Why do feet smell?

1. Excessive sweating of the feet
There are many sweat glands on the soles of the feet. Sweat itself has no smell, but bacteria will decompose the organic matter in the sweat and produce a sour smell. Especially when sweat is not easy to evaporate, bacteria will multiply and the smell will be more obvious.

2. Non-breathable shoes and socks.
Wearing non-breathable shoes or synthetic fiber socks such as nylon and polyester will make your feet damp and hot, making it easier for bacteria and fungi to grow, aggravating foot odor.

3. Fungal infection (athlete’s foot)
Athlete’s foot is a skin disease caused by fungal infection. Fungi decompose skin keratin and produce odor. At the same time, bacteria are easily infected after the skin is damaged, making foot odor worse.

4. Poor foot hygiene. If you don’t
wash your feet often or don’t wash them thoroughly, dirt and dead skin will accumulate between the toes and nails, which are the favorite places for bacteria.

5. A humid,
hot, and humid environment, wearing shoes for a long time, and damp shoes that do not dry out will cause bacteria to multiply rapidly and cause foot odor to worsen.

Ways to reduce foot odor

✅Keep your feet clean and dry

Wash your feet thoroughly every day with warm water and mild soap, paying special attention to cleaning between your toes. Remember to dry your feet with a dry towel after washing to avoid getting your feet wet.

✅ Soak your feet with natural materials

• Soak your feet in rice vinegar : Add 10 to 15 ml of rice vinegar to water and soak your feet for 15 minutes. Do this for 3 to 5 days to help kill bacteria and deodorize.
• Soak your feet in tea and salt water : Use 25 grams of tea and a small amount of salt, rub your feet for 5 to 10 minutes, which has an antibacterial effect.
• Soaking your feet in salt and ginger water or white radish water : is also a traditional and effective natural remedy.

✅Choose breathable shoes and socks

Wear cotton or bamboo fiber socks, and avoid stuffy materials such as nylon. It is best to choose leather, breathable mesh or sandals for shoes to help the feet dissipate heat.

✅Change your shoes and socks frequently to keep the inside of your shoes dry

If you sweat a lot, you can bring an extra pair of socks and change them in time when they are wet. The insoles should be cleaned and dried regularly, and the shoes should be kept ventilated.

✅Use foot powder

Foot powder absorbs sweat, keeps feet dry, and helps reduce bacteria growth and odor.

✅Avoid long-term hot feet

After returning home, take off your shoes and socks in time, put on breathable slippers, and let your feet breathe.

✅Use foot antiperspirant appropriately

You can use an antiperspirant specifically for the feet to help reduce sweating, but don’t rely on it long-term.

✅Maintain good living habits

Proper exercise can promote blood circulation, and avoiding prolonged exposure to hot and humid environments can also help keep your feet healthy.

Reference: Hong Kong Centre for Health Protection

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