Prevention of Foot Odor

Prevention of Foot Odor

What is Foot Odor?
Foot odoris best described as type of body odor that affects the feet and gives off an unpleasant smell. Foot odor affects millions of people. Some people may develop extreme foot odor which is a condition known as bromhidrosis and may be influenced by various factors which include excessive sweating(hyperhidrosis), hormonal changes, stress, certain foods or drugs.

Foot odor often occurs because feet sweat from wearing socks and being enclosed in shoes. Feet have more sweat glands than any other part of the body and as a result they can sweat excessively because of the lack of air ventilation. This excessive sweating creates a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus which causes the foul odor.

Tips to prevent Foot Odor

1. Wash your feet daily in warm water with an antibacterial soap and dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes.

2. Change your socks and shoes at least once a day.

3. Apply an antiperspirant, foot powder, foot spray or foot creams to your feet every morning to keep them dry.

4. Wear thick, cotton or wool socks to help absorb moisture avoid synthetic fabrics such as nylon and polyester.

5. Insert insoles in your shoes as they not only absorb the unpleasant odor but also give off a lovely fragrance.

6. Avoid wearing shoes made of plastic, instead opt for shoes made of canvas, mesh or leather that will allow feet to breathe.

7. If you have worn the same shoes all day and they become moist or wet inside, allow them to dry completely before wearing them again coat them with talcum powder or stuff them with newspaper.

8. Soak your feet in a tub of apple cider vinegar or strong tea as the tannins in the tea will eliminate the odor .

9. Dust your feet frequently with a nonmedicated baby powder or foot powder. Applying antibacterial ointment also may help.

10. Wear thick, soft socks to help draw moisture away from the feet. Cotton and other absorbent materials are best.

11. Avoid wearing nylon socks or plastic shoes. Instead, wear shoes made of leather, canvas, mesh or other materials that let your feet breathe.

These preventive measures also can help prevent athlete's foot, which can flourish in the same environment as sweaty feet.

Persistent foot odor can indicate a low-grade infection or a severe case of hereditary sweating. In these cases, your doctor may prescribe a special ointment. You apply it to the feet at bedtime and then wrap your feet with an impermeable covering such as kitchen plastic wrap.

Soaking your feet in strong black tea for 30 minutes a day for a week can help. The tannic acid in the tea kills the bacteria and closes the pores, keeping your feet dry longer. Use two tea bags per pint of water. Boil for 15 minutes, then add two quarts of cool water. Soak your feet in the cool solution. Alternately, you can soak your feet in a solution of one part vinegar and two parts water.

A form of electrolysis called iontophoresis also can reduce excessive sweating of the feet, but requires special equipment and training to administer. In the most severe cases of hyperhidrosis, a surgeon can cut the nerve that controls sweating. Recent advances in technology have made this surgery much safer, but you may notice compensatory sweating in other areas of the body afterwards.

How to prevent body Odor?

How to prevent body Odor?

What is Body Odor?
Body odor is one of those subjects that nobody really likes to talk about. It is not pleasant when there is a distinctive whiff of stale sweat in the air. Although, sweat is basically odorless, the smell can be quite awful. At some point everyone has felt a bit sweaty, especially on a hot summer’s day, after a strenuous workout or when having to speak in front of an audience.

There are two types of sweat glands in the skin and they are known as the apocrine and eccrine glands. Apocrine glands develop in areas where there is an abundance of hair follicles such as the underarms, genitals and scalp. Eccrine glands develop over most parts of the body and open directly onto the skin’s surface. Both these glands are controlled by the sympathetic nervous system, which controls most of our involuntary actions such as breathing, heartbeat and sweating.

It is a known fact that men sweat more than women. Children rarely have body odor because the glands in the armpits and genitals only become active during puberty. With the onset of puberty, the sweat glands develop under the stimulation of hormones and protein and the oil production of the skin in the armpits and genitals also increases.

Sweat is part of the body’s way to cool down. Although sweat does not smell, the bacteria that normally lives on our skin feeds on it and breaks it down into aromatic fatty acids and chemicals that cause the unpleasant odor.

Certain areas of the skin such as the armpits and genitals tend to give off more of a body odor because these glands produce oily substances and proteins that bacteria feed on. Sweat found on any other areas of the body is salty water which bacteria find difficult to flourish in.

 Ways to prevent body odor

1. Wash directly after a work-out or sporting activity .

2. Use antiperspirants, deodorants and talcum powders regularly .

3. Shave or wax under your arms as this area is a fertile breeding ground for bacteria .

4. Wash clothing regularly in hot soapy water with a scented concentrate .

5. Avoid wearing the same clothing you wore the day before as it will retain the sweat smell. 

6. Change socks and undergarments daily .

7. Wear cotton or linen clothes as they are more absorbent than synthetic fabrics .

8. Avoid wearing tight fitting clothes and rather opt for loose fitting clothes .

9. Incorporate fresh fruit, vegetables and whole grains into your diet .

10. Drink lots of water to flush out toxins in the body’s system .

11. Avoid eating spicy or sharp smelling foods (such as garlic, onions, hot peppers or curries) as the odor comes through the pores .

12. Avoid drinking hot drinks such as coffee or tea.

13. Maintain good personal hygiene by washing or showering at least 2-3 times a day with hot water and anti-bacterial soap .