Holiday Ayo - Socks may seem trivial, but they can actually affect your foot health. Many people choose black because it's considered neutral and easy to match with various outfits.

However, according to doctors, wearing black socks too often is dangerous because it can trigger various skin and nail problems.

Why Can Sock Color Affect Your Health?

"Socks protect your feet while maintaining moisture and temperature for comfort," explained Dr. Chandler Hubbard, assistant professor at the School of Podiatry, University of Health Sciences, USA, as quoted by the Huffington Post.

However, not many people know that color also has a significant impact on socks and overall foot health.

Dark colors like black, navy, and dark brown actually carry certain risks that you should be aware of.

According to Dr. Chandler, wearing dark socks can trigger skin irritation and even contact dermatitis.

This is because the dyes in dark fabrics are usually more intense and fade easily, especially when in direct contact with the skin of the feet.

These dyes can stick to the skin and nails, causing dark spots and itchy feet caused by socks, a risk many people are unaware of.

Furthermore, sensitive skin can experience mild allergic reactions to inflammation if exposed to these dyes continuously.

Risk of Fungus and Blackened Nails

Dr. Ebonie Vincent-Sleet, a US podiatrist, echoed this sentiment.

She stated that black socks tend to provide insufficient air circulation for the skin to breathe. As a result, sweat becomes trapped inside, creating a damp environment—an ideal breeding ground for fungus.

"Black dyes can stick to nails and encourage fungal growth, especially if you frequently wear closed-toe shoes," explained Dr. Ebonie.

This can exacerbate the cause of itchy feet caused by socks and make nails appear dull or black.

If you still like wearing black or dark socks, don't worry. You can still wear them safely as long as you follow these doctor-recommended tips for choosing healthy socks:

1. Wash your socks before wearing them. This helps reduce dye residue that can bleed onto your skin.

2. Use breathable materials, such as cotton or bamboo fiber, to allow your skin to breathe.

3. Avoid materials that are too thick, especially if you sweat easily.

4. Change socks daily and ensure your feet are completely dry before putting them on.

"Make sure the material allows for adequate air circulation and is comfortable on the skin," adds Dr. Chandler. That way, you can stay stylish without sacrificing foot health.

The bottom line is, foot dressing isn't just a fashion accessory, but also an important part of your foot health.

So from now on, don't just choose a color; pay attention to the material and cleanliness.