DOSSIER

  19/06/2012 | Antoine PANAITE

Doesn't it smell like feet? Whether it's yours or your neighbor's, smelly feet are always unpleasant. So what are the solutions to this nauseating problem?

First of all, you should know that the skin on our feet contains thousands of glands. It's no wonder, then, that they sweat and give off an unpleasant odor after a day stuck in shoes. Everyone has their own body odor and is more or less prone to foot perspiration. The more perspiration there is, the stronger the body odor will be. Wash your feet thoroughly at least once a day! Scrub the soles, lather up, and clean well between each toe—that's the first thing to do. And above all, dry your feet just as carefully, as moisture is an aggravating factor. To reduce perspiration, you also need to let your feet breathe by wearing good shoes, especially those made of natural materials. Next, make sure to wear completely dry shoes, alternating between two pairs if necessary, allowing each pair to dry for a day. Sprinkling talcum powder inside the shoe or applying boric acid helps eliminate unpleasant odors and perspiration. Special odor-fighting products and insoles are also available in sporting goods stores. Don't forget about socks! Natural fiber socks are preferable because they reduce perspiration.

However, be aware that sometimes the causes of odor are more serious. In the case of fungal infections, antifungal medications can be helpful. For bacterial growth, antibiotics will help resolve the problem. Treatments based on aluminum salts are also effective. Used in many deodorants, aluminum salts applied to the feet limit perspiration on the soles. Iontophoresis, on the other hand, is for people who experience excessive perspiration. The feet are placed in a water bath connected to a low-intensity electric current, which interrupts the activity of the sweat glands in the feet. Fifteen to twenty fifteen-minute sessions, three times a week, are then required.

Finally, you can consider Botox! Yes, Botox can reduce localized sweating for up to six months after the injection. If you have any questions about the method to use, consult a podiatrist or dermatologist.

  Antoine PANAITE

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