From the Editors

Raising a Stink (Literally)

by NAILS Magazine | June 1, 2009 | Bookmark +

Ah, pedicure season. Or is it AAAHHHH, pedicure season? For the most part, I’m sure all of you look forward to the summer months for the natural boost to your pedicure business, but I’m also curious about whether you ever have to deal with a stinky problem stemming from neglected feet — namely, foot odor.

 

Just in case, I’ve compiled a list of some home-remedy tips from How Stuff Works and WebMD. Most of these are ways to lessen sweat or to keep feet dry. Try to slip these into conversation the next time a client comes in with stinky feet.

  • Add a half cup of kosher salt to a quart of water and soak your feet in the solution. Don’t rinse your feet; just dry thoroughly.
  • Mix one teaspoon of peroxide (3%) to one cup (8 ounces) of water. Wipe this on the feet with a washcloth.
  • Apply antiperspirant (the same brand as what goes under your arms — though I’d recommend a separate stick) to your feet. Or try shaking on deodorizing foot powder that contains aluminum chloride hexahydrate.
  • Because they allow air to get to the feet, wear open shoes whenever possible. (This is just good advice for pedicure clients anyway!)
  • Alternate shoes on a daily basis, giving them time to air out in between wearings. (Bonus: this will probably make you more fashionable as well.)
  • Treat shoes with an over-the-counter deodorizer. Or sprinkle the inside of your shoes with cornstarch to help absorb moisture and keep feet drier.
  • Avoid strong-flavored foods such as garlic, onions, scallions, oils, curry, and peppers, because the substances that give them their powerful flavor and aroma can pass through the bloodstream and eventually concentrate in your sweat.
  • A doctor might be able to offer other alternatives. Sometimes excessive sweating (called hyperhidrosis) requires more permanent treatments.

Have you ever faced a client with foot odor? Were you able to bring up the subject? Leave me a note in Feedback.

 

—Sree

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