Indonesia
Why Stinky Feet?
Despite their lowest position on our body, they are equally important with other parts. Without them we can’t stand, walk, let alone run. The thing is, after too much work, sometimes feet become sweaty and bad odor emerges. Most often it happens in summer or humid days like these days.
Just imagine, our feet are covered with socks and sneakers all day long. When we get home and undo the shoes, it’s so comforting. But, ugh, stink! That’s bacteria that causes the bad odor comes out of our feet. The little creatures like to dwell in dark, moist and dirty places, including in shoes and in between our wet feet. Given the optimum condition, the buggers can grow and expand. They will have a feast in your leg, feeding from dead skin cells and oil. The growing colony leaves behind “waste” in form of organic acid. The organic acids are what cause the bad smell.
There are approximately 10-15 percent people with very ugly smell from their feet. Why? Because their legs produce too much water and become a pleasant place for bacteria known as Micrococcus Sedentarius. Not only the bacteria produces stinky organic acid, but also volatile sulfur compound. Normally, the compound is extremely strong and smells equally awful.
What Should We Do?
Don’t let the above things happen to us, Superkids. To get away, avoid or reduce the sweat on the legs. Here are some tips.
Keep clean. Wash your feet often. Soaking legs in water is better than splashing them. Just make sure to dry them well.
Always put on socks made of good materials, like cotton, wool or knit. These materials are good in absorbing sweat and allow your feet to breathe. When the socks are dirt or wet, change them immediately.
Make sure your shoes fit. Do not wear shoes below your size, they make your feet sweat more.
Changing shoes. Wearing the same shoes every day can make the stinky feet worsen. It’s better to switch between two pairs while drying the unused ones a few days before put them back on.
Kill the bacteria. Ask mom or dad to pick a disinfectant spray to kill the bacteria in the shoes. Or wash your feet with anti bacteria soap.
Sunbathing shoes is also a good way to it.
Wash the shoes or the sol inside. This maybe the best way to remove the odor, just make sure to dry them well before wear it again.
Avoid plastic shoes, they are not helping in allowing your feet to breathe.
Barefoot. Every once in a while, let your feet breathe fresh air in open, especially in the evening.
If the stink remains, ask parents to buy you powder that can remove odor. If even that doesn’t work, see a doctor.
For some people, stink from feet can’t be controlled. Not only it’s not healthy, it’s also embarrassing. You wouldn’t want to take off shoes in public, like at school or in a vehicle.
Get use to be barefoot in the house. And always keep your leg clean. If they are clean and dry, no bacteria would stick there.
MAHARANI INDRI
PHOTO: THINKSTOCKS PHOTOS
