Wearing shoes and socks in winter can be unbearable for some, and there’s only one reason—unpleasant odor. Typically, feet sweat over long periods, and the sweat gets trapped in shoes and socks, causing the smell. In winter, enclosed shoes are a major reason for sweaty feet. However, odor isn’t caused by sweat alone. The condition of having smelly feet is called bromodosis.
Causes of Foot Odor
- The soles of the feet have a high concentration of sweat glands. Additionally, some people suffer from hyperhidrosis, a condition that causes excessive sweating due to genetic reasons or hormonal changes.
- Various microorganisms are responsible for foot odor. For example, bacteria called Kytococcus sedentarius produce sulfur compounds in sweat, which create a smell similar to rotten eggs.
- Synthetic socks increase odor as they restrict airflow and fail to absorb sweat. Shoes made of artificial leather also increase the likelihood of foot odor.
Tips to Prevent Foot Odor
- Keep Feet, Shoes, and Socks Dry: This reduces bacterial and fungal infections.
- Clean Feet with Alcohol Wipes: Avoid synthetic or plastic shoes and socks made of artificial fibers.
- Soak Feet Before Bedtime: Mix a little honey and rose water in warm water and soak your feet for a while. This improves blood circulation in the feet and keeps bacteria at bay.
- Use Epsom Salt: Soak your feet in warm water mixed with Epsom salt for 20 minutes.
- Apply Baking Soda in Shoes: Sprinkle a little baking soda inside your shoes. Wipe it clean before wearing them the next day. However, do not use baking soda on leather shoes.
- Use Salt for Sneakers and Keds: Occasionally sprinkle a small amount of salt inside sneakers and keds. Place a piece of cloth or cotton soaked in clove oil inside the shoes.
- Use Tea Bags for Odor Control: Drop tea bags into boiling water for two minutes. Once the tea bags cool down, place them inside the shoes. After an hour, remove the tea bags and wipe the inside of the shoes thoroughly. This eliminates the odo