The best strategy to avoid unpleasant foot odors and excessive sweating of the feet is to take care of foot hygiene. We often do not give enough care and attention to our feet, and they carry us through life every day. Measures that are effective in suppressing sweating and consequently consequences such as fungal infections are:
- Regular washing - regular washing of the feet prevents fungal infections such as athlete's foot. Feet should be washed daily, and the use of scrubs and soap with urea has a particularly beneficial effect on leg health. It is important to move the affected parts of the feet every day, since they are a good medium for bacteria to live. Today on the market there are special shampoos with the addition of urea for the care of the skin of the feet, as well as specialized peels that help exfoliate the horny parts of the feet. Antibacterial soaps are also effective as they inhibit the growth of bacteria. You can also try natural solutions such as tea tree oil or oil of oregano and eucalyptus. Baths with the addition of a few drops of the mentioned oils have a soothing effect on the entire body, and in addition, they also kill unwanted microorganisms.
- Keeping feet dry - wet feet are the perfect medium for the development of unpleasant odors. Microorganisms mixed with dead skin cells and sebum create an ideal medium for the development of infections. Do not wear closed shoes for a long time, and it is mandatory to change your shoes and socks after playing sports. Along with changing clothes, it is also advisable to wash your feet and dry them with a towel. Only after that should you put on your shoes. Feet should always be properly dried, this step is very simple, and it prevents infections that are very difficult to treat later. In addition to infections, it prevents unpleasant odors that can cause great embarrassment in society.
- Using deodorants and antiperspirants for feet and shoes - the difference between deodorants and antiperspirants is in the suppression, i.e. not suppression, of sweating. While deodorants only cover unpleasant odors caused by sweating, antiperspirants block the secretion of sweat. Deodorants contain substances that absorb bacteria or slow down their reproduction by creating an acidic pH. Deodorants can be irritating if they contain alcohol. In contrast, antiperspirants contain aluminum salts such as aluminum chloride or aluminum chloride and block sweating. Their action is based on the reversible blockage of sweat gland ducts, thus preventing unpleasant odors. Antiperspirants can have a very long effect, up to 72 hours.
- Choosing socks - avoid synthetic socks in which the feet cannot breathe. The best choice is woolen or cotton socks, since they absorb sweat and allow good perspiration of the skin. Socks should be changed regularly.
- Proper footwear - footwear that does not leave enough space is extremely dangerous for the development of fungal infections. It is preferable to choose natural materials such as cotton or leather. Such materials have a beneficial effect on the health of the skin of the feet. The cotton upper of DrLuigi footwear reduces the risk of getting infections related to sweating. The reason for this is that the skin can "breathe" in cotton shoes, and it is also protected from the development of contact dermatitis. There are numerous models in the DrLuigi footwear range, and everyone can find a suitable model for themselves that meets aesthetic criteria.
- Foot baths - foot baths are a perfect moment of relaxation that you can combine with foot hygiene. You can prepare most baths yourself at home. It is best to prepare each bath with warm, but not too hot, water. You can add a handful of bath salts or magnesium salts (epsom salts) to the bath. You can add a few drops of tea tree, clove or oregano oil to the salt and water mixture. Oregano and tea tree are proven antibacterial, and oregano essential oil also works against parasites. You can also try some of the many ready-made preparations that contain urea or antibacterial soap. The time of keeping the feet in the water should not exceed 20 minutes. The ideal water temperature for a bath is 37-42 C. After the bath, it is necessary to dry the feet with a towel and wait a few minutes for the feet to dry before putting on socks and shoes. Particular attention should be paid to wiping the area between the toes.
N.R.
10.09.2022.