Feet contain more sweat glands than any other body part; as such, they are prone to developing bad smells as perspiration and skin bacteria come into contact. Without the right defenses, the odor can leave a lasting mark on your shoes and poor impression on those around you. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to keep this foot problem at bay. Providing comprehensive foot care in Cincinnati, OH, the specialists at Choice Podiatry Associates offer a few suggestions to stop the smell.

5 Tips to Prevent Foot Problems that Cause Bad Odors

1. Wash Thoroughly

A quick rinse in the shower isn’t hygienic enough to keep bacteria from creating that recognizable bad scent. Instead, it’s better to scrub your feet—and in between the toes—every day using antibacterial soap. Check that your skin is completely dry before putting on shoes, as excess moisture may worsen the matter.

2. Deodorize

If you experience excessive sweating or participate in heavy physical activity, sprinkle shoes with deodorizing powder or spray feet with an antiperspirant. Similar to armpit deodorant, these products contain components that reduce sweating and block odors.

3. Fine-Tune Your Footwear

To give your feet a fresh start, wear clean socks everyday—particularly those made from breathable, moisture-wicking fabric. Shoes that are open-toe or feature mesh fabrics also improve airflow and prevent bacteria from building up. It’s also good to switch up your shoes every day to give each pair a chance to air out between use.

4. Change Insoles

Over time, sweat and bacteria build up on the insoles in your shoes, which can keep bad smells around no matter how well you clean and treat your feet. If odors aren’t easing up, replace the part—preferably with a medicated product that offers antibacterial properties.

5. Avoid Certain Foods

Spicy foods and alcohol contain components that can change the smell of perspiration. As such, it’s best to keep a watch on what you consume and opt for odor-fighting foods instead, such as citrus fruit and leafy greens.

If these tips can’t eliminate odors, you may have an infection or other health or foot problem. As trusted doctors in Cincinnati, OH, Choice Podiatry Associates evaluate these concerns and offer comprehensive treatment to restore healthy feet. Visit them online to learn more about their services and convenient clinic locations. To schedule an appointment, call (513) 574-2424 for the Montfort Heights South office, (513) 984-1911 for the Kenwood clinic, or (513) 563-2225 for the Wyoming location.