A doctor has revealed the dangers of not washing your feet properly every day – and why it is not enough to let soap and water ‘run down your body’.
Dr. Poonam Desai is an emergency room and lifestyle medicine physician based in New York City.
The doctor said that if you don’t scrub your feet — including your heels and between your toes — you won’t get rid of the bacteria that builds up.
“You need to use soap and water and scrub your feet,” said Dr. Desai in a video.
The health professional then listed four reasons why this bacteria build-up is bad news.
Dr. Poonam Desai is an emergency room and lifestyle medicine physician based in New York City
“If you don’t wash your feet regularly, it can lead to a stinky smell — which is bacteria,” she said.
‘It can also lead to bacterial and fungal infections – especially if you end up with a cut down there.’
The doctor also revealed that the skin on your feet will become dry and cracked if not cared for properly.
“(Not scrubbing your feet) can also lead to calluses,” she said, referring to thickened layers of skin.
“What I recommend is every time you take a shower, take some soap and water and scrub your feet,” she said.
‘Especially your heels and between your toes.’
It is recommended that Australians wash and dry their feet daily and follow up with moisturiser.
You should also regularly check for redness, swelling, cuts, pus, splinters and blisters.
If you notice a change or problem with your feet, be sure to contact a podiatrist or your GP for advice.
