Foot Odor Remedies
August 19, 2009
Undoubtedly, you are embarrassed by your smelly feet. Foot odor, however, is not a health hazard. It largely occurs due to overactive sebaceous glands. Bacterial and fungal infections of the feet can also make your feet smelly.
Foot odor can also be a symptom of athlete’s foot. Isovaleric Acidemia, a rare genetic condition, also produces smelly feet. This genetic condition is characterized by inadequate secretion of an enzyme required to break down leucine, a type of amino acid in the body. Presence of excess isovaleric acid in the body makes the feet smelly.
Foot odor home remedies
Footbath
Several home remedies could help you to get rid of your foot odor. By killing bacteria responsible for causing food odor, tannin present in black tea could help to eliminate foot odor. Soak your feet every day in black tea for about half an hour. Similarly, you can take a footbath with diluted vinegar to reduce foot odor.
Presence of excessive moisture in your foot will encourage bacterial growth. Remember to dry your feet properly after washing or after taking a footbath. If your feet are prone to excessive sweating, try to avoid wearing socks. If you cannot stay without socks, choose synthetic socks. Synthetic socks reduce the dampness of your feet by soaking the excess moisture.
Do not wear wet shoes. Try to dry wet shoes in direct sunlight. If your feet are not prone to excessive sweating, applying mildly fragranced powder or even cornstarch can help to remove foot odor. However, do not apply powder if you are foot is prone to excessive sweating. The powder would form flakes on your foot, clogging the pores of the skin.
Shoe freshener
Shoe fresheners can help to reduce foot odor. Cedar and charcoal shoe inserts can help to remove odor from your shoes and feet.
Antiperspirant and deodorant
You can use a deodorant or antiperspirant to remove odor from your foot. By reducing the dampness needed for the odor emitting bacteria to thrive, antiperspirants reduce foot odor. However, using antiperspirants for a long time increases the risk of contact dermatitis. The acidity of deodorants is unfavorable for bacterial growth.
Food
Certain foods are responsible for foul body odor. If you are prone to foot odor, reduce intake of garlic, onions and alcohol.
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