Sweaty Feet: Having smelly feet is a common problem caused by a build-up of sweat. It can usually be improved with some simple treatments and self-help measures. The medical term for smelly feet is bromodosis. Anyone can get sweaty feet, regardless of the temperature or time of year. You're more likely to have foot perspiration if you're on your feet all day, or if you have a medical condition called hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), which makes you sweat more than usual. Fungal infections, such as athlete's foot, can also lead to bad foot odour. The main cause is sweaty feet combined with wearing the same shoes and socks every day.
Some tips to help:
Wash your feet twice every day in warm water with a good quality anti-bacterial soap. Do not do this if you have broken skin or eczema on your feet. Dry your feet thoroughly, especially between your toes.
Never wear the same pair of shoes two days in a row. Wear different shoes on successive days so they have at least 24 hours to dry out.
Change your socks every day and avoid wearing nylon socks.
Feet need maintenance: Cut and trim your toenails regularly, remove hard skin with a foot file or pumice stone, clean and dry between the toes. Add a little moisturizing cream if the foot skin is dry - avoid cream between your toes.
Use a quality talcum powder or spray-on deodrant on your feet.
Add medicated insoles to your shoes, preferably wear leather or canvas shoes and avoid plastic footwear Go barefoot at home.
Always buy shoes in the afternoons when your feet are usually at their largest. Avoid wearing tight shoes.
Wear flip-flops or socks to avoid catching athlete's foot and verrucas when using public areas such as gym showers, swimming pools or hotel bathrooms.
See your GP if simple measures to reduce your foot odour does not work, or if you're worried that your level of sweating is abnormally high.
SMELLY FEET
