Tag: foot odor

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Everyday Tips for Healthy Feet

Your feet are an essential aspect of your overall health, and with spring here people are increasing their activities. Now is the perfect time to take a moment and look at some simple tips to help keep your feet healthy and happy.

A lot of us take the health of our feet for granted until something goes wrong. Unfortunately, by the time a foot condition is detected, it can require extensive treatment. That’s why it’s important to avoid foot problems in the first place through preventive care instead of waiting to treat them after they develop. Here are some general foot care tips:

  • WASH YOUR FEET REGULARLY – wash your feet every day in warm soapy water. You may not want to soak them for long periods as this might take away your skin’s natural oils.
  • KEEP YOUR FEET DRY – dry your feet carefully after washing them. Make sure you get between the toes. Dampness is the perfect environment for bacteria to grow and this may cause a fungal infection like athlete’s foot to occur.
  • MOISTURIZE – if you have dry skin you need to apply moisturizing cream all over the foot but remember to leave the area between your toes dry.
  • CUT YOUR TOENAILS – trim your toenails frequently using appropriate nail clippers. Always cut straight across and never down the corners or at an angle. This can result in ingrown toenails which can be painful and may lead to an infection.
  • CHANGE SOCKS DAILY – this will help prevent foot odor. Sweaty feet can attract bacteria that produce odor. Try to wear socks made of wool or cotton. These enable your feet to breathe and help them in temperature regulation.
  • AVOID FLIP-FLOPS – flip-flops don’t support your feet. They may cause arch and heel pain to develop if you wear them for too long.

If you have any issues with foot health and mobility, contact Step by Step Family Foot Care in Parsippany, New Jersey. Our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Debra B. Manheim, offers treatment for foot and ankle disorders, biomechanical analysis, and functional orthotic fabrication. For more information and answers to your questions, and to schedule an appointment, contact us at (973) 917-3785.

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Are You Suffering From Foot Odor?

As temperatures rise, sweating is a very common outcome in the feet, especially when you are wearing closed shoes and socks. Here is a sweaty fact for you: On average, each foot produces 500ml of sweat daily, that is equivalent to a cup of sweat per day!

Excessive sweating that is unable to evaporate and instead gets contained in the shoes, creates a nurturing platform for bacterial and fungal infections, causing odor.

The most commonly observed reasons that cause smelly feet are:

  • The menacing “sweat!” Surprisingly, moisture itself is not smelly; it is the isovaleric acid produced by bacteria that causes the smell.
  • Athlete’s Foot and other infections: These skin conditions result from fungi that proliferates in confined and moist feet.
  • Fungal nail infections are also known to cause foot odor. In fact, one of the early signs of fungal infections is smelly feet.

Here are a few effective remedies:

  • Keeping your feet clean and dry is important to avoid foot odor. Antiseptic soaps prevent bacteria.
  • Wearing airy socks reduces sweat and ultimately reduces odors. Therefore avoid synthetic socks.
  • Spraying your shoes and insoles with disinfectants or surgical spirit also helps in killing bacteria.
  • Soaking feet in a mixture that is two-thirds water and one-third vinegar is effective in eliminating fungi. However, this remedy is strictly not advised in case of cuts or rashes on the skin.
  • Using antiperspirants on your feet also reduces the amount of sweat produced by your feet.

If your smelly feet condition persists, you should consult our board-certified podiatrists, Dr. Debra B. Manheim at Step By Step Family Foot Care, to identify the root cause of the issue and accordingly get the right treatment.

We are experienced in treating a vast number of foot and ankle related problems including bone and joint issues, toenail and skin infections, injuries, sprains, bunions, hammertoes, and more. Contact us or visit our Parsippany office for complete and reliable solutions.