Foot Odor control And Wetness
Excessive sweat and odor are two foot problems that usually occur together. It is normal for feet to sweat because this is one way the body regulates temperature and keeps us from overheating. However, the excess moisture from sweating plus the heat inside a shoe provide a perfect environment for bacteria and fungi, which cause the dreaded odor. The more feet sweat, the worse foot and shoe odor tend to be. Sweaty feet can be a problem for children and adults alike, although older adults sweat less because sweat ducts decrease in size as we age.
Causes of Smelly Foot Odor
The fundamental cause of smelly foot odor is the process of bacteria feeding on nutrients in human sweat. The waste products left behind from this process have an odor that many people find unpleasant, and the smell can linger for a significant length of time once it develops. There are many reasons why certain people have more problems with smelly foot odor than others, but usually it is due to an excess of moisture, sometimes resulting from a greater general tendency to sweat. The styles of the shoes a person prefers, along with the frequency in changing shoes, and overall hygienic diligence can all play a role as well.
Some people have a tendency to produce more sweat, a condition called hyperhidrosis, and this can lead to greater problems with body odor including smelly foot odor. For some people, this tendency to sweat excessively is particularly focused in certain areas, such the bottoms of the feet and the palms, and these individuals may have even more issues with foot odor than other sufferers. Hyperhidrosis is sometimes treatable with various medicines, and people with the disorder can make certain lifestyle adjustments to reduce their problems.
Another thing that can lead to smelly foot odor for some people is too much time spent wearing the same pair of shoes. When someone sweats constantly into the same shoes without giving them time to dry out, it can have a cumulative effect, resulting in more odor than would normally occur. This is especially true in cases where the shoes themselves are designed so that they don’t let much air circulate, leading to an environment that promotes excessive moisture and more bacteria. To avoid this problem, some individuals purchase multiple sets of shoes and switch between them on a regular schedule.
There are also several products and specialized remedies to specifically deal with smelly foot odor. For example, there are powders designed for sprinkling in the soles of shoes to fight off bacterial infestations and give the shoes a more pleasant smell. Some people also choose to use antiperspirants and deodorants on their feet, which can sometimes be helpful. Washing the feet regularly is another potential remedy, along with salting the feet and adding baking soda to the insides of the shoes to reduce moisture accumulation. If the problem has continued for a long time with a single pair of shoes, experts suggest it can be helpful to remove the soles and replace them.
The best way to control foot odor is to keep feet as dry as possible. It may not be realistic for most people to change their socks during the day or to remove their shoes frequently to allow their feet to air-out. But some over-the-counter (OTC) products can help keep feet drier and reduce foot odor. They include:
• Antiperspirant products for the feet, such as Certain Dri Feet Moisture Control Pads
• Foot and sneaker powders for absorbing sweat and odor
• Odor-absorbing insoles that are inserted into the shoes
• Sneakers with breathable mesh tops
• Socks made with performance materials which wick moisture away from the skin better than cotton, keeping skin drier
Home Remedies for Foot Odor
There are various natural remedies for foot odor that one can adopt in order to get rid of that disdainful stench emanating from your feet. It is important to take necessary measures because foot odor can thrash one's image in social gatherings and conduce to embarrassing situations.
1. Soda Bicarbonate: Add some sodium bicarbonate to water and soak your feet in it for a few minutes. The sodium bicarbonate increases the acidic properties of the foot and helps reduce the amount of foot odor produced.
2. Black Tea: Take 4-5 tea bags and boil them in water (1 quart) for about 10 minutes. Then add cold water into the boiled tea solution till the water reaches a comfortable temperature for you to soak your legs. Soak your legs into this tea solution for half an hour. Then dry them and apply foot powder. Carry out this procedure twice a day for getting rid of this stinky problem. Once under control, repeat the same twice a week to prevent recurrence. For sweaty feet and hands as well, this remedy works quite effectively.
3. Tea Tree Oil: After a thorough shower, dry your feet and rub some tea tree oil product thoroughly onto your soles, toes and nails. There are several products that comprise a combination of tea tree oil with some cream. Refrain from applying tea tree oil directly, since it's quite strong and is capable of burning the skin. You can also take a bucket of tepid water, dissolve some shampoo into it and add some tea tree oil. Soak your feet in this water daily for about 3-4 weeks. This cure for sweating problems is quite effective.
4. Rice Water: Soak some plain rice in water for half an hour. Drain the rice to get the rice water and soak your feet into the solution. This is another effective foot odor remedy.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar: Dilute some apple cider vinegar in water and soak your feet in the solution. The proportion can be for every ½ cup vinegar add 2 cups water. The vinegar will inhibit bacterial growth and reduce odor production.
6. Sage: Sage reduces excessive sweating and can be used as foot odor treatment. Take one teaspoon of sage powder and add it to hot, boiling water. Add cool water to adjust the temperature and then soak your feet in it. Carry this out once a day.
7. Alum: Soaking your feet in alum solution will also help eliminate foot odor. Just take one teaspoon of alum and dissolve it in 2 gallons of water. Now, soak your feet in this solution for half an hour. Then, rinse with cool water. Repeat the procedure for the next 4-5 days. Soaking your feet in alum solution once a month will prevent its recurrence.
Moreover, you can also sprinkle some baking soda into the shoe before wearing them. The baking soda will absorb the moisture and keep the feet dry. Instead of baking soda, you can also sprinkle cornstarch or baby powder into your shoes. By diligently following these remedies, you can get rid of the nasty odor plaguing your life.
Foot Odor & Wetness Treatment and Prevention
The treatment depends on how much the sweating interferes with your life and on how much you sweat. You also have to consider how well a treatment works for you. Here is some tips.
• Thoroughly washing your skin with a wet washcloth and soap can help prevent body odor.
• Drying your feet thoroughly after bathing or showering.
• Changing socks every day and letting shoes dry out between wearings can help eliminate bad odor. Wearing thick, soft cotton socks helps keep feet dry. Wearing nylon socks in plastic shoes or tightly fitting shoes may not allow the feet to dry properly and can aggravate the problem.
• Letting feet dry out as often as possible.
• Applying an aluminum chloride solution to the soles of your feet.
• Tap-water iontophoresis is a mild electrical current that is passed through water and applied to the skin. This treatment is indicated in severe cases and should be under the recommendation and/or supervision of a doctor.
• Injecting Botox can also be used in cases of severe sweating and should be under the recommendation and/or supervision of a doctor.
• Surgery can be done to cut the nerves that cause the sweating in cases where all other treatments failed.
• Remember that smelly feet can also cause bad odor to your shoes. Spraying your shoes with a deodorizer can help.
Myotcstore Related Products:
Bromi-Talc foot powder for hyperhidrosis - 3.5 ozDr. Scholls Odor Destroyers Foot Deodorant Spray - 4.7 Oz
Gold bond medicated foot powder - 4 oz
Kpp Wetness Absorbs Foot Powder - 7 oz
Lotrimin AF Antifungal Foot Cream - 12 gm
Odor-Eaters foot and sneaker spray - 4 oz