How To Reduce The Odour Of Smelly Feet
Are you ashamed of taking your shoes off in public because of how they smell? Are you tired of repeatedly washing your feet to get rid of the odour? Does it make you nervous about taking off your shoes in the car because it will stink up the place? If you can relate to such embarrassing situations, we can help you out.Â
- Smelly feet, or bromodosis, occur due to sweat mixing with bacteria on the skin.
- Feet have more sweat glands than any other body part, leading to higher sweat production.
- Hormonal changes and prolonged shoe-wearing can intensify foot odor.
- Soaking feet in Epsom salt or vinegar helps kill odor-causing bacteria.
- Keeping feet dry and using antiperspirants can reduce sweat and smell.
- Regularly changing socks and shoes prevents moisture buildup and odor.
- Dead skin on feet provides an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive
Smelly feet are a common problem, and you are not alone; keep on reading and learn all about why feet smell and how you can prevent this problem.Â
Why Is Your Feet Smelly?
Smelly feet are not fun for anyone, but it is a medical condition known as bromodosis and can be an issue all year around. The main reason bromodosis occurs is the build-up of sweat which can make excess bacteria grow on your skin, and when work and bacteria mix, a foul odor is created.Â
Sometimes, fungal infections such as athlete’s foot can smell your feet.Â
Your feet have many sweat glands, producing a lot of sweat. There are more sweat glands in your feet than any other body part; these glands release work all day to keep your body temperature down.Â
Everyone has sweaty feet, but sometimes hormones play a role in the sweat, making some people sweat more than others. Also, people who work on their feet all day long have sweatier feet.
Your feet have natural bacteria on them, which breaks down sweat as soon as it is released. When bacteria and sweat build-up, it creates a foul smell. Extra bacteria is created when you take off your shoes and then put them on without letting the shoes dry completely.Â
Thankfully, bromodosis can be treated, so read on below and learn about treating smelly feet today.Â
How To Treat Stinky Feet?
Stinky feet can easily be treated, but you must remain consistent with the treatment process. The best part about this issue is you do not need to invest in any medications or ointments.Â
All you need to do is alter your lifestyle a little. Follow the tips mentioned below to treat your foot odor today.Â
Soak Your Feet
If your foot odor is becoming noticeable, then the first thing to do is soak your feet in the water and start by deep cleaning them. To do this properly, take warm water and add salt or Epsom salt in a bathtub. If you do not have these salts, you can mix two parts of water with one part of vinegar and put it in a tub.
Now put your feet inside the tub and keep them soaked for at least thirty minutes. Salt helps in removing any moisture left on your skin so bacteria cannot hang around, and vinegar also eliminates bacteria.Â
However, ensure you have no cuts or wounds on your feet; vinegar and salt can hurt your injuries.Â
Keep Them Dry
Bacteria thrive in moist areas, so if you keep your feet dry, then this will help in reducing foot odor. If your feet are highly sweaty, opting for antiperspirants is a good idea. Also, as soon as you get home, you must let your feet breathe and allow them some fresh air by taking off your socks and wearing sandals.
If you find your socks getting wet from sweat, then it is good to carry an extra pair of socks so that you can change them when it starts to stink.Â
Opt for cotton socks so your feet remain breathable and sweat-free.Â
Stay Hygienic
Another standard tip to get rid of stinky feet is when people stop caring about their hygiene. It would help if you first wash your feet as soon as you get home from work and dry them immediately. Also, ensure you wear new socks daily and keep your toenails cleaned and trimmed.
If you have dead skin on your feet, then file it off because this is where bacteria thrive. Take a shower regularly so that your body remains clean along with your feet; this way, you won’t have smelly feet anymore.
Change Your Footwear
If you want to remove foul odor from your feet, you must take proper care of your footwear. Try to change your shoes daily so that the absorbed sweat dries up. This way, they will be dry when you wear them again, and it won’t make your feet stink. You can take the insoles out of the shoes and wash them.Â
This helps in making them smell better. You can also reduce the smell by spraying disinfectant on your shoes to kill bacteria.Â
Apply Powder
If you notice your feet sweating more than usual, opting for powder is the best option. Powders soak up the sweat and make your feet dry, which will help in controlling moisture and solve the odor problem.Â
Botox
This treatment option is not a home treatment but another very effective option to go for. Injection of botulinum toxin can help you with excessive sweating. A professional dermatologist injects botox into your feet for treatment, which can be very painful for some people.
The result from these injections lasts around four months max, and you will need to follow other tips and treatments along with it for maximum results. Botox is also used to treat excessive underarm sweating.Â
When Should I Visit A Doctor?
Smelly feet are not a dangerous problem, but it is embarrassing. Over time, this problem can be solved with the help of the tips mentioned above. However, sometimes smelly feet can be related to other medical conditions.
If your feet continue to smell even after treating them, then this means that you may experience something more than bromodosis, and it is a brilliant idea to visit a doctor. After a checkup, your doctor will let you know what is wrong with your feet and treat you accordingly.
Takeaway
Even though bromodosis is a common condition, it can make you incredibly self-conscious. With proper attention to your feet, good hygiene, and drying off your feet, you can eliminate foot odour in a week. Home treatments are usually very effective for this issue.Â
However, if these remedies don’t work, then don’t shy from visiting the doctor.Â
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