Home Remedies for Smelly Feet

Plenty of people suffer from stinky feet and it can be embarrassing to those who do. However, there are ways to prevent foot odor and remedies to get rid of it.

Selecting the Right Kind of Shoe

One factor that leads to smelly feet is shoes that trap moisture, so going barefoot as much as possible is one good way of preventing this. However, we can't always go barefoot so what do we do then? We find the right type of shoe. Dermatologists often recommend shoes that "breathe." In the spring and summer, sandals work well as long as they are not made of plastic, but what about other times of the year when you need to wear regular shoes or boots? It is recommended to look for shoes with leather uppers or canvas shoes that can be machine-washed.

Shoe manufacturers are very much aware of this problem and are further looking into it. Some are using Polartek fleece to line boots and Nike is investigating Gore-Tex for some of its sneakers. Make sure whatever shoes you choose, to buy more than one pair. Also, make sure to dry them out for at least a couple of days between uses. Other people suggest spraying them with rubbing alcohol or soaking a paper towel with rubbing alcohol and stuffing it in the shoe overnight to disinfect them. If they are washable they should be washed occasionally to get rid of bacteria that is causing the problem.

Epsom salts

Epsom salts is a common product for sore muscles and infected cuts. People with foot odor have tried soaking their feet in epsom salts as well and have had success with it. It is recommended to add a handful of epsom salts to a pan of very warm water and soak feet for 20 to 30 minutes, several days in a row. One problem is it can cause irritation but it is very unlikely.

Tea Soak

Tea has many wonderful wonders just like vinegar does and that is why this remedy does not surprise me at all. It is suggested to steep five tea bags in a quart of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes. Allow it to cool, then soak your feet for 30 minutes. This can be repeated daily or every other day.

Other popular remedies

Another popular and helpful remedy is baking soda or plain table salt dissolved in warm water. Take 2 tablespoons of baking soda or table salt and put it in 2 quarts of water. Soak your feet for 30 minutes every night for a month. This simple kitchen remedy may have the same effect as epsom salts.

Another reason for smelly feet could be sweat. That is why if you have this problem it is important to wear shoes that allow your feet to "breathe." So to avoid smelly feet, avoid sweaty feet.

My sources for this article is the book, Best Choices from the People's Pharmacy.