Rock your favorite winter sheepskin boots and avoid health hazards with these expert tips. Photo: Alamy
With 49 out of 50 states currently blanketed in snow, many people are putting on
cozy sheepskin boots like Uggs -- and keeping them on -- while shoveling, getting to work, running around with the kids and even lounging at home.
What you may not know is that
your favorite comfy boots are the ideal breeding ground for a host of foot problems like fungus, odor and chronic painful inflammation of the sole, especially if you wear them continuously for hours on end.
But if you can't imagine going back to the frosty, shivering life that awaits you without
cherished sheepskin boots in tow, there's good news: You don't need to entirely stop wearing them.
We asked New York podiatrist
Dr. Oliver Zong to share some simple tips on preventing the three most common foot problems associated with boots, so that you can still enjoy the familiar warmth of your favorite pair without putting your tootsies at risk.
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Health Hazards Festering in Your Boots
New York podiatrist Dr. Oliver Zong to share some simple tips on preventing the three most common foot problems associated with boots.
Alamy
Health Hazards Festering in Your Sheepskin Winter Boots
Fungus breeds in warm, moist environments exactly like those found in sheepskin winter boots, which can lead to a persistent issue that is just as tough to get rid of as it is embarrassing.
"The boot creates an environment conducive to growth of fungus, which can manifest as athlete's foot when on skin and as fungal nails when nails are involved. This situation is exacerbated if you tend to get sweaty feet," says Zong.
While there are a myriad of foot fungus treatments at the drugstore, nail fungus is far more stubborn, and will require a prescription from a podiatrist to fully clear up. The best strategy for prevention is to make the environment of your boots less hospitable to fungus growth.
Wear socks: Many people go barefoot in sheepskin boots, but that can spell fungal disaster. Opt for clean cotton or moisture-wicking acrylic socks that allow the feet to breathe properly and wear a fresh pair every day. Materials like nylon and polyester don't allow moisture to absorb.
Health Hazards Festering in Your Sheepskin Winter Boots
Use antiperspirant: Deodorants that contain active ingredient aluminum hydroxide will prevent your feet from sweating in the first place. Clear gel and spray formulas ensure you'll get the benefits without the chalky white residue.
Alternate shoes: Shoes need a full 24 hours to completely dry out from the inside, and wearing wet boots -- even if they're only just a touch damp -- increases your chance of contracting a fungus.
Health Hazards Festering in Your Sheepskin Winter Boots
The thin and flat-soled design of sheepskin boots may at first seem more comfortable than other shoes, but lack of arch support is the most common cause of plantar fasciitis -- a painful condition sparked by inflammation of the tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, and connects the heel to the toe.
Symptoms include a stabbing or burning sensation that is often worse in the morning because the tissue tightens while you sleep at night. Most cases are solved by wearing footwear that absorbs shock and offers better support, though some advanced cases can require surgery to correct.
Prevention lies in giving your feet the proper support.
Slip in orthotics: "Uggs and boots like them are notorious for their lack of arch support. Orthotics that provide good support are best for plantar fasciitis. Dr. Scholl's now carries an over-the-counter line that is easily accessible in most drugstores," advises Zong.
Opt for sneakers: Sheepskin boots may be a warm choice for day-to-day activities, but if you'll be walking longer distances or pounding a lot of pavement with your feet that day, it's best to choose sneakers or other shoes with complete cushioned arch support.
Health Hazards Festering in Your Sheepskin Winter Boots
It may not be a medical problem, but it sure is embarrassing: The over 250,000 sweat glands in your feet produce more than a pint of sweat each day and can make for some seriously stinky situations.
While sweat itself doesn't smell, it's the combination of the dampness mixing with the bacteria inherently present on your feet that causes the rotten odor. Your best bet? Control the wetness from seeping out of control in the first place.
Use powder: Before putting on your socks, sprinkle baby powder onto your feet and in between toes to absorb sweat as it forms. You can also add a sprinkle outside of socks and in shoes. Opting for a lightly scented powder can provide an additional boost.
Health Hazards Festering in Your Sheepskin Winter Boots
Tea-bag it: For a DIY treatment, submerge three to five bags of tea into a quart and a half of water. Bring the water to a boil. When the tea is steeping, turn down the flame and add two cups of cool water to lower the temperature. Now transfer the water into a more suited dish for your feet and begin soaking. "Tannin, the active ingredient in tea, works wonders to dry skin and alleviate odor. Tea is an antioxidant that will help to revitalize feet, thus leaving feet feeling fresh and smelling great," advises Zong.
Some people are particularly inclined to severely sweaty feet -- a condition known as bromhidrosis. If stench and wetness persist despite home-remedy efforts, see a podiatrist for a prescription antiperspirant like Drysol to find lasting relief, says Zong.
Health Hazards Festering in Your Sheepskin Winter Boots
And in other body news,
doctors have found that bones can cause premature aging in the face.
