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What happens if you don’t wash your feet in the shower?


Washing your feet properly in the shower is extremely important for maintaining good hygiene and preventing health issues. However, many people often overlook washing their feet and focus only on cleaning the rest of their body. Neglecting to wash your feet can lead to a variety of problems.

Causes Bacteria and Fungus Growth

When you don’t wash your feet regularly, bacteria, dirt, and sweat can build up. This creates an ideal environment for the growth of fungus and bacteria.

Some of the most common bacteria and fungi that can grow on unwashed feet include:

  • Staphylococcus aureus – causes skin infections
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa – leads to foot odor
  • Trichophyton rubrum – responsible for athlete’s foot
  • Candida albicans – causes fungal infections like thrush

If these microbes are not washed off regularly, they can thrive and multiply, leading to infection. Fungal infections like athlete’s foot are highly contagious and can spread to others as well.

Causes Foot Odor

One of the most common side effects of not washing feet in the shower is smelly feet. The bacteria on the feet start breaking down the sweat and dead skin cells, producing unpleasant odors.

The main causes of foot odor are:

  • Buildup of sweat and bacteria on the feet
  • Wearing tight fitting shoes which don’t allow ventilation
  • Hyperhidrosis – Excessive sweating of the feet
  • Fungal infections like athlete’s foot

When the feet stay confined in shoes all day, there is excessive sweating. If this sweat is not washed away daily, the moist environment leads to more bacterial growth and foot odor.

Those with hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating are even more prone to smelly feet when they miss washing their feet. The odor can be embarrassing and affect social confidence.

Can Cause Cracked Heels

The skin on the feet is thicker than other parts of the body. When feet are not cleaned properly, the dead skin, dirt, and oil buildup can lead to the thickening and cracking of skin.

Cracked heels is a common condition, especially in the dry winter months when the feet tend to get excessively dry. Some contributing factors include:

  • Lack of moisture due to infrequent washing
  • Standing for long periods of time
  • Wearing open-back shoes
  • Walking barefoot
  • Deficiency of vitamins and minerals

The cracks in the heels can bleed and cause pain. They can also act as an entry point for bacteria and viruses, leading to infection.

Can Cause Toenail Fungal Infection

Toenail fungus, also called onychomycosis, is a common fungal infection of the toenails. The warm, moist environment inside shoes and socks is ideal for fungi like dermatophytes to grow.

Some risk factors that make you more prone to toenail fungus include:

  • Not properly drying your feet after showering
  • Walking barefoot in warm, humid areas like swimming pools
  • Injuring your toenail
  • Having a suppressed immune system
  • Sweaty feet

Toenail fungus often begins as a white or yellow spot under the nail. As it progresses, the nails can thicken, discolor, and crumble. This can cause pain and discomfort. If not treated properly, the infection can spread to other toenails.

Can Lead to Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are small growths that develop on the soles of the feet caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Unclean feet provide an easy entry point for the virus.

Walking barefoot in public showers and locker rooms where the HPV virus is commonly found can increase risk. Other risk factors include:

  • Weak immune system
  • Damage or tears in the skin of feet
  • Nail biting
  • Unclean pedicure equipment

Plantar warts look like thick, raised calluses on the feet. They can grow deep into the skin and cause pain. If left untreated, they can multiply and cluster into a bigger wart.

Regularly scrubbing the feet can help remove virus particles and reduce transmitting them into cuts or breaks in the skin.

Can Cause Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails develop when the edges of the nail grow into the surrounding skin. They often occur on the big toe.

Though there are multiple causes, lack of foot hygiene is a top reason. Fungal infections, accumulation of dirt and debris under the nail, and excess moisture are contributing factors.

Other causes include:

  • Genetics
  • Improperly cut nails
  • Too tight hosiery and footwear
  • Injury

Ingrown toenails are painful. As they pierce deeper into the flesh, it can lead to redness, swelling, and even infection of the toe. Proper foot washing helps prevent debris buildup under nails.

Can Cause Cellulitis

Cellulitis is a common bacterial skin infection that can occur on the feet and legs. It causes the skin to become red, hot, and tender. Blisters, swelling, and chills may also occur.

If the feet are unclean, the bacteria on the skin can more easily penetrate cracks and cuts. This leads to infection. Groups at risk include:

  • Those with weak immune system
  • People with fungal infections like athlete’s foot
  • Individuals with prior leg or foot injuries
  • People with swollen legs or poor circulation

If left untreated, the infection can become severe. It has the potential to spread to the lymph nodes and bloodstream. Proper foot hygiene helps prevent bacterial growth and entry points for infection.

Can Lead to Nail Discoloration

With inadequate washing and drying of the feet, nail discoloration can occur. Nails may turn yellow, brown, or black.

