Foot Odor Remedies

The minute we come across anybody with stinky, sweaty feet, we nail them as hygienically poor people. However, poor hygiene is not the only reason for foot odor. Medically known as bromhidrosis, it is caused by bacteria that thrive on moist and warm feet. The soles of the feet comprise thousands of sweat glands which on perspiration release sweat composed of water, chlorine, sodium, minerals, fats and several acids. When bacteria break this sweat, the stench we hate is brought about. This form of body odor can be quite embarrassing, however, with the help of some simple foot odor remedies that you can carry out at home, you can get rid of the nasty stench haunting your life.

Home Remedies for Foot Odor

Before we head into any of the different treatments mentioned below, it is important for us to remember that washing the feet daily with anti-bacterial soap is essential, irrespective of the remedies chosen for those with overactive sweat glands. Moreover, after feet washing, drying the feet and toes thoroughly is also important.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Besides these remedies, there are also some foot odor sprays, foot odor solutions and creams available in the drug stores. 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.