When your feet get wet or sweaty, they can begin to get stinky very quickly. Foot odor is largely due to bacteria that grows and thrives in the moist environment of sweaty feet. Keeping your feet clean and dry can help stop a stinky-foot problem. Feet that continue to smell after using home remedies should be examined by a physician to eliminate the possibility of underlying medical conditions that are contributing to the odor.
Step 1
Wash your feet daily to keep bacteria and other microorganisms from building up in between your toes and on the soles of your feet. Though you may be tempted to use perfumed soaps to cover unsavory smells, using a mild soap is best.
Step 2
Pay special attention to the areas in between your toes when you dry your feet after a shower or bath. Leaving areas of your feet damp invites bacteria to grow and produce odor.
Step 3
Sprinkle an anti-odor foot powder on your feet after bathing. Use liberally on the soles of your feet, but avoid letting the powder clump between your toes, which can lead to more odor when you begin to sweat again.
Step 4
Wear cotton socks and change them frequently. Cotton is a natural fiber that allows your feet to breathe, rather than trap in unpleasant odors. If your feet are damp when you change socks, be sure to dry them before donning a new pair.
Step 5
Wear shoes that are made from leather or canvas, to allow for further "breathing room" for stinky feet. Plastic, rubber and nylon shoes are not recommended for people with recurring foot odor problems because these materials trap in odor and bacteria and may cause your feet to sweat more.
Step 6
Keep several pairs of shoes at the ready and alternate wearing them to stop stinky feet. Sweaty shoes need time to dry and air out; wearing them continuously just perpetuates the odor problem.
Step 7
Use a prescription strength antiperspirant, if all else fails, that contains aluminum chloride hexahydrate to combat excessive sweating, a condition called hyperhidrosis. Apply the antiperspirant to the bottoms of your feet at bedtime.
Things You'll Need
- Soap
- Towel
- Foot powder
- Socks
- Canvas or leather shoes
- Prescription antiperspirant (optional)
