Our Woodbridge VA Podiatrist Explains What Causes Stinky Feet
If you pinch your nose when you tie your shoes, it may be time to address what is causing your smelly feet. Our Woodbridge VA podiatrist explains that the bacteria that live on your feet and in your shoes and socks essentially eat your sweat. When the bacteria are exposed to perspiration they are fueled to convert sweat into an acid byproduct. This results in an unpleasant stench.
When feet sweat and stew in a moist environment, the more bacteria prevail and the worse your feet smell.
The cure? Keep your feet clean and dry.
Techniques to Dry Your Feet from Our Woodbridge VA Podiatrist
#1—Salt Water Soak
The properties of salt water work to pull moisture from your skin, clean your pores, and wash away dead skin cells. Click here for easy directions for soaking your feet in a salt water bath.
For stinky feet, our Woodbridge podiatrist recommends doing this soak every day for two weeks or until you notice the odor dissipates. Adding vinegar to the solution will add an extra boost to the bacteria killing properties!
#2—Choose Breathable Socks & Shoes
Wearing breathable items on your feet, like cotton socks, won’t trap moisture. You want to avoid materials like nylon when battling smelly feet. Non-porous material will enclose your feet in sweat and bacteria. Wash and rotate socks consistently, especially after you work out. Our podiatrist in Woodbridge says to choose a shoe that is designed to let moisture breathe for optimal odor results.
#3— Deodorize Your Shoes
Powders work wonders for absorbing existing moisture in a shoe. Before you toss your kicks, our podiatrist in Woodbridge VA suggests giving the drying powers of corn starch a chance. For extra oomph, try spraying the inside of your shoe with a disinfectant spray that contains ethanol or other antibacterial agents.
#4— Deodorant for your Feet
Each of our feet have over 250,000 sweat glands. The sweat glands on our feet far outnumber those on our armpits. If you put deodorant under your arms, why not your feet? Many drug stores offer brands of deodorant for your feet. Explore these options to help remedy foot odor, particularly if you are prone to excess sweating.
Our Woodbridge VA Podiatrist Recommends a Consultation If Odors Do Not Improve
If you continue to struggle with foot odor feel free to call our Woodbridge VA podiatry office to consult with our top-rated Woodbridge podiatrist!
The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about this and other topics related to podiatry, feel free to contact The Podiatry Center, with a convenient podiatry office location near Woodbridge VA, by clicking here or by calling 301.656.6055.
