The stench of the feet, better defined by the term plantar bromhidrosis, is sustained by an "excessive production of sweat (hyperhidrosis) and by the overgrowth of some germs belonging to the normal bacterial flora of the skin. These microorganisms, favored by the" hot-humid environment that is created inside the shoes, they metabolize skin lipids, keratin and sweat, giving rise to amines and short-chain fatty acids (propionic acid, isovaleric acid, etc.), responsible for the typical "tired" foot smell.
Wearing shoes for too long, especially in the presence of high temperatures, increases the activity of the sweat glands, whose secretion, known as sweat, accumulates inside the sock. The strong humidity, associated with the acid ph of sweat, macerates the tissues and facilitates the keratolytic activity of some germs present on the skin. These microorganisms break down the most important protein of the skin, called keratin, generating unpleasant scents, but also burning, redness and Itching All this does nothing but fuel the growth of fungi and bacteria: sweat + microorganisms = stench + infections (see athlete's foot).
Even the ingestion of some foods, including garlic, onion, curry and some drugs (for example, penicillin, bromides) can make the smell of sweat, which in itself is practically devoid of aroma, more intense and nauseating. On the other hand, stress, some products used to lose weight, an excessive intake of alcohol, caffeine and some pathological conditions (hyperthyroidism, hypoglycemia) can increase the amount of sweat produced.
For the stench of the feet there are specific remedies and rather simple to implement. Just think that the feet and hands are the body regions richest in sweat glands; however, even though a sweaty hand can still be embarrassing, it hardly smells. The reason is simple: first of all, unlike the feet, the hands are exposed to the air (have you ever noticed how much they sweat inside antiperspirant gloves?) And secondly they are washed much more often. From here to the care of feet that stink the step is simple: just increase the number of daily washes (at least a pair, rubbing and drying well) and use breathable socks and shoes (yes to good old cotton and canvas for shoes, no to nylon and synthetic fibers). Since we cannot always walk around barefoot, to counteract the humidity inside the shoe, you can sprinkle the foot with a little talcum powder, which is useful for absorbing excess sweat.
To combat the stench of the feet you must avoid wearing the same shoes: it is better to alternate two pairs, leaving time for the change to dry and eliminate bad smells.
And if all this were not enough, in the pharmacy there are antiseptic and antifungal detergents and ointments (more suitable for the athlete's foot), or antiperspirant creams capable of decreasing the secretion of sweat.
Perfumed sprays to be sprayed inside the shoe before wearing it and absorbent insoles complete the picture of anti-stench remedies.
Among the natural deodorants, the decoction of sage and that of black tea stand out. In the first case, a liter of water is brought to the boil in which a tuft of sage leaves is immersed. Then let it cool and pat your feet with a cotton swab or vaporize the liquid with a garden spray. In the second, two tea bags are immersed in half a liter of water, boiled for 15 minutes, two liters of fresh water are added, and the feet are left to soak for a few minutes. Unlike normal soap, sage, tannic acid and essential oils in general (to be used with due caution) are in fact endowed with antiseptic properties, capable of eliminating the microorganisms responsible for the hated stench.
