6 At-Home Remedies for Curing Smelly Feet

Many people would agree that having smelly feet ranks in the top 10 most embarrassing things.  If when you kick off your shoes you can easily clear out a room, we’re talking to you.

Smelly feet are the result of a natural process of bacteria growing on your feet that are essentially ‘eating’ the sweat that has soaked your shoes and socks. This creates an acid by-product that causes an unpleasant smell.

To prevent smelly feet, the podiatrists at Triad Foot & Ankle Center recommend these simple at-home remedies to help reduce bacteria and keep your feet smelling fresh:

1. Salt water Soak: Salt water is known to extract moisture from your skin, which will also help to reduce the amount of bacteria living on your skin. Soak your feet for 20 minutes in warm water with ½ to 1 cup of kosher salt. Soak your feet every day for two weeks.

2. Tea: Tea’s acid can close the pores in your skin, which helps to reduce the amount of perspiration you produce. In addition, tea is a natural antibiotic, which also helps to kill bacteria on your feet. Boil one pint of water for 15 minutes and use two tea bags. Then add two quarts of cool water and pour the mixture in a tub or bowl. Soak your feet for 30 minutes once a day for seven days.

3. Vinegar: Vinegar has the ability to starve bacteria because of its drying effects. Use one part vinegar with two parts water in a tub or bowl large enough to submerse your feet in. Soak your feet once a day for 30 minutes for seven days.

4. Choose The Right Socks: The type of socks you choose can affect how smelly your feet are. Nylon can keep moisture on your feet, while cotton tends to let your feet breathe. Also, if you tend to sweat a lot, bring an extra pair of socks with you when you leave the house, and change them out in the middle of the day.

5. Disinfectant Spray: Lysol Disinfectant Spray is great for killing the bacteria in your shoes. Spray the Lysol in your shoes and then spray a clean pair of socks and put them in your shoes. Let the socks sit in your shoes overnight; they will help the Lysol soak into your shoes and kill the bacteria.

6. Corn Starch: Believe it or not, corn starch is just as good as the expensive powders on the store shelves. Just sprinkle some corn starch in your shoes, which will absorb any moisture. Don’t worry about letting it sit. You can put your shoes right back on and go about your day.

7. Antiperspirant Spray: Using antiperspirant spray twice daily can help keep fowl smells at bay. The aluminum chloride found in the spray reduces sweat, which helps to control the bacteria known for fostering unsavory smells. Plus, it helps prevent athlete’s foot!

For more information about keeping your feet healthy or to make an appointment with one of the podiatrists at the Triad Foot Center, visit www.triadfoot.com or call 336-375-6990.

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