What Helps with Foot Odor? How to Get Rid of Foot Odor?

Foot health is often an overlooked but extremely important issue. There are many causes of odor, which is one of the most common problems affecting the feet. These causes can vary from person to person. Depending on the reasons, different methods can be employed to prevent foot odor in everyone.

What Causes Foot Odor?

The feet are one of the areas with a high concentration of sweat glands, which is why odor can frequently occur. There are various reasons for foot odor that can differ from person to person. Based on these reasons, different methods can be employed to prevent foot odor.

When the weather is warm or during intense exercise, your feet sweat. If this sweat is not cleaned away, it can lead to odor.
If sweat on the feet is not cleaned off, bacteria begin to grow. This makes the feet a conducive area for both foot odor and bacterial infections.
Cuts, wounds, or ingrown toenails on the feet can also promote bacterial growth. Failure to treat an existing wound can cause odor. Individuals at high risk for infections include older adults, diabetic patients, and those with weakened immune systems.
Another common cause of foot odor is fungal infections. The foot area is suitable for fungal development, making it difficult to get rid of them. Athlete's foot and toenail fungus can cause your feet to smell. Besides foot odor, they can also cause itching and redness.
Not washing your feet can lead to odor. The same applies if you wear socks that haven’t been washed regularly.
Wearing shoes that have a bad odor can also cause foot odor. Sweat left in shoes can enter the feet and promote bacterial growth.
During pregnancy, hormonal changes can lead to increased sweating, which can also result in foot odor.
In cases of excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), foot odor can develop.
Foot odor can occur in stressful situations, in individuals who spend long hours on their feet, in those with thyroid or diabetes issues, during menopause, and in individuals wearing ill-fitting shoes.

What Helps with Foot Odor?

There are measures that can be taken to reduce and eliminate foot odor. First, you should ensure that your feet are clean. Keeping your feet clean by washing them daily with soap and water helps prevent odor. You can wash your feet while taking a shower or soaking in a tub. It is recommended to use antibacterial soap to prevent bacterial growth. After washing your feet, you should avoid walking around without drying them. Walking around in a wet state can promote bacterial development. You can use talcum powder to absorb moisture and sweat, and keep your toenails short and clean to prevent bacterial proliferation.

You should change your socks daily. Cotton socks absorb sweat, while socks made from synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon can lead to increased sweating. If your feet sweat during the day, having an extra pair of socks can help prevent odor before it starts.

In addition to changing socks, foot care is also essential. Removing dead skin and calluses is a good step to prevent bacterial proliferation. Uncleaned skin can lead to bad odor over time. After improper care, odor can develop from bacteria on the feet, and insufficient water intake can lead to toxin accumulation in the body. These toxins can cause foot odor. You can drink enough water to help flush toxins from your body.

Men’s feet tend to sweat more frequently than women’s. If your foot sweats excessively, you might try changing the shoes you wear to alleviate sweating. Women often prefer narrow-toed shoes. If you think your shoes are too tight, opting for a larger size may provide you with more comfort.

In hot weather, you might consider wearing open-toed shoes to allow your feet to breathe. Wearing the same pair of shoes consistently can lead to the development of a bad odor over time. To prevent this, you can rotate at least two pairs of shoes.

Another method is to regularly apply disinfectant spray to your shoes. Disinfectants kill bacteria in shoes. Antiperspirant powders for feet help keep the area dry and free from bacteria. You can consult your doctor for more information on foot hygiene.

How to Prevent Foot Odor?

There are several measures that can be taken to prevent foot odor. These measures can be listed as follows:

Wash your feet at least once a day.
Use a file to clean hard skin on the feet.
Keep nails short and clean.
Allow shoes that have been exposed to sweat to dry before wearing them again.
Change socks daily.
Wear shoes that fit properly.
Alternate between wearing different pairs of shoes.
Replace shoe insoles that are damaged due to moisture.
Wear shoes made of leather and other natural fabrics that allow the feet to breathe better.
Air out your feet as much as possible.
Avoid walking barefoot in communal areas like swimming pools and gym showers.

What Are Natural and Medical Methods for Foot Odor?

Natural methods that can be applied at home can help reduce and prevent foot odor. You can ensure their effectiveness by doing these methods regularly and diligently.

Lavender Oil: Essential oils are a good way to eliminate foot odor. By massaging your feet with lavender oil, you can prevent odor and kill bacteria on your feet. After washing and drying your feet, rub them thoroughly with a few drops of lavender oil. You can also apply lavender oil between your toes before bed; this will stay there all night, enhancing its effect.
Salt: Soaking your feet in salty water can reduce sweating. You can prepare the mixture by adding 4 teaspoons of salt to 1 liter of water. You can soak your feet in this mixture for about 15 minutes in the evening. After 15 minutes, it’s important not to forget to dry your feet with a clean, dry towel.
Vinegar: You can neutralize odor by killing bacteria with a vinegar foot bath. Fill a container large enough for your foot with warm or cold water, then add ⅓ cup of apple cider vinegar and soak your feet for 15 minutes. If necessary, you can perform the vinegar water soak several times a day.
Tea: You can benefit from the antibacterial properties of tea by using brewed tea bags for a foot bath. Sage and green tea are also good options.
Epsom Salt: You can also take a foot bath with Epsom salt. This salt is known to be effective in preventing foot odor. Add 2 cups of Epsom salt to a container and soak your feet in this mixture for 10-15 minutes twice a day.
Foot Deodorant: If you still experience sweating and odor despite foot care, you may want to consider foot-specific deodorants.
Baking Soda: You can use baking soda, which you use in your kitchen, to eliminate foot odor. It kills the increased bacteria on your feet, balances the foot's pH level, and thus helps prevent odor. To use baking soda on your feet, you can put some inside your socks. Alternatively, you can soak your feet in warm or cold water mixed with baking soda. For the mixture, 1 tablespoon of baking soda is sufficient for 1 liter of water. You can soak your feet in this mixture for 10-20 minutes.

You should try all these methods after consulting your doctor. If your foot odor does not improve with natural methods, you can share this with your doctor and start medical treatment. Your healthcare professional will provide appropriate treatment and guidance based on their assessment.

Last Updated Date: 09 February 2024

Publication Date: 09 February 2024

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