5 Effective Remedies to Cure Smelly Feet

Smelly feet is a problem that plagues a large number of people and can cause a lot of embarrassment for you as well as people around you. The main reason behind feet odor, also known as bromodosis, is sweating of the feet due to wearing the same shoes on a daily basis. Therefore, smelly feet in children and adults who have to wear closed shoes for several hours at a stretch is very common.

The reason why our feet sweat a lot is that they are densely covered with sweat glands. However, the primary cause of foot odor is not just excessive sweating, but the confluence of different factors. Two commonly connected factors are smelly feet and shoes.

Sweating problems are experienced when feet sweat in the confines of closed shoes that lack ventilation. This creates the perfect warm moist environment for bacteria which are naturally present on the skin and helps them multiply.

A result of this bacterial growth is a bad odor and sweat rash. Also, the hair on the feet provides an increased surface area for the bacteria to thrive on, thus intensifying the odor.

Socks, and the materials they are made of, also play a role.

Polyester or nylon socks made of synthetic fibers provide less ventilation as compared to a natural material like cotton. Thus, if you wear polyester or nylon socks, you are creating an environment where your feet perspire more, thereby increasing the odor.

However, cotton socks absorb sweat from the feet, and not wearing socks entirely, is likely to increase the amount of perspiration on the feet, leading to increased bacterial activity and odor.

The organisms primarily responsible for feet odor are Brevibacteria, which in the process of ingesting dead skin on the feet, convert amino acid methionine into methanethiol, which has a sulfuric odor.

If the answer of how to get rid of smelly feet has eluded you, here are some ways that are sure to help you:

Also known as baking soda, if used on a daily basis, it creates an environment where the bacteria responsible for the bad smell cannot thrive.

To try this smelly feet remedy you need to sprinkle two pinches of baking soda inside each sock and two pinches inside the shoe. Some people also find it effective to apply sodium bicarbonate directly to the feet after washing.

Another remedy for smelly feet is the use of zinc and castor oil cream. This easily available concoction must be applied everyday after the feet are washed as it performs the function of a barrier, allowing the skin to recover from the saturation condition caused by the sweat. The recommended usage period is seven to ten days. Once the problem is eliminated, a weekly application can act as prevention.

There are a number of natural and over-the-counter foot deodorants and powders you could try. An age-old natural remedy is the herb allspice. Another product you could try is activated charcoal insoles, which help keep the feet dry. Special cedarsoles are another option as they have antibacterial properties.

You could also try wiping your feet with cotton wool dipped in surgical spirit to discourage the growth of bacteria. Another very important measure is to exfoliate your feet on a regular basis to reduce dead skin that the bacteria ingest.

The easiest way is to prevent foot odor is to maintain good foot hygiene. Do this by giving your feet a good wash everyday, and then drying them thoroughly, especially between the toes. Wear a fresh clean pair of cotton socks everyday, and if possible, change them once during the day.

Also, dust your feet with powder. Avoid wearing the same pair of shoes two days in a row, which will give them a chance to dry out. You could remove the innersoles so that a good airing can be given to them. If all the aforementioned home remedies fail, then you must consult a doctor.

Disclaimer: This post is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.