Causes include:

  • Fungal infections
  • Bacterial growth under nails
  • Development of skin conditions like psoriasis on the feet
  • Excessive moisture trapped under nails
  • Injury to the nails
  • Using nail polish too often

In addition to being unsightly, discolored nails can indicate underlying medical conditions. Black streaks or dots may signal skin cancer. Make sure to keep nails clean and inspect them during regular foot washing.

Can Lead to Paronychia

Paronychia is an infection of the skin around the nails. It causes redness, swelling, and pus around the nails of the fingers and toes.

Besides trauma, neglecting foot hygiene is a prime cause as it allows bacteria and yeast to grow in the moist, warm environment. Other risk factors include:

  • Nail biting
  • Hangnails
  • Nail injuries
  • Manicures and pedicures with unclean tools
  • Diabetes

If untreated, paronychia can progress to a severe nail infection and abscess. Practicing good foot hygiene reduces bacterial growth and lowers infection risk.

Can Cause Foot Eczema

Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that causes dry, itchy, and irritated skin. It can occur anywhere including the feet. Foot eczema stems from irritated, sensitive skin lacking proper moisture.

Contributing factors of foot eczema include:

  • Not washing feet frequently
  • Harsh soaps that strip moisture
  • Standing for long periods without rest
  • Wearing restrictive footwear made of synthetic materials
  • Excessive sweating
  • Allergies to dyes, metals, rubber in shoes

When feet are unclean, sweat, bacteria, and dead skin cells can aggravate the skin. Frequent washing and thorough drying helps prevent irritation. Properly moisturizing clean feet also helps combat eczema.

Can Cause Damage to Feet

Lack of proper foot hygiene coupled with restricted footwear can lead to damage to feet over time. Common foot problems include:

  • Bunions – misaligned big toe joints causing bumps
  • Hammertoes – curled under toes due to muscle imbalance
  • Corns and calluses – thick, hardened skin due to friction and pressure
  • Blisters – fluid-filled bumps from friction

Washing the feet helps remove calluses while moisturizing them prevents cracking and blisters. Selecting proper footwear allows feet room to breathe and prevents long-term damage.

Increases Risk of Foot Diseases

Poor foot hygiene can pave the way for various foot diseases and complications, especially if other risk factors are present.

Diabetic Foot Problems

High blood sugar levels in diabetics can cause nerve damage in the feet leading to loss of sensation. This prevents them from noticing injuries or irritation caused by ill-fitting shoes.

When coupled with inadequate foot cleaning, the risk of infections like ulcers increases. These can worsen into gangrene and may require amputation.

Psoriasis on Feet

Psoriasis causes red, flaky, itchy skin patches. The condition can occur on hands and feet. Not washing properly can exacerbate it due to the buildup of skin cells. It also increases risk of secondary infections.

Athlete’s Foot

This contagious fungal infection thrives in moist, dirty environments like locker room showers. Not washing feet after shared showers raises infection risk. The infection causes scaling and persistent itching.

Pitted Keratolysis

Skin disease occurs from bacterial overgrowth on the soles from sweating and poor hygiene. Causes shallow pits and inflammation in the skin. Friction from shoes worsens it.

Prevention Tips

To avoid the many problems linked to not washing feet in the shower, follow these prevention tips:

  • Clean feet daily with warm water and soap – especially between the toes
  • Dry thoroughly after washing by patting gently with towel
  • Apply foot cream or petroleum jelly to damp feet to lock in moisture
  • Exfoliate dead skin cells weekly with a foot scrub
  • Clip nails straight across to prevent ingrown toenails
  • Wear clean socks and rotate shoes to allow drying
  • Disinfect pedicure tools and avoid sharing with others
  • Check feet regularly for any cuts, blisters, or irritation
  • See a podiatrist annually for those with chronic foot problems like diabetes

Practicing good foot hygiene reduces odors, infections, and other problems. Make washing feet as routine as cleaning the rest of your body. It is a simple habit that pays big dividends for your foot health.

Conclusion

Our feet work hard carrying our body weight around all day. But they often get overlooked when it comes to hygiene. Washing feet properly on a daily basis is just as important as bathing the rest of the body.

Neglecting foot hygiene allows for the rapid buildup of bacteria, fungus, sweat, dirt, and dead skin cells. If left unchecked, this can lead to a number of issues ranging from odor to cracked skin to toenail infections. More severe complications like cellulitis or diabetic foot problems can also occur if foot health is ignored.

Luckily, practicing good foot washing technique and care is simple. Taking a few extra minutes to clean feet in the shower, dry properly, and moisturize makes a huge impact. Problems related to unclean feet are largely preventable with consistent hygiene. So treat your feet right – they carry you everywhere you go!