How to avoid foot odor and athlete's foot: dermatologist explains simple and effective care
%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fi.s3.glbimg.com%2Fv1%2FAUTH_59edd422c0c84a879bd37670ae4f538a%2Finternal_photos%2Fbs%2F2025%2Fk%2FU%2FkcBHygRw2R7xqBx848Xw%2Fadobestock-463156792-1-.jpeg&w=1920&q=100)
How to avoid foot odor and athlete's foot: dermatologist explains simple and effective care — Photo: Adobe Stock
If we zoom in on our skin, we'll find millions of bacteria. And the warmest, most humid areas, like our feet, are the preferred home for these microorganisms. The area between our toes retains a lot of moisture, especially when they're constantly covered by socks and closed-toe shoes . And the result is that unmistakable smell of foot odor. But how can we avoid it?
Humans have about 250,000 sweat glands on the soles of each foot, a number comparable to that on our hands. Their function is to regulate temperature. Sebaceous glands, on the other hand, are few and far between on the soles of the feet and more prevalent on the backs of the feet. The combination of sweat, sebum, and moisture also contributes to this environment, which is more conducive to the growth of microorganisms .
Besides bacteria, fungi also thrive on sweaty feet. They cause one of the most common skin infections, athlete's foot. The condition causes itching, scaling, and cracking, and is highly contagious.
Bem-Estar spoke with dermatologist Cauê Cedar, from the Brazilian Society of Dermatology, to answer some questions.
Ideally, wash your feet with warm water and soap , using a soft sponge to remove dirt and dead skin cells, especially between the toes. It's important to dry thoroughly with a clean towel, including between the toes. It 's not mandatory to use special soaps. It's not recommended to wear shoes without socks . Shoes and socks are for personal use .
Check out 15 questions and answers answered by the expert on the subject below and find out more:
Feet are an ideal environment for microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi, due to high humidity, the presence of dead cells, sweat, and heat. This favors the growth and proliferation of microorganisms. Limited exposure and lack of air circulation also hinder moisture evaporation.
Humidity and heat encourage the proliferation of bacteria that feed on sweat and dead skin cells. The unpleasant odor, known as foot odor (plantar bromhidrosis), is caused by the release of chemical compounds by bacteria and fungi.
Yes. During the winter, for example, the constant use of closed shoes and socks, along with the lack of proper cleaning and reuse of socks and shoes, promotes the accumulation of bacteria and bad odor.
Daily hygiene helps control bacteria, fungi, debris, and moisture. Ideally, wash with warm water and soap, using a soft sponge to remove dirt and dead skin cells, especially between the toes, as well as on the instep and sole.
Additionally, it's important to dry thoroughly with a clean towel, including between your toes. Using a hairdryer can help, as long as it's done carefully to avoid burning your skin. And it's not necessary to use special soaps.
In cases of recurring problems, antibacterial or antifungal soaps can be used, but these are not recommended for daily use. The most neutral soap possible, such as glycerin or a regular moisturizer, is ideal.
During this time of care, it's important to examine your feet and check for any injuries, blisters, or anything suspicious. If so, see a dermatologist.
Yes, it's a good strategy for controlling sweating and odor. There are specific foot products that should be applied to clean, dry feet. If an allergy or irritation occurs, discontinue use. Foot sprays and aerosols are also good strategies.
Some formulations can make the skin on your feet more sensitive than that of your underarms, causing skin damage, allergies, irritation, itching, and even wounds. There are no absolute contraindications, but it depends on each case. Different areas of the body react differently to different products.
Yes. Athlete's foot (a type of athlete's foot) is a fungal infection that usually begins between the toes. In general, fungi and bacteria live naturally on our skin. But in hotter, more humid environments, they can cause infections and illness.
The main symptoms of athlete's foot are itching, scaling, and a bad odor. Some people report the appearance of a "little lump" between their toes. Anyone can get the condition.
To treat the condition, hygiene habits must first be reviewed. Treatment may include topical medications or, in more severe cases, systemic (oral) medications.
Athlete's foot is contagious. Therefore, you shouldn't share socks or shoes. Part of treatment includes careful handling of socks and shoes.
- Wash and dry your feet properly
- Moisturize the skin, especially the back
- Take care of your nails (including underneath them, where dirt accumulates)
- Wear clean, dry socks, preferably made of cotton or wool (natural fabrics)
- Do not reuse used and sweaty socks
- Rotate your shoes (don't wear the same ones every day)
- Properly sanitize shoes with surface disinfectant
It can help, but it can also reduce the fabric's strength. Sun-drying is a good way to control it.
In this case, the focus is on damage reduction. It's important to sanitize shoes with surface disinfectant and let them air out (for example, in a window or laundry area). You can use the liquid product, with a cloth/tissue, or spray it three times a week, as directed on the product.
Yes. Rubberized and very closed shoes hinder ventilation, which encourages the proliferation of fungi and bacteria.
Shoes and socks are for personal use. Sharing socks and shoes increases the risk of passing fungi and bacteria from one person to another. If you must share shoes, it's best to sanitize them between uses with a disinfectant or even 70% alcohol (if the shoe material supports it).
Yes. It increases the chance of sweat buildup and friction, which can cause micro-cracks in the skin. Any crack in the skin is a gateway for microorganisms and can also contribute to odor.
Yes. Natural fabrics like cotton and wool are best, as they absorb sweat better and allow the skin to breathe.
Household antiseptics and disinfectants are not recommended for use on clothing or socks. There are products specifically designed for this purpose, such as those used by doctors to wash lab coats, but they are not necessary.
Simply wash with soap and water, rinse well, and dry in a ventilated area or in the sun. Be careful with bleach and fabric softener residue on clothes, as they can cause skin irritation.
In these cases, it is recommended to seek medical help. Treatment aims to reduce sweating and may include oral medications, botulinum toxin injections to the feet, and even surgical procedures to block nerves in the feet.
Globo
