Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Summertime, and the feet are stinky!

Most people believe that we sweat most profusely from our armpits; however, the foot has the highest density of sweat glands on the body! Each foot has more than 250,000 sweat glands, which can produce roughly a PINT of sweat per day, per foot!




As sweat is really only salt and water, it is not stinky in and of itself. But, in the heat of summer, your shoes can create a sauna effect and, when bacteria starts to flourish, foot odor can become a BIG problem! Don't despair, however. There are steps you can take the reduce that not-so-pleasant odor rising from your shoes at the most inopportune moments.

  • Wear socks made out of breathable materials, such as cotton, and avoid synthetics, like polyester or nylon. Brands like Thorlo and Wigwam make socks specifically designed for ventilation.
  • If you have especially sweaty feet, you may need to change your socks a few times a day.
  • Try a special breathable shoe. Geox, Merrill, and most running shoes are designed specifically for ventilation, with a mesh upper.



Foot odor can also be caused by an underlying problem, such as athlete's foot. If you have embarrassing foot odor or sweaty feet, see your podiatrist today! There are various treatments that can have your feet smelling sweet this summer!