Stinky feet are caused owing to several reasons. Genetics, diet, poor hygienic habits are some of the reasons for this condition. While one can have no control over factor like genetics, the rest of the causes can be addressed by awareness. This article tries to learn how to get rid of stinky feet.
The feet are one of the most neglected parts of the body. Only when complications like itching, bad odor and cracks develop in the feet, one decides how to get rid of stinky feet.
While there are medications like antiperspirants and injections to treat severe cases of this condition caused by excessive sweating, mild to moderate cases can be addressed by home made remedies. Some of these treatment options are:
Diet: Zinc is a nutrient which should be present in sufficient amounts in the body. Its deficiency can cause stinky feet. Intake of 50mg of this nutrient through diet for two week can treat bad odor from feet.
Avoiding garlic and onion from the diet is also a good practice. These substances are believed to interfere with the digestive system of the body and produce bad odor.
Foot Wear: The choice of foot wear is vital for feet health. As we spent most of our time in our workplace, our feet remain covered by shoes. If the choice of the shoes is such that they have holes, it is better. This ensures proper circulation of the air and the bad odor is kept at bay. Cotton socks should be preferred over the woolen ones.
Hygienic Habits: It is a good practice to pat the feet dry with a soft towel after a shower. Keeping the feet wet allows the fungus to grow.
At least twice every week, the feet should be soaked in a tub of water with two to three tea bags dipped in it. A natural substance known as tannic acid in tea helps in effectively dealing with the menace of how to get rid of stinky feet, if it is soaked in this preparation for half an hour.
Top 10 Ways of How to Cure Smelly Feet:
- Alcohol: Scrub the feet while taking a shower. It removes the bacteria which spreads the foot odor. Then, dip some cotton balls in alcohol and rub the feet. Allow it to dry thoroughly
- Baby Powder: The sweat that forms on the feet all along the day can be absorbed by baby powder, providing a fresh smell
- Tea Bags: It contains tannic acid which does not allow the sweating to cause and thus there is no odor. Two tea bags can be brewed in one quarter of warm water. Soaking feet for one week every night is all it takes to keep smelly feet at bay
- Natural Deodorants: Turnip, radish and ginger root juices are natural deodorants. They can be rubbed on the smelly foot
- Apple Cider: This easily available kitchen product can be added in a tub of water. Soaking the feet on this blend several times a week can be beneficial. The feet should be dried after soaking
- Zinc: Our diet should provide this nutrient sufficiently. Smell feet can be an outcome of zinc deficiency. Intake of 50 mgs of zinc per day can treat this condition
- Bleach: Quarter cup of bleaching powder can be added in the warm water. Soaking the feet in this preparation for half an hour is useful. The feet should be rinsed and dried thoroughly
- Cilantro: It works as a great metal detoxifier and absorbs bad smell of the body well
- Choosing Shoes: If the shoes have holes in them, then the air circulates in and out, without allowing the smell to form
- Disinfectant Spray: Applying a good anti-bacterial spray on a dry feet can be the best way to of answering the query how to cure smelly feet
Things to Know on Foot Deodorant
In the present day hectic lifestyle, one gets little time to care for his/her body, leave aside the feet. Spending excess time outside the house leads to wearing the shoes on for long hours. Smelly foot is an obvious consequence along with the risk of developing infection. A foot deodorant can come handy in order to deal with such undesirable foot condition.
There are several body care products available in the market today. But, very few people bother to spend some time on the ingredients with which these products are made.
Chemicals used in the preparation of these artificial products take their toll on the body sooner or later. Awareness about the deodorants, especially the one used for feet can help us make the right choice while buying them.
How to Apply Foot Deodorant?
- Care should be taken that the deodorant bought is specifically meant for foot
- On reaching home, wash the feet with mild and gentle soap
- Use a soft towel to pet the feet and dry it thoroughly, with special attention to the region between the toes
- A hair drier can be placed in medium setting and used to dry the feet further, if the requirement is felt
- Read the instructions mentioned in the label of the deodorant mentioning its direction of use
- Special emphasis is given to drying the feet as keeping it wet reduces the effectiveness of the deodorant and increases the risk of fungus growth and athlete’s foot condition
How to Prepare Natural Foot Deodorant?
Baking soda and corn starch in equal parts can be mixed together. Few drops of essential oil for fragrance can also be added to this natural preparation for getting rid of smelly feet.
Mineral water, witch hazel extract and aloe vera gel each in quarter part should be mixed. Then a teaspoon of glycerin, few lavender drops and essential oil should be added to this liquid. The natural preparation can be transferred a bottle and shaken well prior to the use.
2 Comments
The simplest solution I’ve come across is to buy a good, all-natural foot cream. Lavilin (www.lavilin.com) does the trick for me. I haven’t had any odor problems since switching over 6 months ago.
I like Lavilin too! I run 1-2 times a day and Lavilin somehow destroys my foot odor for several days per use!! Love it.