Stinky feet: how to get rid of bad odors?

2024-03-22 14:24:31

Even with impeccable hygiene, clean socks and shoes, some people end up with feet that smell bad. The bad odor is linked to small bacteria which appear on our feet, particularly when we sweat and it is hot in our shoes. But don’t panic, there are solutions to get rid of this annoying smell!

Why do our feet stink?

In the vast majority of cases, bad foot odor is linked to a sweating problem. In the feet, the sweat glands in the arch of the foot regulate temperature through perspiration. But in certain cases, this self-regulation system becomes disrupted and we suffer from excessive sweating. It is estimated that around 1% of the population is affected, particularly children, adolescents and young adults.

The key is when you suffer from excessive sweating in your feet? An uncomfortable feeling of dampness and, in some cases, a foul smell. This phenomenon ofhyperhidrosis – the scholarly name for excessive sweating – can have several causes:

Genetics, Neurological diseases, Taking medications…

In all cases, foot odor is linked to fungi or bacterial proliferation favored by maceration. The solution to combat odors? Treat hyperhidrosis and, in turn, eliminate bad foot odor.

Hygiene rules to know to combat foot odor

Having correct hygiene is essential when you suffer from excessive foot sweating. Reflexes to adopt:

Wash your feet morning and evening to eliminate the causes of bad odors. Rub with an antiseptic foaming gel such as Cytéal (Pierre Fabre) or Cicaplast Lavant B5 (La Roche Posay) to reduce bacterial colonization,
Dry thoroughly your feet, paying particular attention between the toes because it is an area that favors maceration,
Wash your feet following each sporting activity
Change socks every day and wash your socks at 60°C to eliminate unwanted items.

What are the solutions to put an end to stinky feet?

Is talcum powder effective for stinky feet?

Not necessarily. Shoe deodorant sprays may contain questionable active ingredients (such as triclosan). The alternative: a 50/50 mixture between powdered boric acid (from pharmacies), with anti-humidity, antibacterial and antifungal properties, and baking soda, which reduces the pH of the skin and, therefore, the proliferation of bacteria . To be placed between the toes and/or directly in the shoes.

Baking soda for foot odor

It will not treat hyperhidrosis but can make bad odors disappear naturally. Thanks to its PH, baking soda helps reduce the acidity of sweat and fight once morest the proliferation of fungi and bacteria. We benefit from its benefits by doing a baking soda foot bath by diluting it in a basin of water then drying your feet without rubbing them with a towel but rather using a hair dryer to avoid removing the mixture. You can also sprinkle baking soda in your shoes, between the sole and the sock… Be careful, as soon as you stop, the proliferation of bacteria starts once more.

How to use white vinegar when you have stinky feet?

With white vinegar you can also prepare a foot bath to eliminate bad odors ! To do this, dilute 2 glasses of white vinegar in a large basin of hot water and soak your feet for regarding twenty minutes. Then let it dry in the open air.

Shoes and foot odor

Do canvas shoes cause bad odors? Indeed, natural leather shoes (at least the insole) generate fewer odors than synthetic ones. As soon as the temperatures rise, we skip espadrilles, ballerinas or moccasins in favor of open sandals, and we change pairs from one day to the next, just to let them air out. As for socks, long live cotton or bamboo, no more polyamide. The must ? THE toe socks : a Japanese study showed that they limit maceration between the toes and, therefore, odors! As for tights, we opt for wool or cotton.

Can you use underarm deodorant on your feet?

Why not… “This helps cover the smell, but it doesn’t address the problem.”explains Dr. Netter, dermatologist, who recommends using an antiperspirant instead. “These products get a bad rap due to the presence of aluminum salts. However, they are very effective in limiting perspiration which causes odors and, even if we are concerned, there is really no risk using them under the soles of the feet, because the skin there is thick. We prefer them in the form of cream, and low in alcohol, such as Hidrosis Control (Ducray) or Spirial (SVR).

When should you consult a specialist?

If nothing helps, head to the general practitioner or, better still, the dermatologist. “IIt is necessary to check that this bad smell is not due to a dermatosis: punctuated keratolysis, which is treated with antibiotics., says Dr. Netter. Otherwise, the doctor can suggest treatment with iontophoresis, which reduces sweating by at least 80% using a painless electric current. Count around ten sessions over 15 days for attack, then around one per week for maintenance. The machine can also be purchased on the Internet (€300 to €350, not refunded) if you need to use it long-term.

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