For some people, being asked to remove their shoes when stepping into a stranger's home can be an awkward and upsetting situation. If you suffer from foot odor, you probably tend to avoid removing your shoes in the company of others. Fortunately, your tainted tootsies can be treated with simple odor-eliminating tips.
Causes
Foot odor is caused by two main factors: excessive sweat and bacteria. Also known as hyperhidrosis, excessive sweat permeates the skin, socks and inside surface of the shoes, allowing the sweat to mingle with cellular debris and bacteria. As these substances begin to break down, they release a foul odor. In fact, the Your Foot Health website explains that "smelly feet are generally caused by brevibacteria, which consumes the feet's dead skin" and "is the same bacteria that cause some kinds of cheese to be pungent." The smelly situation becomes increasingly worse when you wear shoes without socks, as the odors are allowed to settle directly into shoes.
Risk Factors
In some cases, excessive sweating can be exacerbated by external factors. For example, participation in vigorous physical activity often causes the feet to sweat more profusely than usual. Spicy foods and anxiety also have been known to increase sweating. In fact, the Odor-Eaters website explains that "nervous tension produces tension sweating, sweating contributes to foot odor, which only makes you worry more." Along with spicy foods, garlic, raw onions and black pepper might increase your risk for food odor.
Prevention
Prevent food odor by regularly changing your socks and shoes. If you experience hyperhidrosis, change your socks every few hours. If your sweating is particularly excessive, you also might change shoes once or twice a day. Choose absorbent socks that wick sweat away from the skin. Before wearing your shoes, sprinkle a small amount of foot powder, such as talc, inside the shoes. The powder not only absorbs excess moisture, but it also fights offensive odors. You also should wash your feet with antibacterial soap at least once per day.
Treatment
Once foot odors have permeated your shoes, the odor can be difficult to treat. Begin by washing the shoes inside and out, and allow the shoes to dry completely. If possible, place them outside and let them dry in the sunlight, which might further help reduce odor. Once the shoes have dried, replace the insoles with special odor-absorbing inserts. If the shoes still express a foul odor despite your best efforts, it might be time to replace the shoes.
Health Risks
Although foot odor itself is not dangerous to your health, the cause might be detrimental. In most cases, foot odor is caused by excessive perspiration inside the shoes. As this moisture permeates the area, it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, fungus and yeast. If left untreated, sweaty and bacteria-laden feet might lead to athlete's foot and warts.
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