Your feet can produce up to 8 oz. of sweat in a single day due to their more than 250,000 sweat glands, according to Yoga Journal. When sweat mixes with bacteria on the skin, it can cause an unpleasant odor. In some cases, foot odor can be a symptom of an underlying infection, such as athlete’s foot. Paying a little extra attention to your feet and using products designed to fight foot odor can usually fix the problem, although you should talk to your doctor or podiatrist if your foot odor does not improve with at-home care.
Step 1
Wash your feet daily with an antibacterial soap to keep them clean and smelling fresh. Use a washcloth to scrub your feet gently, including between your toes.
Step 2
Dry your feet thoroughly after washing them, pushing a towel between the spaces between your toes. Damp feet encourage microorganisms and bacteria, explains MayoClinic.com.
Step 3
Sprinkle foot powder on your feet before putting on your socks. Over-the-counter foot powders help absorb sweat, which is the main cause of foot odor.
Step 4
Wear shoes and socks made of natural materials. Cotton and wool socks help absorb moisture, which helps to keep your feet dry. Choose shoes with ventilation to prevent your feet from getting too hot.
Step 5
Allow your feet to air out when you can. Do not wear shoes and socks constantly, as this encourages excess perspiration.
Step 6
Apply a perfume-free antiperspirant to the soles of your feet before going to bed. The aluminum-based compounds in over-the-counter antiperspirants help block the sweat pores in your feet, minimizing the amount of sweat that reaches your skin, explains MayoClinic.com.
Step 7
Brew two black tea bags in boiling water for 15 minutes. Add 2 quarts of cool water and soak your feet in the mixture for 20 to 30 minutes before working out or engaging in physical activity that causes your feet to sweat, recommends Yoga Journal. The tannic acid in the tea changes the pH level of your skin to help prevent the growth of bacteria.
Things You'll Need
- Antibacterial soap
- Washcloth
- Foot powder
- Shoes and socks made of natural materials
- Antiperspirant
- Black tea bags
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