Foot odor is commonly caused by bacteria that feed on the sweat your feet produce. When bacteria feed on foot sweat, they leave waste on your feet in the form of an organic acid called isovaleric acid. This acid has a strong odor that is why your feet smell bad when you sweat. Fortunately, you can easily treat smelly feet by following a few simple tips and techniques.
Step 1
Use antibacterial soap every day to wash your feet. This helps reduce bacterial growth. Be sure to scrub between your toes as well.
Step 2
Spray your feet with an antiperspirant in spray form. Antiperspirants contain aluminum chloride, which can help reduce moisture and bacteria. Spray it five minutes before wearing shoes.
Step 3
Apply foot powder all over your feet. Foot powder can help keep your feet cool and dry while neutralizing foot odor. Many brands of foot powder are available at your local drugstore, including Dr. Scholl's Deodorant Foot Powder or Odor-Eaters Foot Powder. You can also apply baking soda if foot powder is not available.
Step 4
Wear nylon or other synthetic socks instead of cotton. Synthetic socks draw moisture away from your feet compared with cotton socks, which absorb foot moisture. Quality synthetic sock brands include CoolMax, Wonder-Wick, Ingeo Socks, Sensura and Thermax. These socks can be purchased at any large chain sporting goods store or shoe store such as Foot Locker.
Step 5
Consult your doctor if you have seriously sweaty feet, which can indicate a condition called hyperhidrosis. You may need a prescription-strength antiperspirant such as Drysol. This medication reduces foot sweat and should be applied every night for one week.
Things You'll Need
- Antibacterial soap
- Antiperspirant spray
- Foot powder
- Synthetic socks
References
- "The Good Foot Book: A Guide for Men, Women, Children, Athletes, Senior Citizens--Everyone"; Glenn Copeland, Stan Solomon and Mark Myerson; 2005
- "Great Feet for Life: Footcare and Footwear for Healthy Aging"; Paul Langer; 2007
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