Smelly feet in summer: what can be done about it?

The most important points in brief

• Especially in summer, the body has to perspire in order to cool the skin and thus the body temperature.
• But sweat does not only develop in places where it can be concealed, for example on the face, on arms and legs or under the armpits - but also on the feet.
• Unpleasant odors form on the soles and between the toes.
• But what helps against smelly feet, especially in summer?

Unpleasant sweat odor does not arise everywhere on the body. A film of sweat forms on the forehead or on the legs and arms, but we can wash or wipe it off regularly so that the smell of sweat cannot even form. This arises where many bacteria can gather together over a long period of time, for example in the armpits - and in closed shoes. After all, you can't change your blouse or shirt several times a day in the office or walk around barefoot - which would be the best protection, but is rarely compatible with the conventions of working life.

Creams against cheese feet

So what to do when your own feet stink? Let the day go by and in the evening, when you are out of your shoes, put your socks in the laundry and wash your feet? Is a possibility. But it is even better if you prevent the formation of nasty smells from the outset, and this is quite possible with the right means, such as deodorant.

There are several possibilities. Foot deodorant is also available as a cream, for example. In order to prevent the smell of sweat, it is recommended to put cream on your feet in the evening after washing your feet thoroughly. In particular, it is important to pay attention to the space between the toes when applying, less to the sole. According to the manufacturer, an amount the size of a grain of rice is sufficient to prevent the cheesy smell for at least four days.

Lotion and sprays against sweat odor

Similar to the cream, lotion works against sweat odor. The duration of the effectiveness is somewhat shorter in this case, a maximum of three days is estimated here. But that's still more than a spray.

However, such a spray has the advantage that you can use it anytime and anywhere, provided you have the opportunity to take off your shoes and socks. However, this should be possible in the course of a day, and if it is in the office toilet at an unobserved moment. One mode of action of these sprays aims to cool the feet in order to prevent the formation of bad smells from the outset. Another type of effect is to spray the inner material of the shoes with the spray and to eliminate the cause of the bad smells sitting there.

Take off your shoes whenever possible

Anyone who works in an uncomplicated group of colleagues, where it doesn't always have to be formal, should take the best remedy for smelly feet there is: fresh air. Taking off your shoes (and socks) is by far the most effective remedy for sweaty foot skin and the formation of unpleasant odors.

Washing your feet is still important, especially in the evening. Those who sit barefoot with unwashed feet on the balcony or terrace or go to bed inevitably attract mosquitoes.