Say no to stinky feet this summer

Fed up of stinky feet during summer? Foot powder, lavender oil, anti-perspirant and vinegar can come to your rescue, says an expert.

Preeti Seth, wellness expert at Pachouli Spa and Wellness Destination, has shared some simple tips to keep stinky feet at bay.

* While washing your feet, use an anti-bacterial soap. Dry the feet completely, making sure you dry the area between the toes. Fungi and bacteria can develop between the toes if the area is not dried completely.

* Put anti-perspirant on your feet before you put on your socks. Anti-perspirants are quite effective in reducing foot perspiration.

* Dust your feet with foot powder: Follow the anti-perspirant with foot powder, which absorbs excessive sweat and reduces odour.

* Add from half a cup to four cups of vinegar to four cups of water and soak your feet in the solution for 15 minutes to reduce perspiration. Vinegar not only acts as an astringent but it exfoliates a thin top layer of the skin of your feet. You'll experience dryness for hours after this soak. Plus, the acid in the vinegar neutralizes odour-causing bacteria deep in your feet.

* Go barefoot as often as possible to allow your feet to breathe, and wear sandals and open toed shoes. Exposing your feet will help reduce sweating to a great extent.

* Change your socks often. When your socks feel damp with sweat, wash your feet and put on a fresh pair of socks. Keep baby wipes with you, and use them to clean your feet at work or while you are in public places and can't wash your feet.

* Use lavender oil: It not only smells good but also acts as an anti-fungal element. Put two-three drops of Lavender essential oil in warm water and soak in your feet for 15-20 minutes. Repeat the procedure twice daily for a few days and feel the change.

--IANS

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