Although foot odor is normal from time to time, it's important to know its causes and how we can prevent it, or at least reduce it, if it causes discomfort or embarrassment.
Sweating is a natural mechanism the human body uses to regulate its temperature. Body sweat, which is made up of fatty acids, steroids, and proteins, is produced by sweat glands located in the dermis, the middle layer of the skin. These glands have ducts that transport sweat to the skin's surface, where it evaporates to release excess heat and maintain a constant temperature. Our feet are no exception to this natural process. The feet contain approximately 250,000 sweat glands that constantly secrete sweat to keep this area moist, supple, and healthy. In fact, the average human foot can produce about half a liter of sweat per day.
Sweat is completely odorless. The bacteria that live on your skin are truly responsible for the bad smell emanating from your feet. These natural bacteria feed on sweat and dead skin cells, triggering a series of chemical reactions that secrete odorous compounds, such as isovaleric acid, which is the main substance responsible for foot odor. Having more sweat glands than any other part of the body, your feet sweat quickly, creating a welcoming environment for bacteria. These bacteria accumulate on your skin, socks, and shoes , and as they decompose, they can leave a lingering odor.
How to avoid foot odor
Wash your feet daily
The feet, hands, and navel are the areas of the body where bacteria accumulate the most. For this reason, you should wash your feet with warm water and antiseptic soap every day to remove accumulated bacteria and dirt .
Daily hygiene can make a big difference when it comes to preventing foot odor. This may seem obvious, but feet are often overlooked in the shower. When you're in the shower, lather the soles of your feet, and don't forget to scrub between your toes, as this area is prone to moisture. Any excess moisture between your toes could lead to bacterial growth, exacerbating the problem.
Keep your feet dry
The bacteria that cause foot odor thrive in moisture, as it's the optimal breeding ground for these microorganisms. When you get out of the shower, be sure to dry your feet calmly and thoroughly. Take a few extra seconds and dry the spaces between your toes well. Removing any remaining water with a clean towel helps prevent the growth of these bacteria . The drier your feet are, the less you'll have to worry about foot odor. Additionally, to prevent foot odor, it's also important to wear clean socks and make sure your shoes are completely dry before wearing them again.
Choose the right footwear
The type of footwear you wear plays a fundamental role in foot odor. The most important thing to combat this problem is to choose breathable shoes that provide adequate ventilation, primarily to allow sweat to evaporate. Another tip to prevent foot odor is to change your shoes frequently. It's not advisable to wear the same shoes every day , as they need time to air out and dry. Otherwise, moisture and bacteria will continue to accumulate, and foot odor will become more intense.
Your feet also need to rest and dry. For this reason, when you're at home, you can slip on flip-flops as soon as you take off your shoes. Surippa flip-flops feature Dynergy technology , which adapts to the shape of your foot and cushions your footfall so you don't feel any impact when you walk. By absorbing, distributing, and neutralizing impacts and pressures while walking, these flip-flops reduce fatigue and relax your joints, promoting rest for your feet.
Wear sweat-wicking socks
Socks are important for overall foot health. Choosing the right socks is key to combating sweat and odor and keeping your feet cool and dry.
Podiatrists recommend wearing sweat-wicking socks, such as cotton socks . This fabric absorbs sweat and allows the foot to breathe properly. Regardless of the fabric, socks should be changed at least once a day and not reused, as they absorb a lot of moisture and bacteria grow quickly.
It's also a good idea to change your socks whenever you experience sweaty feet, so you can bring an extra pair of socks to change into at lunch, during a break, or after a workout, even if you can't wash your feet.
