Everyone has something to say on the Internet—sometimes agreeing, sometimes disagreeing, and occasionally arguing. The overabundance of opinions on social media is bound to influence our behavior, even in the simplest and most surprising cases. Anonymity often removes inhibitions, leading to heated arguments over seemingly trivial topics, such as how to wash your feet in the shower.
Yes, back in 2019 there was a debate on social media about the proper way to shower — whether you should dedicate time specifically to washing your feet in the shower or let the suds run down your upper body to do it. Dr. Divya Shokin opined on this topic in an episode of the HuffPost podcast, “Am I Doing This Wrong?”
READ ALSO: 2024 comes to an end: the skincare and beauty trends that dominated this year
To wash feet or not?
Foot washing depends on the situation and there is no blanket yes or no as a dichotomy of debate. Dr. Shokin revealed an amazing insight regarding foot washing. In the podcast, she said: “I don’t think you are [need to wash them]. Unless you’re sweating profusely and have just cycled 20 miles. Then yes, please wash your feet.’
According to Dr. Shokin, our feet are often covered by pants or other clothing that protects them from dirt and grime. Unlike places such as armpits or groin, “hot spots” where sweat and bacteria are active, feet do not require frequent washing.
“I think water or soap is dripping down [your legs] it’s normal [for cleansing]”, she explained. In fact, she noted that washing your feet by hand can do more harm than good. Over-cleansing can lead to dry or irritated skin, especially if done aggressively or too often.
When should you wash your feet?
While it’s generally okay to skip scrubbing, Dr. Shokin emphasized that we should wash our feet if they’re visibly dirty or if we’ve participated in activities like swimming in a lake. Otherwise, just let the soap and water run down to your feet.
Instead of focusing too much on your legs, Dr. Shokin advised spending more time on high-maintenance areas like your underarms and smell. As mentioned earlier, these are “hot spots” for germs and require more attention. “They need at least a minute to allow [your cleanser] to work,” she said. She suggested lathering the cleanser on those areas and letting it sit while you cleanse other parts of the body, giving it time.
This suggests that you should focus more on your armpits and groin than your legs. Don’t be distracted by indecision whether to wash your feet or not, because not washing your armpits and groin can be more dangerous.
READ ALSO: Hot baths to pop pimples: A dermatologist reveals the biggest skincare mistakes you could be making
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor for any health concerns.
