When the temperatures rise, our body starts to perspire. With added humidity, the sweat on our bodies cannot evaporate to cool us down as it normally should. Instead, sweat sticks to our bodies. Moisture is a breeding ground for different types of fungus. Think about it- fungus thrives in warm, damp areas. A common question we hear in our office is, “how can I prevent smelly feet?” We’ve curated professional tips and tricks to prevent and treat foot odor. 

What Causes Odor?

Microbes on the skin metabolize with compounds in your sweat, producing a foul odor. When sweat is left behind, specifically in your shoes, it can lead to even more unpleasant effects, such as a continuous unpleasant odor and even infections. 

How To Treat Odor

• Wash Your Shoes and Insoles. Washing and drying your shoes can help eliminate odor and keep them fresh. High temperatures tend to degrade plastic and other shoe materials, which may shorten the life of the shoes. If you do need to wash shoes, hand wash them cold and air-dry them. If using a washing machine, remove shoelaces, use the cold water setting and then let them air-dry.
• Store Shoes in A Cool, Dry Place. Cold temperatures inhibit the growth of bacteria and other fungi. Ideally, you should try storing your shoes in a cool, dry room with good airflow.

How To Prevent Odor

• Thoroughly Clean Your Feet. If you prefer to do this in the shower, it is important to wash your feet thoroughly rather than simply rinsing. Using a washcloth is a helpful way to clean and exfoliate. Use Epsom salt if you prefer to soak your feet in the bathtub. Epsom salt detoxifies and draws moisture out of the feet, removing the fungus breeding ground.
• Keep Your Feet Dry. It is important to keep your feet dry if you have just finished bathing, soaking, or swimming. The unpleasant odor usually comes from moisture. If you tend to have sweaty feet as the day goes on, keep an extra pair of clean, dry socks in your car to change into mid-day. Choosing socks made of cotton or other moisture-wicking materials will allow excess moisture to evaporate.
• Use Powder. If your feet are extra sweaty, try using an over-the-counter foot antiperspirant. Alternatively, you could sprinkle a little cornstarch inside your shoes. 

When To See a Podiatrist

If you can’t seem to solve unpleasant foot odor, it’s time to bring in extra help and see your podiatrist. To schedule an appointment with our podiatrist Dr. Adam Mucinskas at our Cromwell, Connecticut office, call (860-)632-5499 or visit our website for more information.