Offer - Urjas Oil for just ₹ 1
Smelly feet are a common enough problem around the world. Medical science even has a name for it: bromodosis. The bad news is that keeping your feet odour-free requires a routine. The good news is that there are several tried-and-tested remedies that are easy, cheap and effective.
Find best medical apps
Billions of Staphylococcus epidermidis bacteria live on our feet. When our feet sweat, these bacteria break it down into organic volatile compounds including fatty acids and isovaleric acid - which creates a musty odour.
Sweat, grime and dead cells build up on our feet over time. When we neglect to clean our feet thoroughly and regularly, it encourages bacterial growth and smelly feet.
Scientists have found that feet that have more exoenzymes like lipase, protease and callous-degrading enzymes tend to have stronger odours. Exoenzymes are enzymes that our cells release outside their walls.
Foot infections like athlete's foot may also lead to foot odour.
Foot odour can be really embarrassing, especially when you need to take your shoes off in public. But you do not need to worry. Getting rid of foot odour is not that difficult. You just need to make some small changes in your life and take a little more care of your feet.
Simple as it sounds, cleaning your feet with soap and water removes sweat, dirt and germs. And a fresh foot is least likely to smell. Washing your feet, especially after returning from work or at the end of the day, also relaxes you.
While regular washing should take care of most bacteria, you can also buy medicated soaps and foot sprays from your local pharmacy. These soaps and sprays are made to kill bacteria and wash off excess chemicals like the odour-causing exoenzymes. Make sure you ask your dermatologist to know which soap or spray is best-suited to your skin.
If excessive sweating is the problem, you can opt for an aluminium chloride solution. This solution has been scientifically proven to reduce skin pores and hence control hyperhidrosis of feet, ultimately getting rid of smelly feet. It is available in the form of both ointments and sprays in the market,
Design and trends aside, there are a few things to keep in mind while shopping for footwear:
Washing your feet is not enough. Our shoes gather germs, dirt and dried sweat particles over time. And this can lead to stinky feet.
Your socks are just as important as your footwear, and a lot easier to wash and dry - even in the monsoons. Nowadays there are many brands that make quirky, interesting socks. Try buying different kinds, for variety as well as dry and odourless feet.
Shoes protect our feet, but sometimes our feet need to relax. While you may have to wear shoes or close-toed sandals outdoors, try to leave your feet uncovered when you’re home. If you are uncomfortable walking barefoot, however, try wearing open chappals or flip-flops.
If the foot odour still persists after everything you did for routine foot care, you can try home remedies. Apart from helping you get rid of foot odour, some of these tried and tested remedies have added benefits, like relieving stress and fatigue.
Epsom salt is a natural anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory (reduces swelling and pain) agent. Not only does it suppress microbial growth but also it helps you get rid of any swelling or pain that may be associated with foot infections. Furthermore, Epsom salt is a muscle relaxant and can be an excellent way to destress after a long day at work. Drawing up an Epsom salt bath for your feet is simple and cost-effective:
What you’ll need:
Procedure:
Note: Do not use very hot water, as it can lead to burns and irritation.
Research shows that apple cider vinegar is an excellent antimicrobial and antifungal agent, and hence a great option to eliminate foot smell. There are many techniques to use apple cider vinegar:
i. Apple cider vinegar soak:
What you will need:
Procedure:
Note: Do not burn yourself by putting your feet inside hot water. Check the temperature of water carefully before moving to other steps.
ii. Apple cider vinegar direct application:
What you will need:
Procedure:
Note: Do not forget to apply the solution in-between your toes.
Essential oils such as lavender oil, lemongrass oil, clove oil and cinnamon oil have antimicrobial properties, and can, therefore, help to reduce foot odour.
What you need:
Procedure: