A recent social media health tip suggests that having hairy toes could be a good sign that your body is quite healthy. Rachel Jones, Pharmacy Superintendent at Superdrug, has revealed the truth behind this claim, along with other body quirks that can indicate how well your body is functioning.
Hairy toes and circulation
Hairy toes have long been an embarrassment for many, but a social media tip claims that very hairy toes or feet mean you have good circulation, as enough blood reaches your furthest extremities to feed hair growth. However, Rachel explained: “Hair growth on the feet is influenced by a range of factors, including genetics, age and hormones, so the amount of hair varies considerably from person to person. On its own, having hairy toes doesn't necessarily tell us anything definitive about circulation.”
While the connection between heart health and toe hair may lack backing, other changes in your feet could signal a health turn for the worse. Rachel added: “Noticeable change, such as a sudden loss of hair on the feet or lower legs alongside symptoms like persistent cold feet, pain when walking, numbness, slow-healing wounds or changes in skin colour could be a sign of an underlying circulation problem. If these symptoms occur, it's important to seek advice from a healthcare professional so they can assess the cause.”
Smelly feet and sweat
The summer months often bring complaints of sweaty and smelly feet. While the smell may not say much about your health, the sweat surprisingly does. Rachel explained: “Sweat is actually odourless. The smell develops when sweat mixes with naturally occurring bacteria on the skin. While sweating is unpleasant, it often indicates that the body's temperature regulation system is functioning normally.”
To avoid the smell caused by sweaty feet, the expert recommended keeping your feet clean, changing socks regularly and using products like antibacterial foot spray to keep your feet feeling fresh. Rachel also cautioned: “Persistent or sudden changes should always be checked by a healthcare professional.”
