Foot odor is the condition when the foot smells bad. This condition is embarrassing to the person, especially if the odor is smelt by his friends or other people. Thus, it may reduce his self-confidence. The following are the causes, signs and symptoms, and home remedies for foot odor.
Causes
Foot odor is caused by the bacteria breaking down the sweat from the pores of the skin of the feet. According to Web MD, this happens when a person has a poor personal hygiene and wears the same shoes every day, since sweat soaks into the shoes and the person wears them again before they dry. Foot odor may also result from hormonal changes, which causes the feet to sweat more; thus, adolescents and pregnant women have higher risk for foot odor. Increased sweating or sweating more
Signs and Symptoms
Foot odor signs and symptoms include a cheesy smell, which may be unpleasant and intolerable for some. Also, the foot may be sweaty when inspected and touched. Sometimes, dead skin cells may be seen if the person lacks personal hygiene or does not wash his feet thoroughly.
Home Remedies
Anti-fungal agents may be applied to the feet as treatment for foot odor. Nevertheless, home remedies can also be done to help manage the condition.
Sage and Rosemary
One remedy for foot odor is sage and rosemary soak. According to Everyday Roots, sage has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties and rosemary acts as an astringent, antibacterial, and antifungal, which make them viable remedies for the condition. As per the publication, they will help reduce sweat production from the sweat glands, which means a less ideal environment for bacteria to thrive. The person will need a teaspoon of dried rosemary, one to two teaspoons of dried sage, and a small foot basin. To prepare, as per the publication, the foot basin is filled with boiling water and herbs are added to it. It is allowed to steep until warm enough to put the feet in. The feet are soaked for 30 minutes for one to two times a day.
Saltwater Soak
Saltwater also helps eliminate foot odor. According to Perlman School of Medicine – Universoty of Penssylvania podiatrist and assistant surgery professor Al D’Angelantonio, as cited by Men’s Health, salt pulls moisture out of the skin, which then reduces bacterial count in the area. As per the publication, the person soaks his feet for 20 minutes every day for 14 days or two weeks.
Vinegar Bath
Another remedy for foot odor is vinegar bath. According to Hufftington Post, the person soaks his feet everyday in one part vinegar and two parts water. As per New York College of Podiatric Medicine professor Dr. Mark A. Kosinski, as cited by the publication, the person soaks his feet daily in one part vinegar and two parts water. He said that the objective was to reduce the bacteria, which cause the odor.
Baking Soda
Another remedy for foot odor is baking soda. According to Top 10 Home Remedies, baking soda, also knoen as sodium bicarbonate, helps eliminate foot odor by neutralizing sweat pH and reducing bacteria count. As per the publication, baking soda is added in warm water (about a tablespoon for every quart of water). Then, the person soaks his feet in it for 15 to 20 minutes every night for about a week. Baking soda can also be sprinkled in both the shoes and socks before wearing them; this is to help keep the feet dry, preventing bacterial and sweat buildup.
Foot odor may signal an infection in the foot, due to lack of foot hygiene. Thus, it is best to apply remedies and seek consult from a health care provide for proper assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, health education, and evaluation.
