Bromhidrosis is the term used to describe smelly feet or foot odour. This is a common medical condition that affects a number of individuals. Your feet have a tendency to sweat profusely as they have more sweat glands than any other part of your body.
Sweat regulation is also affected by your hormones and thus teenagers and pregnant women tend to sweat more. However, it is not the sweat that causes the odour but actually the bacteria that grows as a result of the sweating. There are naturally occurring bacteria already present on your skin but extra bacteria can form and remain on your skin and shoes if not properly cleaned, causing the bad odour. However, there is good news as smelly feet can be treated easily.
Here are 10 things that you can do at home to prevent and help with smelly feet.
1. Make sure you wash your feet regularly, especially after your feet have been in enclosed toe shoes for a long period of time. Wash with a mild soap and scrub in between your toes as this is where bacteria tend to grow the most. After washing, make sure to dry thoroughly.
2. Change your socks regularly, at least once every day.
3. Clean and maintain your toenails.
4. Use different pairs of shoes or have two pairs of shoes that you can alternate between so it gives the other shoe time to dry properly.
5. Use tea-tree spray ( inside your shoes to remove bacteria and get rid of odour.
6. Leave your shoes in the sun to eliminate bacteria and dry the moisture from the shoes.
7. Use rubbing alcohol or Friar’s balsam to prevent excessive sweating.
8. Use breathable socks.
9. Use antifungal sprays to prevent athletes foot.
10. You also use deodorising insoles that can be purchased from the chemist.
Smelly feet can be an embarrassing condition but it is relatively easy to treat. With regular attention and care, you can potentially eliminate foot odour in 1-2 weeks. The tips above are usually very effective but in severe cases seeing a doctor may be necessary.