The stench of the feet, better defined by the term plantar bromidrosis, is supported by an excessive production of sweat (hyperhidrosis) and by the overgrowth of some germs belonging to the normal skin bacterial flora. These microorganisms, favored by the warm-humid environment that is created inside the shoes, metabolise skin lipids, keratin and sweat, giving rise to short chain amines and fatty acids (propionic acid, isovaleric acid, etc.), responsible for typical stink from "tired" foot.
Wearing shoes 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 in 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 = stink + infections (see athlete's foot).
Even the ingestion of certain foods, including garlic, onion, curry and some drugs (for example, penicillin, bromides) can make the smell of sweat more intense and nauseating, which in itself is practically devoid of aroma. On the other hand, stress, some products used for weight loss, excessive alcohol intake, caffeine and some pathological conditions (hyperthyroidism, hypoglycemia) can increase the amount of sweat produced.
There are specific and rather simple remedies for the stench of the feet. Suffice it to say that feet and hands are the body regions richest in sweat glands; however, even if a sweaty hand can still be embarrassing, it hardly stinks. The reason is simple: first of all, unlike the feet, the hands are exposed to the air (never noticed how much they sweat inside antiperspirant gloves?) And secondly they are washed much more often. From here to the care of the feet that stink the step is simple: just increase the number of daily washes (at least a couple, rubbing and drying well) and use socks and breathable shoes (yes to the good old cotton and the canvas for shoes, no to nylon and synthetic fibers). Since we cannot always walk around barefoot, to counteract the moisture inside the shoe we can sprinkle the foot with a little talc, useful for absorbing excess sweat.
To combat the smell of the feet, you should always avoid wearing the same shoes: better to alternate two pairs, leaving time for the change to dry and eliminate unpleasant odors.
And if all this were not enough, antiseptic and antifungal cleansers and ointments are available in the pharmacy (more suitable for athlete's foot), or antiperspirant creams capable of reducing sweat secretion.
Perfumed sprays to be sprayed inside the shoe before wearing it and absorbent soles complete the picture of the anti-spot remedies.
Among the natural deodorants is the decoction of sage and that of black tea. 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 the feet with a cotton pad or vaporize the liquid with a gardening nebulizer. In the second, dip two tea bags in half a liter of water, boil everything for 15 minutes, add two liters of fresh water, and leave your feet 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 stink.
