Bromodosis (Smelly feet) can be unpleasant and embarrassing, and often many people do not know how to go about this ordeal. But not you, because today we’ll learn 11 easy tips on how we can get rid of the annoying smell.
What is Bromodosis?
Bromodosis refers to smelly feet. According to structural anatomy, our feet have more sweat glands, especially in between our toes, than any part of our skin. The skin is usually colonized by unharmful bacteria (normal flora) that are referred to as brevibacteria. These brevibacteria usually feed on dead skin and sweat, releasing a pungent sulfur-like odor.
Causes of Bromodosis
They include:
- Poor hygiene, which leads to the accumulation of sweat and bacteria
- Use of synthetic socks which do not absorb sweat
- Excessively wearing closed shoes that do not allow for aeration of the feet
- Infections such as athletes’ foot
- Metabolic conditions like diabetes may result in ulcers in the feet
- Low immunity. This may facilitate the growth of brevibacteria
11 Easy Tips To Get Rid Of Smelly Feet
- Dry your feet with a clean towel after bathing. This will discourage bacteria from building up on your feet since they mostly thrive in wet environments.
- Wear breathable footwear and minimize closed shoes to allow for aeration and minimize the buildup of odor released as a result of bacterial activity.
- Keep your nails short. Long nails can harbor a lot of bacteria and increase the chances of your feet becoming smelly.
- Clean your sole with pumice. The skin cells on the soles of your feet usually build up and get soggy when wet. This can be a good breeding place for bacteria. Cleaning your feet with pumice helps to rid the dead skin through the back-and-forth rubbing action.
- Apply roll-on as a balm on feet. This will help override the pungent odor released through bacterial activity.
- Wash socks inside out. Washing socks inside out will eliminate all accumulated bacteria in the socks. After washing them, ensure that they are dry before putting them on again.
- Remove socks at home and embrace walking barefoot to keep the feet dry and minimize bacterial activity.
- Keep your shoes dry. After donning your shoes the whole day, it is important to air them so that they get rid of the sweat they are confined to during the day. In addition, allow the shoes to dry after washing before you can wear them again to discourage bacterial buildup.
- Switch shoes daily. Have at least two pairs of shoes when you have problems with smelly feet. This will give an allowance to each pair to dry up before they can be worn again and consequently limit the colonization of brevibacteria.
- Avoid synthetic socks. Synthetic socks do not absorb moisture from the feet and may encourage the buildup of sweat. Fabric socks, like cotton socks, can substitute synthetic socks.
- Manage skin and metabolic ailments. Visit your physician if you suspect that the cause of your smelly feet is skin infections or systemic diseases. Your physician will be able to determine a chemotherapeutic regimen suitable for you.
The Take-Home
Bromodosis (Smelly feet) is usually caused by the accumulation of sweat and bacteria. It is easily treated at home (and you can use the tips above) unless caused by skin and metabolic ailments, which may prompt you to see a physician.
