Your feet are a very important part of you; after all, without them, you couldn’t walk around, run a race, or even stand up. And sometimes, your feet work so hard for you that sometimes they get sweaty and smelly, in warm weather and in cold. Read on for tips from Dr. Hubert Lee of CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists regarding how to avoid smelly feet.
What Can You Do About Smelly Feet?
In most cases, there’s no need to worry about smelly feet. But if the stink really bothers you or someone else notices it, you may need help. While you might not be able to stop the smell completely, if you reduce the sweat, you’ll reduce the odor.
Here are some tips for reducing sweat on your feet.
Keep them clean. Instead of just washing your feet in the shower, wash them daily by dipping them into a tub of water and scrubbing them. Be sure to dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes to prevent athlete’s foot.
Wear the correct socks. Some wools, cotton, and special knits made specifically for athletes will allow your feet to breathe and absorb the sweat. Put on a fresh pair of socks every day, especially if they tend to get damp.
Avoid shoes that are too tight. Shoes that are too tight can cause your feet to sweat more than normal.
Change your shoes. Continually wearing the same shoes every day can make them smell more. Allow them to dry out for a few days before wearing them again.
Kill the germs. Consider using a disinfectant spray to kill bacteria inside your shoes and/or washing your feet with antibacterial soap. Putting your shoes outside in the sun also may help.
Wash insoles and/or shoes. Some shoes or insoles – particularly sneakers – are washable. Washing them is a great way to destroy odors and get cleaner-smelling shoes. Just be sure to dry them completely before you begin wearing them again.
Avoid shoes that are made of plastic. Some human-made materials and plastics don’t allow your feet to breathe properly.
Air them out. Let them breathe, particularly at night. But don’t go shoeless too often, especially when outdoors because certain bacteria will be attracted to your feet.
Don’t share towels or shoes with other people. Doing so can transfer smell-causing bacteria from other people’s feet to yours and nobody wants that!
If you’re still experiencing issues with sweaty, smelly feet and need relief, contact the office of Dr. Hubert Lee at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists today at (425) 455-0936 to book an appointment or schedule an appointment online so we can discuss your treatment options.
