Smelly Feet in Summer: Here are the Home Remedies for Smelly Feet

The moment you open the shoes, a sharp smell spreads all over the atmosphere, making you feel uncomfortable and awkward. So in this article, we will share the home remedies for smelly feet. Because you do not want to accept that you are responsible for it, but you have no choice to keep them shut from getting ashamed. 

Yes, we are talking about smelly feet that are medically termed Bromodosis. It is a usual sweaty feet condition that can happen to anyone. Smelly feet in summer are normal as the body heats quicker in summer, making the feet skin pores emit more sweat to cool down the body temperature. 

What causes smelly feet?

The feet create plenty of sweat; it has more sweat glands than any other part of your body. These sweat glands release sweats during the day to keep your body cool and keep the skin moist.

Sweating feet is normal, but pregnant women and teenagers are more likely to have sweaty feet because their body creates hormones that cause them to release more sweat. People who work all day on their feet, or going through a medical condition, or having a lot of stress that causes them more sweat than others towards having sweatier feet. 

There are some natural bacteria on your feet; these bacteria help sweat to break down on the feet as it is released. If sweat and bacteria build-up, then the foul odor forms. Some extra bacteria manage to form when the person sweats in the shoes, takes them off, and after that, puts them back on without fully drying the sweat. 

However, poor hygiene can also play the role of causing bromodosis. Not washing foot properly or not changing the socks can allow growing extra bacteria on the feet. This might cause foot odor to worsen.

Main Causes of Smelly Feet

Smelly feet produced due to the following reasons:

• Wearing the same socks and shoes repeatedly.
• Keeping your shoe in the darkroom and not allowing it to dry.
• Poor Hygiene
• Depression and stress.
• Hormonal change in teenagers and pregnant ladies.
• Some medication that causes sweating.
• Hyperhidrosis 
• Harsh environment.

What is Diaphoretic?

It is an abnormal condition of sweat that happens in excess of secretion even when the environment is cool, and there is no physical exercise. It is also called hyperhidrosis; this condition begins to see an abnormality in an underlying health situation. Sometimes it may be like threatening or requiring immediate medical attention. 

Prevention Tips for Smelly Feet:

It is a natural body happening that cannot be stopped, although it can be prevented. Follow these few tips that will help you from smelly feet.

• Spray antiperspirant in your feet.
• After the bath, dry it properly with the towel between toes to prevent the foot odor.
• Always use the detachable insole so that you can change it daily.
• Always wear fresh socks or choose those socks that provide the most ventilation.
• Canvas or leather pair of shoes are best to use in summer.
• Use antibacterial soaps.
• Use talcum powder before wearing shoes.
• Do not wear tight shoes.

Home Remedies for Smelly Feet

There are simple hacks that can help to get rid of smelly feet. These home remedies are easily available; also, they give the best results for the smelly feet.

Exfoliate

It is a process of removing all the dead skin from your body. Use the pumice stone to scrub the feet and remove all the dead skins because of that there will be no bacteria to feed them on. 

Vinegar Soak

Take warm water, mix it with white vinegar or apple cider vinegar in 2:1 proportion. Now soak the feet into the water for 10 to 20 minutes, do this every day.

Salt Soak

Salt is the best therapy mix the small amount of Epsom salt that contains sulfate and magnesium in warm water and soaks the feet for 10 to 20 minutes. This salt therapy will also help to release from muscle pain.

Baking Soda

It absorbs the moisture and neutralizes the ph of sweat from the body. Use the baking soda mix into the water and soak the feet for 10 to 20 minutes daily. Also, you can sprinkle the baking soda in the shoes.

Black Tea

It contains tannic and gas astringent properties; it kills the bacterias, and it also seals the sweat pores. Steep the black tea bags in water and soak the feet for 10 to 20 minutes daily for best results.

Lavender Oil

Put a few drops of this oil into the water and dip your feet for 10 to 20 minutes. It will kill the bacteria; also, the feet smell good. Lavender oil has antifungal and antioxidant properties.

Cedarwood Oil

This oil has antiseptic and antibacterial properties and is also used in aromatherapy. Put some drops in water and soak the feet for better results.

Medical Treatments for Smelly Feet

Iontophoresis

It is the process of passing the mild electric current to the skin through the water. In this process, anti-inflammatory medication like calcium chloride and acetic acid are mixed in the water. After that, they give through the skin by mild electric current. The feet absorb the mixture, and it helps in stopping the excess sweat. This method is only used for severe sweat problems.

Botox Injection

It is a process of injecting botox into the feet, and it is a painful treatment, and it lasts for three to four months.

What is the Athlete’s Foot?

In medical terms, it is known as tinea pedis. It is a dangerous fungal infection; it is found between the toes due to the excess of sweat from the feet. Basically, this fungus affects the feet as it grows in the warm environment and moist area. It can spread from feet to hand, this infection is dangerous, and it can sore through locker room floors, swimming pools, and showers. 

Many times it can be seen that athletes because they are loaded with plenty of sweats, and it makes the perfect environment for the growth of fungus. However, it is not a serious infection; if you have not taken the precautions, then it hard to cure it.

Essential oils to Get Rid of Athlete’s Foot

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is an antifungal and antiseptic property that helps to kill the fungus.

Peppermint Oil

It contains menthol and omega 3 fatty acid that helps in nurturing your skin and relieve the inflammation.

Eucalyptus Oil

This oil kills the bacteria and prevents the blisters on your feet, also provides the softens and nourishes the skin of the feet.

Lavender Oil

This oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and it also helps in removing the foul smell from the feet.

READ MORE: Tips to Avoid and Treat Shoe Bites

Final Words

Smelly feet in summer are normal. Instead of ignoring it, you can use the home remedies for smelly feet, which we have mentioned above, to get rid of foot odor within a few days. 

Always remember, as you take care of other parts of the body, you should also nurture the feet and its hygiene, so the next time you will not fear to take the shoes off. If you find this information, drop a comment below this section.