What Helps Smelly Feet?

Smelly feet usually don't herald a serious medical condition, but they can be an embarrassing and inconvenient problem. Instead of putting on combat boots and refusing to take them off until you're in the safety of your own home, address the problem and feel comfortable wearing flip-flops again. Consult a doctor before using any home remedies or over-the-counter treatments to treat your foot odor.

Causes

There are more sweat glands on your feet than other areas of your skin, according to ePodiatry.com. Because this sweat becomes trapped inside your socks and footwear, the bacteria on your skin will cause a reaction when it comes in contact with sweat, making your feet smelly. When sweat and bacteria soak into your socks and footwear, it can make your shoes smelly, which creates a smelly feet cycle.

Home Remedies

Bathe every day, paying particular attention to your feet. Wash your feet carefully with soap, then dry your feet and the areas between your toes thoroughly with a clean towel, advises MayoClinic.com. To neutralize the odor on your feet, place four teabags in about 1 quart of water and let them soak for approximately 10 minutes, says Diana Bihova, M.D., clinical instructor of dermatology at NYU Medical Center in "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies." Add cold water until there is enough of the liquid to soak your feet, then place your feet in the water for 15 to 20 minutes.

Over-the-Counter Treatments

If home remedies are ineffective, over-the-counter antiperspirants and powders may help absorb sweat and keep your feet dry. Purchase a foot deodorant or a regular underarm antiperspirant and apply it generously to your feet immediately after showering. Put on clean cotton socks that are designed to eliminate moisture. If necessary, change your socks once or twice a day to keep them dry.

Prescription Treatments

If smelly feet are not treatable with over-the-counter or home remedies, consult a foot and ankle surgeon, recommends the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. The doctor may prescribe a prescription antiperspirant, like aluminum chloride hexahydrate, to apply before going to bed. In severe cases, the surgeon may cut the nerve that triggers sweating in the foot to keep the feet permanently dry.

Expert Insight

According to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, individuals with smelly feet usually have the condition year-round, not only during hot weather in the summer. Generally, individuals with sweaty feet also have smelly feet. By eliminating the sweat, you'll likely be able to eliminate the smell.