You know that feeling when somebody walks in the room, and you can’t breathe? Sometimes it’s love, but, most of the times it’s an offensive odour. Feet odour is common amongst those who wear closed shoes, especially during the monsoon season. So we thought we’ll share a list of dos and don’ts to avoid smelly feet this rainy season.
- Don’ts: It’s not just your face that needs a good wash. Don’t skip time on your feet after getting soaked in the rain.
Do’s: Follow the basics to wash your feet with soap and warm/tepid water. This helps take care of smell, sweat and bacteria most of the time. Take out 30 seconds to use a foot file/exfoliating brush thoroughly on heels, toes and nails. Try a scrub like Biocare Shea Butter Body Scrub, for a thorough cleanse Make sure you cover the nail bed since that’s where a lot of odours flourish.
Ginger and lemon are citruses and help ward off bacteria and any unpleasant foot odour. Image via Flickr under CCL - Don’ts: Don’t forget to dry your feet thoroughly.
Do’s: As important as is washing, drying your feet is too. Instead of air drying, use a cotton towel or a washcloth after. Apparently, fungal and bacterial infections grow in damp environments. Dry your feet and use a foot cream from time to time. If you wear closed shoes regularly, use an anti-bacterial, antifungal cream like Neat Feet Athletic Foot Cream and The Body Shop Hemp Foot Protector. - Don’ts: Avoid putting your shoes/sneakers in the closet immediately.
Do’s: It’s not just your feet; your shoes may be the problem too. If you’ve come back from a workout or just love your new pair of sneakers, let them air dry at the end of every day—preferably in the balcony. You can spritz some baking soda or baby talcum powder as they air out.
Airing out your shoes may just help get rid of stinky feet. Image via Flickr under CCL - Don’ts: Try NOT to wear the same pair of shoes every day.
Do’s: It’s best to alternate between footwear, and avoid smelly feet altogether. If you follow strict wardrobe code at work, spritz a powder like Foot Sense All Natural Smelly Foot & Shoe Powder into your brogues or pumps before heading out.
Avoid wearing polyester socks in monsoon season. They make your feet smell. Image via Flickr under CCL - Don’ts: Nylon, polyester blends and woolen socks are a complete no-no this season.
Do’s: Stick to cotton socks only. - Don’ts: Sometimes our gene pool is responsible for the amount we sweat. Don’t ignore it, we’ve got it covered.
Do’s: A very useful hack are shoe inserts like Health & Yoga Shoe Inserts. These are not only good on comfort but are actually odour eaters. You can customize by cutting them according to your foot size and shape and use them in the monsoon. - Don’ts: Don’t head to the salon every 10 days. Try a little relaxation at home.
Do’s: Come weekend, and feel free to take out a few minutes for your feet. Take a bowl/bucket of warm water, and squeeze a lemon into it. Add a few drops of peppermint oil or Soultree Tea Tree Essential Oil, and enjoy this foot soak.
What is your favourite hack? Share with us in the comments’ section. Connect with the author on Twitter @manavisiddhanti.
