What Causes Smelly Feet?
Have you ever wondered what causes smelly feet? We received a question about it, and I asked Dr. Stone to share her insights. Here's what she had to say:
Foot Hygiene:
Smelly feet can be caused by a buildup of bacteria, fungus, and/or yeast on the skin. To prevent this, wash your feet daily with soap and water, paying special attention to between the toes. Dry your feet thoroughly, including between the toes, using a clean towel or a baby washcloth, cotton swab, or gauze if necessary.
Moisturize:
Apply a skin moisturizer on the tops and bottoms of your feet, but avoid applying it between the toes to prevent excess wetness.
Socks:
Wear clean, breathable socks made of natural fibers like merino wool and change them daily. Avoid wearing nylon socks, and rotate your shoes to let them air out.
Diet:
A healthy diet can help reduce foot odor. Eating whole foods, cooking from scratch, and avoiding processed foods and junk food can help.
Adrenal Stress:
Stress can activate your sympathetic nervous system, leading to sweaty hands and feet. Practice stress-reducing activities like moderate exercise, meditation, yoga, and mindfulness to help reduce foot odor.
Take Care:
Maintaining good hygiene, healthy lifestyle practices, and a nutritious diet can significantly help overcome potential odor-related issues. However, if your foot odor persists, it may be a sign of an underlying health issue, so come into the office if you're concerned.
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