Why Foul Smell On Socks During Winter & Some Solutions

WHY FOUL SMELL ON SOCKS DURING WINTER & SOME SOLUTIONS

Bad odour in socks and in the feet is one of the common problems faced by many of us.

Why foul smell comes from the socks during winter?

The bad odour of socks comes from the sweaty feet. Socks do not cause foot odour when socks are worn along with the shoes it causes bad odour. Socks can help to trap hair in the feet, with increased surface area bacteria can thrive which result bad odour.

• Weather change – Change in the weather, that is excess hot or cold cause more sweating in the feet. Too much sweat can aggravate bacterial growth and results to bad smell.
• Shoes- The insulated shoes, when there is no or less ventilation of air in the shoe. Boots, rubber boot, waterproof boot, snow proof boot does not have much ventilation for air. It helps to keep feet warm which result to sweaty feet. Sweaty feet cause more bacterial accumulation and results to bad smell.
• Layering socks- Layering socks keep the foot warm and it may cause sweating and it results to bad smell.
• Dry skin- Skin becomes dry in the winter, dry dead skin is the food for bacteria. Double layer of socks cause friction and pressure, it may results in calluses or corn in the feet, which multiply the intensity of the bad odour.

How to avoid bad smell in the socks in the winter-

1. It is important not to wear warm boot inside the home or work premises. Long time wearing warm boot cause a bad smell in the feet. It is important to carry one slipper or casual shoe extra in work can help a lot.
2. It is important to rotate the winter boots. The wet boot should not be worn the next day in the work. Shoes can get wet due to snow or winter rain. More wet is the shoe more there is a chance to have a bad smell in the feet and socks.
3. Right kind of socks should be selected for winter. It is found that normal layered socks can result in more sweaty feet. We should select right kind of socks which will not cause sweat nor will it stink. We can find various types of socks which will not stink rather it will wick moist away, neutralises odour, it helps feet remain warm in cold and keep feet cool when it is too warm.  These socks are made up of polypro, synthetic blend or merino wool.
4. The dry flaky skin should be avoided. Simple pumice stone, dry brush or scrub should be used to avoid dry skin accumulation in the feet.  Exfoliating loofahs work wonders to get rid of dry feet and bad smell.  Once in a fortnight, it is better to do a pedicure, which will help in getting rid of the thick and cracked skin. Smooth, soft skin does not allow the growth of bacteria. It is important to moisturise the skin regularly.
5. It is important to wear breathable footwear.

Good feet and shoe can keep a smell away from socks.