Foot Funk
Funk music (e.g. James Brown or Parliament-Funkadelic) can best be recognized by its syncopated rhythms, thick bass line, and razor-sharp rhythm guitars. Foot funk on the other hand can best be recognized by its pungent aroma, pinched noses, and comments like "Put your damn shoes back on!" We think you should enjoy a little good funk music from time to time, but by all means stay away from foot funk!
Why do feet stink?
The feet are densely covered with sweat glands (approx 250,000 each) that try to keep them cool. Sweat is essentially just water and salt, which does not smell bad on its own; however, your feet are also covered with natural bacteria. These bacteria live on dead skin cells and moisture. Therefore, when your feet sweat excessively the bacteria think it's mealtime! As they consume, they in turn produce the waste material that causes the smell. Brevibacteria, are the leading cause of foot odor, which is the same bacteria that gives some cheeses such as Limburger and Muenster their characteristic pungency; thus, the term "cheesy feet".
Prevention
The foot of an average male can exude half a pint of sweat a day! All that moisture is a breeding ground for bacteria, molds, toenail fungus, and viral infections, leading to smelly feet, rashes, or other more serious medical issues. Here are a few tips to keep you dogs funk-free:
- Wear clean socks, preferably made of cotton or other absorbent materials that absorb a lot of the sweat so the bacteria can't feed on it
- Wear well-ventilated shoes
- Don't wear the same shoes everyday - give a pair of shoes 24 hours or more to air out before wearing them again
- If you sweat a lot or will be doing a lot of activity, apply an antiperspirant to your feet
- Sprinkle some talcum powder, cornstarch or potato starch onto the feet before putting on your socks or buy some absorbent Odor-Eater type shoe inserts
- There are also products available that will help safeguard by protecting the skin with a layer of glycerin
One nation under a foot-funk-free groove!
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