Millions of Americans suffer from a condition that is commonly known as "stinky feet". The medical community refers to this condition as either hyperhydrosis (excessive sweating) or bromohydrosis (excessive smelliness). A smelly foot smells like something akin to really bad cheese mixed with b.o. and there is nothing that will clear the room faster than a nasty case of stink foot. Since many people (i.e. women) will not tolerate it, it has been known to be a relationship deal breaker.
You may wondering what causes this phenomenon, and perhaps may be pondering what steps you might want to take so that you may rejoin your friends in family in the living room...
The bacterium known as cornyebacterium and microccus really like warm, moist environments where they can thrive and multiply. A sweaty sneaker (midwestern slang for athletic shoe) tends to be the ideal place for these guys to hang out. The stink happens when these bacteria interact with the sweat of your sweaty foot. In order to fight the plague of smelly feet, you need an attack addressing both the foot and the shoe front.
- Wash your feet both often and thoroughly to minimize the bacteria.
- Socks are cheap. Buy a lot of them and change them often, especially when working out.
- Apply a solution of 5 or 10 percent benzoyl peroxide to your feet to wipe out the bacteria. Benzoyl peroxide is an effective antibacterial agent that is found in many over the counter acne treatments.
- Powder those puppies everyday with either non-medicated baby or foot powder.
- Alternate your foot receptacles. Letting your shoes "air out" after use will help reduce the bacteria. You will also be able to keep your shoes for a longer period of time if you occasionally switch them out.
- It's all about the material. Nylon socks will make your feet sweat more, as will plastic shoes. These materials do not let your dogs' breath. Leather, canvas and mesh are much better options.
- Wear thick cotton socks. It is like wrapping your foot in a towel. Good quality socks that can absorb your excessive sweat are key to maintaining the dreaded stinky feet syndrome.
Here is THE BEST home remedy for sweaty and stinky feet: wash you feet and dry them well. Take a pair of cotton socks and put in each sock about 1-2 table spoons of boric acid. Put the socks on and do not take them off for 3 days. Then wash your feet and wash your socks. For the first time this treatment will work for about 6 months. That is right, you will not have sweaty and smelly feet for 6 months at all. Then repeat the treatment again. This time it should last for about 2 years. Then you need to do the treatment once in 3-5 years. Isn't it awesome? I tested it myself and it works GREAT!
