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How to cope with smelly feet

by Dr Howard Lee

question
Could you please tell me how to cope with smelly feet? I have tried all the usual over the counter preparations but nothing seems to help.

answer
Each person has three-four million sweat glands, and at rest loses about half a litre of sweat daily. Sweat is not smelly in itself, but bacteria quickly work on it to produce fatty acids and it's these that have the pungent stale sweat smell.

One of the main causes of smelly feet, which must imply sweaty feet, is wearing the wrong foot coverings or footwear. Shoes with plastic or synthetic fabric linings don't allow sweat evaporation or absorption, so the foot stays wet. Synthetic coverings, like socks, have the same effect. Wear only 60-70 per cent wool with 30-40 per cent man-made fibre socks. Make sure they have a close weave, and not too tight. If necessary you can wear two pairs to increase absorption.

Wash socks in the hottest cycle and rinse in well-diluted antiseptic. Chemical-treated socks can also help. Avoid plastic linings in shoes and avoid wearing trainers for long periods. Remove any dead skin from the soles of your feet, bathe your feet in warm water with tea-tree oil and dry thoroughly. Check between your toes for fungal infections and treat if necessary.

Foot sprays are more effective than powders. Potassium permanganate soaks work well for smelly feet - your chemist can help with this.

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