Why is it necessary to be attentive to the dead skin cells?
What is the connection between foot odor and dead skin cells?
What is the connection between foot odor and dead skin cells?
Foot odor is produced when the bacteria on the surface of the foot such as Staphylococcus epidermidis and corynebacterium build up of substances which cause the odor. These bacteria, however, eat the dead skin cells and may overgrow if the dead skin cells become clustered and if the skin becomes wrinkly. This overgrowth of bacteria produces a stronger foot odor. Presence of Eccrine glands on the sole produce a rise in temperature, and this produces the 200 milliliters of sweat per day. While wearing the shoes, the sole does not breathe, becomes stuffy and as a result the bacteria grow and colonize the area. Once the bacteria overgrows, the foot odor becomes stronger and even leaves odor on the shoes. It is very important to remove the dead skin cells because if there is no odor and no propagation, there is no food for the bacteria on the sole.
The human skin consists of three layers - the epidermis, the dermis and the subcutaneous tissue. Within the epidermal layer there are desmosomes which are composed of different kinds of fat or protein and act by pushing up the old epidermis. The old layer usually decomposes naturally so that the old epidermis peels off as scurf. This system is called turnover (metabolism) and takes about 28 days to occur. This peeled epidermis is known as the dead skin cell layer.
Dead skin cells are composed of keratin which is a kind of protein. This keratinous skin acts as a barrier to protect the epidermis from external stimuli and also to defend the body from moisture. It has an important function as part of the skin.
The dead skin cells maintain a role of protecting the epidermis from the external stimuli. If a load such as friction or pressure is imposed on the foot and is heavier than average or applied for long time the skin of the sole accumulates old corneocytes to protect the epidermis from the stimuli. The storage of the dead skin cells is a defensive reaction to protect the skin. Examples of situations which result in an increased load may include standing up at work for long periods of time, hard sports and walking with tight shoes.
In the prevention of foot odor, it is most important to reduce the dead skin cells which create favorable conditions for BO-causing bacteria. The dead skin cells not only cause propagation of the bacteria but also some other troubles such as poor blood circulation and even excessive sensitivity to cold. In addition to the sole, the dead skin cells are sometimes found between toes, also creating foot odor. The skin is not able to perform its normal turnover of skin cells if they are piled up. This in turn makes it easier to add to the dead skin layers as well as producing a stronger foot odor. It is very important to remove the dead skin cells regularly not only for odor prevention but also for maintaining the healthy condition of the foot.
How can we remove the excess layered dead skin cells?
A common way to remove the dead skin cells is to scratch the foot with a file or pumice. This may enable the removal of dead skin cells immediately and allow care for the affected area, thus it is popular. This method however takes considerable ongoing time and effort and as such is disadvantageous. If you have scratched the dead skin cells at home or at a foot-care salon, you may experience the following.
The dead skin cells cover the whole sole with a number of layers, so if part of the dead skin is forced to be removed, the surface of the sole is injured and as a result this causes dryness and cracking. In addition, the friction caused by scratching the dead skin cells creates a vicious spiral of gathering more and more dead skin.
Baby Foot includes plentiful acids as the main components, pyroligneous acid, lactic acid, malic acid, citric acid and so on. These acids act by decomposing kinds of albumin called desmosomes which attach between the layers of the skin. Acids also help to peel off the old cornified layer. In addition, the turnover of the skin and the friction which occurs in everyday life also assist with this peeling and therefore it is very easy and very gentle for the skin without resultant scratching.
The overall process is very easy with only 3 steps - wearing, soaking and washing. After five to seven days, the dead skin cells will have astonishingly peeled off.
