People who wear shoes all day, every day, may be concealing a problem with their feet--embarrassing foot odor. They may not be aware of the severity of their stinky feet because they live with it every day and have gotten used to the problem. Taking a little time to play detective can narrow down the causes of foot odor. Other measures include going barefoot for a portion of each day, washing your feet, drying them completely and using an antibacterial foot powder.
Sweat and Bacteria
Your feet have sweat glands so they can cool down by releasing perspiration. Because they are closed up in socks and shoes all day long, the warm, closed environment inside the shoes, combined with bacterium and sweat, contributes to a less-than-attractive smell.
Couple these factors with walking around--or playing--all day long, and the problem is compounded even more. The bacteria residing on your feet eat the oils and dead skin cells on the skin. As the bacteria colonies grow, they begin to release an organic acid. It is this acid that causes your stinky feet, according to Kids Health.
Footwear
Wearing the wrong socks and shoes makes a stinky foot problem even worse. You may be buying the less-expensive shoes and socks so you can extend your clothing budget a bit further. This is fine, but your feet feel the impact. Take a little more time and spend just a bit more cash to buy socks made from natural fibers-- cotton and a few wool fibers. Socks made from cotton and wool allow your feet to breathe a little more. This results in less sweating and a lowered stink factor.
Shoes made from human-manufactured materials or plastics also prevent your feet from breathing. Wear shoes made from natural products--leather and, in the case of sneakers, canvas. Make sure your shoes fit you properly. Shoes that are too tight prevent your feet from breathing. Have more than one pair of shoes so you can switch between pairs every day. Doing so allows the shoes you wore yesterday to dry out so they don’t become too smelly. If your shoes are washable--athletic shoes and sneakers--wash them periodically. Make sure they are completely dry before wearing them again, says Kids Health.
Skin Fungus
Your feet may look completely normal and healthy, but if you have a case of athlete’s foot--fungal skin infection--this could be contributing to a rank foot odor, writes Baby Center. Inspect your feet and toenails. If you note signs of skin or nail fungus, visit your doctor for a definitive diagnosis and prescription for the appropriate medications.
