office at 480-732-0033. Kill the odor before it kills your social life!