Did you know that, in each of your feet, there are over 250,000 sweat glands? Now you know how your feet can sweat so much. In fact, your feet can produce enough sweat in a day’s time to fill up a one-pint container. Rather gross, eh? If you’re having a problem with wetness and feet odor, read this informative article and learn about some home remedies you can use to stop sweating and foot odor dead in their tracks!
Why Sweating Causes Foot Odor
Sweat itself is basically composed of salt and water. Believe-it-or-not, it doesn’t really smell. But, when your feet sweat, the warm, damp environment that’s created is the perfect breeding ground for nasty bacteria to grow and multiply in. That’s what actually causes foot odor- bacteria. Talk to your family doctor about your foot odor, and s/he’ll tell you you’re suffering from Bromhidrosis. But, unless you have a medical problem that’s causing your feet to sweat excessively and produce an odor, you can treat it yourself by using these home remedies:
1. Prevent Excessive Foot Sweating
As the old adage goes, “An Ounce of Prevention Is Worth a Pound of Cure.” That statement holds true, especially when it comes to sweating and foot odor. If you take precautions so your feet don’t sweat excessively, that will practically stop foot odor dead in its tracks right there.
There are a number of things that can make your feet sweat:
a) Wearing heavy, enclosed shoes or boots, or wearing plastic or rubber shoes or boots- any material that doesn’t allow your feet to breathe
b) Wearing fuzzy/furry slippers or shoes and boots that are lined with fur
c) Wearing synthetic socks; materials such as nylon and acrylic
So, the first home remedy is to wear breathable leather or canvas shoes or boots. Avoid wearing fuzzy or fur-lined shoe and boots. They’re supposed to be warm and cozy. But, if they make your feet sweat, they won’t keep your feet warm anyhow.
Wear open or light shoes and sandals whenever you can to allow your feet to breathe and stay dry.
And, wear natural cotton socks to stop your feet from sweating and stop foot odor dead in its tracks. Change your socks every day; more often if need be*.
2. Wash Your Feet With an Anti-Bacterial Soap
Using gentle Ivory soap, a deodorant soap like Irish Spring, fragranced body washes, et cetera, in the shower is fine. Except when it comes to your feet, that is. Your feet need to be washed on a regular basis with a good anti-bacterial soap like Dial. Killing the nasty bacteria will naturally help alleviate smelly foot odor. And, be sure to rinse and dry your feet well after washing them.
*For many people, washing their feet once a day is enough to stop foot odor. For others, though, whose sweat glands work overtime, they need to wash their feet 2 or 3 times a day, dry them thoroughly and put on clean socks.
3. Soak Your Feet
Soaking your feet is another home remedy you can use to stop sweating and foot odor dead in their tracks. One effective soak is to place 5 tea bags in a quart of very hot water in a basin. Allow the tea bags to steep for 10-15 minutes. When the water has cooled down enough so you can put your feet in it, swish the water to mix the tea and water together. Then, soak your feet in the mixture for feet for 15 to 20 minutes. Dry your feet well with an absorbent towel, but there’s no need to rinse them.
A second effective foot soak is a mixture of hot water and white vinegar. Mix together 1/2 cup vinegar and a quart of very warm water in a basin. Soak your feet for 15 to 20 minutes. Then, dry your feet well- don’t forget the spaces in between your toes. Again, there’s no need to rinse your feet.
A third effective foot soak that will help prevent sweating and subsequent foot odor is to use good old-fashioned baking soda. Add a healthy tablespoon of baking soda to a quart of very warm water in a basin. Mix the soda until it dissolves completely. Then, soak your feet for 15 to 20 minutes. Finally, dry your feet thoroughly with an absorbent towel.
4. Use Rubbing Alcohol
My friend Jenny uses rubbing alcohol as an anti-perspirant on her under arms. (Never when she shaves, though.) It actually keeps her from perspiring. You can use rubbing alcohol as a home remedy to stop sweating and foot odor dead in their tracks as well. Simply wash your feet well, then dry them. Then, dab some rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball and dab it on the bottoms of your feet. However, don’t use this remedy if you have cracks or open sores on your feet as it will burn like fire.
