Keisha Shakespeare, Freelance Writer
IF TAKING off your shoes clears a room, this could mean that you have
smelly feet.
Feet have more sweat glands than any other part of the body and therefore tend to perspire more. Perspiration is normal and healthy but it can be embarrassing when it becomes excessive, leaving a lingering odour. While most individual's feet will likely perspire during exercise or in warm weather, those suffering bromhidrosis will experience hyperhidrosis (excessive perspiration) and smelly feet all year round.
"There are several factors that may increase your chance of having smelly feet such as stress, medication, hormonal changes and excess perspiration," says Angelique Morgan a podiatrist at The Liguanea Medical Centre in St. Andrew.
"Also, your feet are in an enclosed environment (in your shoes) and there are micro organisms (bacteria) on your feet. Thus, when your feet perspire and the sweat cannot evaporate, the bacteria will then produce an acid called isovaleric acid. This acid, when secreted, causes a foul odour," adds Morgan.
There are several things you can do to keep you from or care for smelly feet, she said:
1. To prevent and reduce bacteria levels take frequent baths, washing your feet and between the toes properly with soap and water. Dry properly with a clean rag.
2. The choice and material of socks is also important. Socks should be made from natural material or cotton, rather than synthetic. Also, thick, soft cotton socks work better to absorb moisture from feet.
3. Socks should be changed at least once per day.
4. The choice of shoe is important to reduce odour. Genuine leather or canvas material (sneakers) shoes are more breathable.
5. If perspiration and odour are severe then you may need to wear a different shoe every day. (Do not wear the same shoe two days in a row.)
In addition, clean shoes (spray with Lysol) and let them air out and dry in the sun. You can also take out and wash the sole of the shoe.
6. Use antibacterial powder (odour eaters) on your feet once or twice per day. Make sure that feet are clean and properly dried.
