Sweating is a natural phenomenon that helps regulate your body temperature. In a hot climate, when someone sweats, that helps regulate the heat, which is an external world. But sweating becomes a big problem for those who sweat profusely despite dry seasons. This leads to sweaty feet.
This is a problem; some people sweat only on their palms and feet. They sweat so much that their hands are always wet and their legs show footprints when walking on a clean floor.
In a situation where sweaty feet do not have access to enough air and it confined in a closed space such as a shoe, microbes on the skin begin to metabolize compounds in your sweat, producing unfavorable odors. When your sweat is left behind in your shoes, it then leads to an odor on the feet.
The feet, in particular, can smell due to a bacteria called Staphylococcus epidermis, which breaks down an amino acid in sweat called leucine. The result is an uncomfortable smell that permeates shoes and can be difficult to get rid of.
Many do not know how to go about this problem; hence, this article aims to guide you through the steps to follow to get rid of sweaty feet, which will in turn get rid of smelly shoes.
What Causes the Feet to Sweat Profusely?
- Genetics and Heredity are two main factors that cause sweaty feet.
- Sweaty feet could also be related to heart problems, diabetes, menopause, and overactive thyroid
Steps To Handle Sweaty Feet And Prevent Smelly Shoes
1. Put your feet in a cold concentrated Black Tea
With this method soak a cloth in a cold concentrated black tea and wipe it all over your feet or put your feet in the cold concentrated black tea. The tannic acid in tea has astringent proper that can act as a natural antiperspirant.
2. Keep Feet Dry
Bacteria like moisture, so keep your feet dry. Use talcum powder to absorb sweat. If your feet are sweaty, try putting antiperspirant on the bottom of your feet. Let your feet breathe at home by going barefoot or wearing sandals. If you must wear closed shoes, make sure they fit well. If socks get sweaty, carry extras to change during the day.
3. Practice Good Hygiene
Wash your feet every day, either while you shower or in a tub with warm water. Dry your feet well, especially between the toes. Keep toenails clean, and trimmed, and remove any dead skin to reduce bacteria-friendly spots.
4. Soak Your Feet
If your feet has an odor, try soaking them for a good clean. Mix half a cup of Epsom salt in warm water, or if you don’t have that, mix warm water with white or apple cider vinegar (two parts water to one part vinegar). Soak your feet for up to 20 minutes once a week. Epsom salt removes moisture, making it harder for bacteria to stick around. Don’t soak if you have open wounds.
5. Choose Breathable Shoes
When picking shoes, skip boots and sports shoes because they can make your feet sweaty. Instead, go for something with canvas or leather that lets your feet breathe. Change between different pairs to keep them dry, and use absorbent insoles for extra protection. Whenever you can, take off your shoes and socks to let your feet get some fresh air.
6. Pick the Right Socks
Don’t forget about your socks. Wool and cotton socks are good because they let air in. Avoid nylon socks since they keep moisture in, making your feet wet. Change your socks more than once a day, and carry an extra pair when you go out.
7. Take Care of Your Shoes
Don’t wear the same shoes two days in a row; let them air out. Wash your shoe insoles to make them smell better. Use a disinfectant spray on your shoes and let them air dry to kill any bacteria living in them.
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