Foot Odour: Tips to Keep Your Feet Fresh and Clean

Ayurveda recommends proven natural ways of treating Foot Odor or Bromodosis

Foot Odor or stinky feet is a very common medical condition. This condition is caused by a build-up of dead cells and sweat that breeds bacteria. It is the bacteria that cause a bad odor.

Other common conditions caused by fungal infections like athlete’s foot can also cause bromodosis. Bacteria and fungi thrive in moist areas of the body. So, it is important to keep your feet clean, dry, and well moisturized to keep these microbes at bay.

Before learning the remedies for treating foot odor, it is important to understand the root cause behind your stinky feet. 

What causes bromodosis or feet odor?

The most common causes of bromodosis are –

1. Sweat

The most notable cause of smelly feet is sweat. Our feet have the maximum number of sweat glands because of which sweating is natural. But some people experience excessive sweating which can be because of a genetic condition, hormonal changes, or certain medical conditions.

2. Microbial infections

Sweat in itself does not have a bad odor, but it creates the perfect environment for bacteria and fungi to breed and grow. It is these microbes that result in a stinky odor.

3. Poor Hygiene

Dirty spaces provide the perfect ambiance for bacterial growth. People who maintain very poor foot hygiene can also suffer from bromodosis. Failing to wash their feet or change their socks regularly can make their feet stinky.

10 Natural Tips for Treating Foot Odor (Bromodosis)

Bromodosis is a very common condition, but luckily in most cases, it can be treated naturally right at home with proper and regular foot care. 

Check out these 10 simple natural tips for treating foot odor.

1. Soak your feet in salt water

Soaking your feet in salt water not only relaxes your feet and eases your pain, but it also helps in treating your feet’ odor. Take a tub of warm water and add about ½ cup of Epsom salt. Soak your feet for 10-20 minutes and cleanse them with a pumice stone. The Epsom salt pulls out the dead skin from your skin and keeps your feet healthy.

2. Try Vinegar soak sometimes

While soaking your feet in salt water is a great idea, trying a vinegar soak is also worth it. Vinegar helps remove bacteria from your feet which helps in controlling the bad odor. Take a tub of warm water and add apple cider vinegar or white vinegar to it. Soak your feet in it for 15-20 minutes. Scrub with a pumice stone and pat your feet dry with a soft towel. 

3. Exfoliate your feet with a scrub

Exfoliation of dead skin is very important to fight dry, rough, and cracked skin. You can use a scrub or a pumice stone to gently exfoliate the dead skin which breeds bacteria. Using a pumice stone 2 to 3 times a week can help avoid build-up. Avoid scrubbing too hard as it can harm your feet.

4. Lavender Oil

Aromatherapy with essential oils promotes healing and wellness. But did you know it could cure your smelly feet too? Lavender oil has antibacterial properties that help kill the bacteria responsible for foot odor. In addition to that, lavender oil naturally smells good. Apply a few drops of lavender oil and massage your feet well.

5. Lemon Juice 

Lemon juice is a natural and very effective tool to fight foot odor. Lemons are rich in citric acid that helps break down dead skin and calluses. It also contains potassium that helps moisturize the skin and keeps it supple. You can take two spoons of lemon juice and mix it with one spoonful of sugar. Scrub the mixture on your feet for a minute or two and rinse with warm water.

6. Aromatic foot massage

Massaging your feet with aromatic essential oils like peppermint, tea tree essential oil, or eucalyptus essential oil can help in getting rid of feet odor. Peppermint essential oil has a soothing aroma and it is anti-inflammatory in nature. Tea tree oil has potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help fight the microbes causing nasty foot odor. Eucalyptus oil helps replenish the skin while killing odor-causing bacteria.

7. Baking soda

Baking soda has an excellent capacity to absorb moisture and fight odors. It has an anti-microbial activity that has the ability to kill odor-causing bacteria. Add ¼ cup of baking soda to a tub of warm water and dip your foot in it for 15 minutes. It helps restore the pH balance of your feet and reduce bacteria. You can also squeeze a few drops of lemon juice for better results. 

8. Tea soak

One of the best home remedies for foot odor is soaking your feet in black tea decoction for about 30 minutes. Tea contains tannic acid that kills bacteria, closes the pores, and reduces sweat. This keeps your feet dry and odor-free. Green tea also works great in naturally cleansing your feet. Green tea is packed with vitamin E, vitamin C, and B vitamins. It has antioxidizing and anti-inflammatory properties that nourish and hydrate your feet. 

9. Practice good hygiene

Taking good care of your feet is very important to keep the odor-causing bacteria at bay. Wash your feet with antibacterial soap, and scrub your feet using natural exfoliators like coffee and sugar, or lemon and sugar. Dry your feet thoroughly. Keep your toenails short and clean and file off any dead skin on the feet. Wipe your feet with alcohol wipes before wearing your shoes.

10. Keep your feet dry

One of the major reasons for foot odor is the moisture or sweat in your feet. So, it’s important to keep your feet, shoes, and socks as dry as possible. Pat your feet dry after a bath or a swim. Keep an extra pair of socks in your bag. Use shoes and socks made of natural materials like cotton or leather. Disinfect your shoes using sprays or powder and use different pairs of shoes every alternate day.

Cautions!

• Do not use vinegar soak if there is a cut, sore, or scratch on your feet as that may burn. Vinegar may irritate open sores. So, check your feet before going for a vinegar soak.
• Baking soda may not suit everyone. It is advisable to do a patch test before applying it to your feet.
• Check your feet regularly for cuts and sores and take good care with regular massage and moisturizer.
• Scrub your feet gently during the morning or evening shower. Dry your feet after washing and apply an organic moisturizer.
• Avoid shoes and socks that are too tight and make sure to change your socks every day.

Treating Foot Odor – Your Takeaway!

Foot odor or Bromodosis is a very common problem that can affect one’s confidence and social life. Though it is not painful and can be treated at home in most cases, it is important to take care. In case, there are sores or cuts or signs of infection, then you may consider consulting a doctor.

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