How To Get Rid Of Smelly Feet And Shoes? We Have Answers!
When it comes to your feet and shoes, sometimes you will get the occasional stink emanating from them. While it can be very unpleasant to smell, you might be unsure just how to get rid of the odor and go about with the rest of your day.
That said, you might wonder just how to get rid of smelly feet and shoes? There is no need to fear- we are here to help! Read on to learn more in this article on how smelly feet and shoes come about, as well as how to get rid of them for a better, more pleasant-smelling experience. Soon enough, you will not be ashamed of going out in public with such nice-smelling feet!
Without further ado, let us get to it!
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What are some causes to having smelly feet and shoes?
Believe it or not, smelly feet and shoes are not caused by a single factor: for having smelly feet and shoes, there is actually a wide variety of different causes that can create this issue, some of which may or may not occur naturally. All the same, it yields an unpleasant smell, which might put you off from going out or being around others.
In this section, we provide a list of possible causes to having smelly feet and shoes:
1. Hormones.
Especially if you are a teenager or a woman who is pregnant, changes in hormones can be the main culprit when it comes to having smelly feet, which then affects the smell of your shoes.
Hormonal imbalances causes this situation to occur by producing more sweat from the body than usual, which then produces more odor, thereby leading to more of an unpleasant experience than the physical and mental changes going on during puberty or pregnancy.
2. Stress.
Feeling particularly overwhelmed at work or at school? Dealing with a bad breakup or an uncertain future? All aspects in life contain at least some form of stress, whether major or minor, and it can also affect just how your body secretes chemicals and fluids.
In other words, having stress can result in sweat glands releasing more of their fluids than usual, especially under the armpits and the feet. It is a natural reaction as means of cooling off, so that your body does not overheat and shut down due to it.
3. Poor hygiene.
It is a no-brainer that it is beneficial to shower and stay clean every day, but for some people who are too busy, too lazy, or do not have the resources to do so, it can be a struggle for good personal hygiene. Simply put, if you do not take good care of yourself, then of course your body’s odor will reflect on that.
4. Wearing the same shoes constantly.
You might love wearing the same pair of shoes wherever you go every day, but by wearing them a lot, you also cause it to affect just how your feet, let alone shoe itself, smell. Especially if the shoe contains poor ventilation, it traps the odor from sweat, which then leads to an unfavorable stench. In essence, it is not a lovely thing to experience, even with your favorite pair of shoes.
5. Hyperhidrosis.
This particular condition causes you to sweat more than usual. It is not necessarily attributed to stress or excitement (although the condition can worsen when under such situations), but rather just to how your body naturally produces and secretes sweat throughout.
6. Athlete’s foot.
Common among athletes, of course, this is a skin infection caused by a fungus, which can contribute to smelly feet. It occurs when bacteria naturally occurring on the feet eats at the sweat, thereby leading to athlete’s foot. As usual, sweat can worsen this situation.
How can having smelly feet and shoes affect the way of life?
There are many consequences to having smelly feet and shoes in life, with which we list a few here:
- 1. Itchy feet.
Having a cycle of moist and dry feet due to sweat can lead to the skin becoming irritated, thereby contributing to itchy feet. Even worse, it can lead to skin inflammation when you scratch or otherwise rub them against something to alleviate the discomfort. - 2. Fungal infections and diseases.
If not treated properly or soon, sweaty feet can create fungal infections and diseases, including athlete’s foot. Not only does it worsen the smell, but leads to more discomfort. - 3. Affected relationships.
Little did you know that smelly feet and shoes can be deal-breakers for relationships, especially if the smell is particularly potent.
What are some ways to get rid of smelly feet and shoes?
Now that you are aware of smelly feet and shoes, it is time to treat them. Here are some proposed strategies for you:
1. Wash your feet.
Sounds like an obvious, but many people actually neglect to really get down there and scrub away the dirt and grime when taking a shower. That said, take the extra few minutes while bathing to really dig into the skin’s surface, using non-scented soap and an exfoliating sponge to scrub away any dead skin cells that might be causing the stink-up.
2. Switch out your shoes.
Especially if you have been wearing the same shoes for quite some time now, perhaps it is time to switch them out for some new ones. It is a good idea to select open-toed shoes like sandals or flip-flops to air out the stench of your feet; for athletic purposes, aim for sneakers and running shoes which are made from mesh material, since it offers more ventilation for your feet to breathe.
3. Soak your feet and shoes.
Sometimes, a nice, long soak can do wonders for your feet and shoes. Items like Epsom salt or tea leaves are excellent for nourishing your feet while other objects like bleach can help keep shoe odors under control.
For some more DIY remedies, check out this video here:
Conclusion
Overall, you do not need to let smelly feet and shoes ruin your way of life. By taking measures to improve the situation, you should be well on your way to a stink-free experience.
Feel Free to comment and share!
References
http://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Foot-Odor
http://www.webmd.boots.com/foot-care/smelly-feet
http://www.healthyfeetstore.com/smelly-feet-information.html
http://www.smellyfeetcures.com/side-effects-plantar-hyperhidros/
