Stinky feet are embarrassing, that’s a no-brainer.
But, a lot of people with this problem are curious about the reason for the unpleasant odor coming from their feet and how to get rid of the smell for good.
Though all of us sometimes experience smelly feet or damp feet, for some people, smelly feet are a constant uncomfortable struggle.
This issue can impede one’s normal daily functioning and creates anxiety around exposing the feet such as wearing summer shoes, taking off shoes in someone’s home, changing shoes in the gym, etc.
Knowing this, it’s essential to rely on effective methods to alleviate stinky feet once and for all!
Here are 6 great natural ways to fight off smelly feet.
6 Effective & All-Natural Methods to Remove Unpleasant Feet Odor
- Optimal hygiene of the feet
Following a daily foot cleaning routine is pivotal for the removal of unpleasant odors.
This may require using antibacterial soap for the feet. Wash and rinse the feet daily, particularly between the toes.
When drying them with a towel, dab them gently with previous dipping in apple cider vinegar or witch hazel.
Maintain the toenails clean and short to reduce the risk of fungus. Use a file to eliminate hard skin which can become the ideal breeding ground for bacteria.
- Practice foot soaks
Salt baths, tea soaking, and soaking in apple cider vinegar are great for people with smelly feet.
Soak in the chosen ingredient mixed with warm water for 20 minutes daily or every second day.
These soaks will help alleviate fungal infections, soften the skin, and eliminate unpleasant odors.
- Add a foot scrub or a food powder to your foot care routine
After soaking the feet, use a foot scrub to get rid of dead skin cells and rinse them once again.
When they’re dry, apply foot powder that’s great for the absorption of moisture. You can choose an antifungal powder from a store or make your own at home. There are great recipes to find online.
- Change socks regularly
Wearing the same socks for several days is never a good idea, especially if you have sweaty and smelly feet.
Opt for wool, cotton, or wool and cotton socks because they absorb the surplus moisture and will keep your feet warm and cozy.
Also, don’t forget to change them on a regular basis to ensure optimal hygiene.
- Avoid wearing the same shoes every day
Make sure you have several pairs of shoes that you can rotate throughout the week.
This will ensure the previous pair can dry out entirely before you put it on again.
And, don’t forget to buy only comfortable shoes that allow the skin to breathe and don’t pull in sweat.
Sandals and flip-flops are great for the spring and summer periods when the temperatures are higher and the sweating increases.
- Improve your diet
Podiatric experts advise making healthy diet choices when trying to resolve foot odors.
Avoid too many refined carbs because they’re a great surface for fungus and bacteria in the body.
This elevates the risk of discharge phenomenon that includes the removal of bacteria and fungus into the skin to remove the dying skin cells.
If these bacteria gather around the foot which is then closed inside a shoe, there’s a higher chance of unpleasant smells.
Opt for healthy fats and proteins and complex carbs. Avoid inflammatory food, lower the intake of alcohol, and stop smoking.
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