No one ever wants to have to deal with stinky feet, especially when it gets bad enough that other people start to notice it, as well. If you are someone who is having an issue with feet that are starting to give off foul odor, you should know that you are not alone. Understanding what causes foot stench, and learning how to treat it, can help you recover from and prevent future issues with your feet. Get help from a podiatrist in Bothell for foot odor concerns.
Believe it or not, human feet contain nearly half a million sweat glands. Sweat is the primary cause of foot odor. Wearing shoes and socks keeps your feet warm and insulated, giving sweat glands their cue to activate to work to keep you cool. This traps sweat inside your socks and on your feet. Fungus and bacteria love this type of moist and warm environment. Given a perfect environment for which to thrive, bacteria, and fungal infections such as athletes foot, contribute to foot odor from sweat. There are several different ways to approach managing foot odor from sweat, bacteria, and fungal infections.
Keep Your Feet Clean
If you are suffering from foot odor, thoroughly wash your feet while using an antibacterial soap each day. Make sure to dry your feet completely, making an effort to dry in between your toes as this is where the moisture will collect. For a bit of extra protection, you can use an absorbent foot spray powder on both your feet and shoes, such as Gold Bond, to help keep your feet dry and clean.
Home Remedies
There are a number of great home remedies that are known to do the trick to help keep stinky feet at bay. Many people swear by soaking their feet in a vinegar bath or a tea soak, while others like to use a salt wash. Of course, there are a number of good powders to try to keep the feet nice and dry, including talcum powder, baby powder, corn starch or baking soda.
Be Mindful of Footwear
Always look for socks and shoes that are comprised of materials that are breathable so that the moisture will not stay contained within the shoe throughout the day. Insoles made with ingredients like activated charcoal can be placed inside your shoes to help cut the perspiration and odor, and are available over the counter.
See Your Podiatrist
While many people may think those stinky feet will be something that they simply have to deal with, the foot odor can become so persistent and foul that you will need to seek the help of a trained professional to get results. A podiatrist may also reveal an underlying medical condition that is leading to such a funky smell surrounding your feet. For example, a compromised immune system or any sort of a wound, redness or swelling on the foot can lead to an awful odor.
By simply making an appointment with a trained podiatrist, you will have all of the insight that you need as to what may be causing your foot odor and a number of ways to treat it. The team at Mill Creek Foot & Ankle Clinic will be happy to have you come in for a consultation to pinpoint the exact problem that may be leading to your foot odors.
When all is said and done, a combination of helpful home remedies for smelly feet and working with a podiatrist that you can trust will give you all of the care that you need to put your best foot forward.
Never suffer from stinky feet again by working with a professional podiatrist in Bothell. Call Mill Creek Foot & Ankle Clinic today at (425)482-6663 for more information or to schedule your appointment.
