Foot odor can be extremely annoying. It can be difficult to get rid of, and can cause you anxiety. If your feet smell bad, then your shoes could begin to smell as well, and then, your closet may begin to smell as well. Foot odor in the elderly is a common problem. It is often caused by bacteria growth and sweat. If you or one of your loved ones suffers from odorous feet, then follow these simple steps to get rid of the odor, and to make your life so much easier.
Scrub your Feet Each Night
The easiest way to keep your feet smelling great is to wash them each night. Whenever you are in the shower, take a seat on the side of your tub or in a shower seat and scrub your feet with a washcloth. Add a little bit of soap to the washcloth and make sure you scrub all over your feet, including in between your toes. The roughness of the washcloth will help exfoliate your feet and will rid you of any bacteria and dead skin cells.
Always Dry Your Feet
Drying your feet whenever you get out of the shower is key to keeping your feet clean and smelling wonderful. If you leave your feet wet, then bacteria can begin to grow. Many microorganisms that live on and in our bodies produce gaseous waste products. If the bacteria on your feet begin to produce waste during their metabolic cycle, then your feet could begin to smell. By drying your feet, you will make the conditions for growing bacteria even harsher, and you will lessen your chance of developing bacteria on your feet and lessen the chance of your clean feet producing an odor.
Use Hand Sanitizer and Antiperspirant Spray
Hand sanitizer may sound really odd to put on your feet, but it actually is a great way to rid your feet of bacteria. By rubbing hand sanitizer into your feet, you can clean them and keep your feet bacteria free. Another great way to combat bacteria and keep your feet smelling great is to use antiperspirant spray on your feet. After cleaning and drying your feet, spray antiperspirant on your feet to keep them from sweating and smelling.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a wonderful way to naturally clean your feet. You can use it in a variety of ways to keep your feet clean and smelling fresh. One great way is to simply spread baking soda on your feet. Baking soda is an alkaline material that will increase the pH of your feet and make it harder for bacteria to grow. You can also powder your shoes and socks with baking soda. The powder will absorb any extra moisture in your shoes and socks and keep your feet dry and smelling great. If your feet are really bothering you after a long day, then a great way to relax and to rid your feet of odor is to soak them in a mixture of water and baking soda. Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda per 4 cups of water and let your feet soak for at least 10 minutes. This will help your feet become more alkaline and will decrease your chances of growing bacteria.
Wear Sandals
Sandals and flip flops may not be the best for support, but they will help keep your foot odor at bay. These shoes allow your feet to breathe and will keep your feet dry. Plus, the open air will help your feet stay bacteria free. If you do wear sandals though, then remember to wash and dry your feet well each night. Wearing sandals all of the time can make you get excess dirt and grime on your feet. Overtime, if you do not wash your feet thoroughly, this grime can turn into odor.
Never Reuse Your Socks
Change your socks every day. If you re-wear your socks on a daily basis then your feet will grow excess bacteria and will begin to smell. Socks can become moist and sweaty during the day, and should always be thrown in the laundry after one use. Especially if your feet have a tendency to sweat, then grab a new pair of socks each day.
Throw Out Old Shoes
If you have been wearing the same shoes for a few years, then it may be time to find a new pair. Not only can old shoes be bad for your feet, legs and knees, they can also make your foot odor a lot worse. Old shoes can be riddled with bacteria from sweat and grime builds up from over wearing them. This can cause your shoes to smell bad, and that smell can then be transferred to your feet. If you do not want to go out and buy a new pair of shoes, then try washing your old ones. Wash them in washing machine with laundry detergent then allow them to dry in the sun, or over an air conditioning vent. If, after they have dried, they still smell badly, then it is time to throw them out.
Malodorous feet can be an awful problem, especially for the elderly population. No one wants to think that their feet smell badly, and no one wants to think that other people could smell their feet. If your feet have smelled oddly lately, then first check your feet for any rashes. The smell could be a result of a bacterial infection that could easily be treated with a cream from your doctor. If you do not have any visible rashes, then try out the tips listed above. Overall, keep your feet clean and dry. By washing your feet regularly, you can easily prevent bacteria growth and your feet smell great. If your foot odor does not get any better with the tips above, then talk with your doctor. They may be able to prescribe a foot cream or wash that could help your feet start to smell great again and stay healthy.
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