Why airing out your feet (and your pits) matters more than you think

This blog is written after yet another argument with my Son about leaving his stinking rigger boots outside - They absolutely stink!

Alright, lads (and ladies) — let’s have a real chat about something that’s probably not on your daily RAMS, but absolutely should be: your feet. And your armpits. And your general pong.

We all know the drill. You’ve slogged it out for ten hours in steel toes or those leather patent shiny brogues, your socks are clinging on for dear life, and by the time you peel them off, you’re nearly knocking yourself out with the fumes. You think, “Ah, I’ll sort it tomorrow,” then shove your boots in the corner, climb straight into bed, and boom — next morning you’re back on site still marinated in yesterday’s sweat. And those of you in the office - don't go thinking this doesn't apply!

To all who are affected by the summer heat

Here’s why sweat is not just a problem for the noses of your mates (though let’s be honest, they’re the first casualties). Keeping your feet dry and your skin clean isn’t just about being polite — it’s about avoiding nasty infections, blisters turning septic, fungal fun (looking at you, athlete’s foot) and generally staying healthy enough to keep earning a wage. The same goes for giving yourself a proper scrub down. Sweat + grime + bacteria = a petri dish that nobody wants to stand next to at the tea van.

Sweat rash (intertrigo)

Sweat rash (intertrigo) is a common skin condition, especially in hot and humid climates and during the summer. 

Also known as intertrigo, sweat rash is an inflammation of the skin that occurs when your skin is moist and has been subjected to friction. Sweat rash most commonly appears in areas where your skin rubs together and where there is less air circulation, such as under your armpits, in the groin area, under your breasts and between abdominal skin folds. 

Sweat rash commonly becomes infected by fungi called candida, resulting in fungal sweat rash, also known as candidal intertrigo. 

Fungal sweat rash symptoms

You might have a fungal sweat rash if you notice:

• A red rash with scaling around the edge

• Sore or stinging skin

• Itchy or burning skin

• Broken skin (in the space between fingers or toes)

• Weeping skin

• Blisters

• Foul-smelling odour (if it has become infected with candida)

Let’s be honest — personal hygiene on site is about a whole lot more than just sparing your workmates from the horror of your sweaty pits. Sure, friendships are built on trust, laughs, and shared graft... but nothing tests that bond quite like getting hit by a wave of two-day-old body odour while you’re shoulder to shoulder in a cramped site cabin. Skip the shower one too many times, and you might find your mates are suddenly very keen on “fresh air breaks” every time you sit down.

But it’s not just your social life that’s on the line here — poor hygiene can come back to bite you in ways that are a bit harder to laugh off. Grimy skin, festering socks, and not washing up properly can lead to some pretty unpleasant infections. Think athlete’s foot that just won’t quit, boils, or even nasty bacterial skin conditions that keep you off work (and off the payroll). Not exactly the kind of time off anyone wants, is it?

And let’s not forget, nobody fancies the guy who smells like a forgotten sandwich at the bottom of a kit bag. Whether it’s eyeing up someone on another crew or just trying not to gross out the apprentice, keeping clean is part of the whole package. So do yourself (and your nose-blind pals) a favour: hop in the shower, slap on some deodorant, and give those boots/ brogues a breather. Your friendships will be safer — and who knows, your love life might be too!

So do everyone a favour — air out your boots, chuck your socks in the wash, and jump under that shower even if you’re knackered. Your feet (and the rest of the site) will thank you for it. Remember, personal hygiene isn’t just a “nice to have” — it’s part of looking after your health and safety, and being the kind of worker everyone actually wants to share a van with.

Stay fresh, folks!

Having said all this, the picture is the state of my own boots only the other day!