Natural Home Remedies to Avoid Sweaty and Smelly Feet

Why do sweaty and smelly feet occur?

With their numerous sweat glands, the feet perspire strongly to maintain body temperature and evacuate toxins. It provides a natural environment for millions of bacteria that feed on sweat and dead skin cells. It is the by-products of these bacteria that cause the terrible smell. If, in addition, we enclose our feet in shoes, we offer them pathogens something more to feast on. The bad smell can also result from a fungal infection which has been left untreated, such as athlete’s foot which is very common. Also, those with diabetes or heart disease, as well as older adults in general, are more likely to have foot infections and a bad odour due to poor circulation.

And we can avoid sweaty feet and all these infections by a few simple homes remedies. Let’s see what are they…

How to Avoid Sweaty Feet?

Factors that can contribute to an unpleasant foot odour are varied and include:

•    Bad hygiene of the feet

•    Moist or wet shoes

•    The wearing of stockings or shoes made of synthetic materials;

•    Intensive practice of sports or physical activity;

•    Hereditary factors (family predisposition)

•    The prolonged wearing of shoes.

Some people are affected by excessive sweating called hyperhidrosis. Hyperhidrosis of the feet can promote the development of unpleasant odours.

Sweating of the feet is sometimes a predisposing factor for conditions such as plantar warts, nail diseases, and fungi.

The best way to prevent excessive sweating and foot smells is to adopt habits aimed at impeccable hygiene. Here are some tips in this regard:

•    Wash your feet daily, once or twice as needed. Make it a habit to bathe your feet in warm water rather than washing them quickly in the shower. Use a skin cleanser and foot scrub.

•    Dry your feet carefully with a cotton towel, paying particular attention to the area inside toes.

•    At all times wear clean socks and change them at least once or twice a day. Opt for natural fibre stockings, such as cotton, to allow your feet to breathe. Wash them at high temperature to remove germs. If the socks become wet, change them immediately.

Here are some other helpful tips:

•    Wear shoes that fit you perfectly and are not too tight. Change shoes when they are too damaged or show signs of moisture. In summer, or whenever possible, do not hesitate to walk barefoot or wear sandals. This allows the evaporation of sweat from your feet and prevents from smelling.

•    If your shoes are moist or wet, let them dry between uses. This can reduce the odour problem, but sometimes you will need to get rid of shoes that have absorbed water.

•    Have several pairs of shoes so you will be able to wear them alternately and this will give them time to dry between uses.

•    Put in your shoes special anti-odour soles, designed to absorb sweat and odours.

•    Dry the shoes in sunlight as often as possible.

Natural Home Remedies for Sweaty and Smelly Feet

1. Lavender oil – The scent of lavender is not only pleasant, but lavender oil also helps to combat bacteria. Besides, it contains antifungal properties that help to avoid sweaty feet. Put 5-6 drops of lavender oil in a bowl of warm water and immerse your feet in it for 15 minutes. Repeat this twice a day for a week.

2. Black tea – Not only is tea a healthy drink, but it is perfect home remedies to prevent smelly feet. It kills the bacteria that cause sweaty feet. It also helps close the pores, so there is less chance of sweat. Boil 2 black tea bags in 4 cups of hot water. Add this to a bowl of tap water for a pleasant temperature. Soak your feet for 10 to 20 minutes and do this daily for a week.

3. Baking soda – The humble compound used in making cakes is an effective way to stop sweaty feet. It neutralizes the pH or acidity factor of sweat and reduces bacteria. Add baking soda to a bowl of warm water (1 tablespoon for every litre of water) and allow your feet to rest for 15 to 20 minutes. Repeat this every evening for a week.

4. Epsom salt – It is a medicine which is good for the body and therefore also for the feet. It minimizes the odour and fights any infection. Epsom salt is also good for soothing sore feet. Put two teaspoons of Epsom salt in a bucket of warm water. Allow your feet to soak for 10 to 20 minutes. The best time to do this treatment is late in the evening, so you no longer have to wear socks or shoes.

5. Listerine mouthwash – Not only is it good for the mouth but also for our feet. It smells fresh and also kills bacteria. Mix one dash of Listerine in a container with water. Let your feet soak for 20 minutes and keep the sole underwater. Do you have wounds on your foot? Then leave the Listerine for a while. Otherwise, there is a chance of a corrosive feeling.

6. Alum powder – Alum inhibits the growth of bacteria due to its antiseptic and astringent properties. That is why old fashioned barbers still rub alum tablet on the face after shaving. Mix a teaspoon of alum powder in a cup of hot water. Wash the feet with this and then dry it thoroughly. For proper healing, alum powder can be sprinkled loosely on the feet afterwards as a foot powder for sweaty feet.

7. Vinegar – Something to borrow from the kitchen, it creates an acidic environment in which bacteria cannot survive. Any vinegar can be used, especially apple vinegar. Mix half a cup of vinegar with 6 to 8 cups of warm water. Soak your feet for 10 to 15 minutes. It is nice to wash your feet with soap afterwards, to get rid of the vinegar smell.

Medical Remedies for Sweaty and Smelly Feet

Sweaty feet are known as bromodosis in medicine.

•    The conventional treatment consists of using antibacterial soap (such as Dettol or Savlon) and washing feet regularly using warm water. The feet have to be kept dry always at all costs.

•    Broad-spectrum antifungal medicine can be applied topically in the form of ointments. The most used include Clotrimazole and Luliconazole ointments and lotions. Clotrimazole is also available as powder and  Luliconazole as a spray.

•    In extreme cases of bromodosis doctor might prescribe clindamycin cream which is a topical antibiotic.

The use of one or more of these home remedies are sure to rid your feet of bacteria and fungus in no time at all. Of course, this condition is worse when the weather is warm, so continued treatment is needed at intervals of a month or so that new bacteria colonies do not grow and bring back the pungent smell.