Ever wonder why your feet smell, even during winter? Most people think they only have to deal with sweaty, stinky in summer, but several things can contribute to this condition in the winter months as well. Today, Dr. Timothy Barry of Family Foot & Ankle Care of Jasper is sharing some causes and cures for sweaty feet.
Causes of Sweaty Feet
Changes in temperature. Fluctuations in temperature – such as when you return indoors after walking in the snow – cause your feet to have to work harder to control the temperature and in doing so, they perspire.
The shoes you choose. In winter you’ll usually wear warm or non-breathing footwear like insulated or rubber boots and waterproof footwear. When your feet are enclosed by this type of footwear, bacteria thrive.
Wearing multiple pairs of socks. Donning several pairs of socks can keep your feet toasty and warm, but at the same time it holds the sweat in, many times causing foot odor. Doing this can also cause friction and put pressure on corns or calluses which can add to sweating and odor.
Drier skin. Because the air tends to be drier during winter months, our skin typically dries out more quickly. This dead skin delivers food for the bacteria that can trigger smelly feet.
What Can You Do About Sweaty Feet in Winter?
There are several things you can do to prevent foot odor during the winter months.
- Remove your warm boots as soon as you’re back indoors so they can air out.
- To make sure that the footwear you wear one day dries completely, switch to a dry pair the next day.
- Change your socks often and try to choose socks that remove moisture.
- Exfoliate your feet to remove dead skin cells from the top layer of skin.
- Wear breathable footwear to give your feet a chance to air out.
You don’t have to deal with sweaty, stinky feet this winter! Follow these tips so you can enjoy warm, toasty feet that don’t sweat or stink. If you find that your feet are still sweating, contact the office of Dr. Timothy Barry of Family Foot & Ankle Care of Jasper at (812) 481-7200 to schedule a visit or request an appointment online.