This One Thing Could Finally Fix Your Smelly Feet, Study Says

THE DAYS OF LEAVING YOUR SHOES OUTSIDE THE FRONT DOOR MIGHT JUST BE A THING OF THE PAST.

Sometimes, showering just isn't enough to get you smelling as fresh and clean as you'd like—especially when it comes to your feet. In fact, according to a survey from Odor-Eaters, among a group of 2,000 adults polled, more than one in 10 said their stinky feet were a constant problem, with 19 percent claiming they felt paranoid about others noticing their less-than-pleasant odor. However, science may have come up with a solution for those malodorous tootsies once and for all—so read on to discover how to kick that funky foot smell for good. And for more insight into how your personal hygiene stacks up, check out This Is How Often You Should Really Be Showering, Doctors Say.

According to research presented at the Oct. 2020 virtual meeting of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venerology, a specific type of sock may be able to help individuals suffering from foot odor get significantly better-smelling feet. The socks in question, developed by the Royal Thai Airforce, are coated in nanoparticles of zinc oxide (ZnO-NP), a compound frequently found in personal care products, like dandruff shampoo, sunscreen, and diaper rash cream.

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Among the 148 naval cadets who participated in the study, those who wore the zinc oxide-coated socks significantly reduced their foot odor and were less likely to develop pitted keratolysis, a bacterial infection that can contribute to foot odor.

While the specific socks used in the study have not yet been brought to market, there are numerous mass market socks with zinc oxide in them that might be able to provide wearers some relief for the time being.

Read on to discover more ways to keep yourself smelling fresh as a daisy every day. And if you want to perfect your clean routine, check out These Are the Only 3 Body Parts You Need to Wash Every Day, Doctor Says.

Read the original article on Best Life.

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Brush your teeth for at least four minutes a day.
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If your breath is less than pleasant, make sure you're brushing at least twice a day for two minutes each time. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing at least once a day, and seeing a dentist regularly for cleanings to keep those chompers white and your breath fresh. And if you want to avoid an icky situation, This Is How You're Storing Your Toothbrush in the Worst Way Possible.

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And scrape your tongue.
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Regular brushing not giving you the fresh breath you want? Then you might want to consider scraping your tongue as part of your oral care routine, too. According to a 2008 study published in the Archives of Oral Biology, incorporating tongue scraping into patients' oral hygiene routines significantly reduced the amount of potentially odor-causing bacteria in their mouths. And for more oral hygiene tips, check out How Often You Should Really Change Your Toothbrush, Dentists Say.

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Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds throughout the day.
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If you're only washing your hands after using the bathroom, you need to be spending more time at the sink—especially during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before leaving the house and after arriving at your destination; before, during, and after food prep; before eating food; before and after touching a wound or cut; before and after caring for someone who's sick; after using the bathroom; after touching animals or pets, their food, or waste; after touching garbage; after changing diapers or helping someone wipe; and after you sneeze, cough, or blow your nose. And for more great personal care tips delivered to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.

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Wash these three parts of your body with soap every day.
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Experts say you don't actually have to wash your whole body with soap on a daily basis as long as you're tackling three crucial areas: your feet, your armpits, and your groin. "The rest of your body does fine with a rinse—even after a sweaty workout," Robynne Chutkan, MD, founder of the Digestive Center for Women, explained to Health. And for the one body part you should leave alone, check out The One Body Part You Should Never Clean, According to Doctors.