Smelly feet isn’t only a burden to the owner but a problem for people around them. Bromodosis, or smelly feet, is a very common medical condition. It’s due to a buildup of sweat, which results bacteria growth on the skin. These bacteria cause bad odors.
Fungal infections like athlete’s foot can also lead to bromodosis. Poor hygiene can also play a role in causing bromodosis. Infrequent foot washing or not changing your socks at least once a day can allow extra bacteria to begin to grow on your feet. This can cause foot odor to worsen. The good news is that bromodosis is easy, quick, and inexpensive to treat.
Home treatments for smelly feet
- Use a mild soap and scrub brush to wash your feet at least once a day. The best time to do this is during your morning or evening shower. It’s important to dry your feet completely after washing. Pay special attention between your toes, where any wetness can easily cause bacteria to grow.
- To immediately get rid of foot odor, it’s safe to apply antiperspirant or deodorant spray to your feet.
- Clip your toenails often so they’re short, and make sure to clean them regularly.
- Remove the hard, dead skin from your feet with a foot file. Hard skin gets soggy and soft when it’s wet, creating a place where bacteria like to live.
- Change your socks at least once a day.
- Wear open-toed sandals in warm weather, and go barefoot indoors when appropriate to allow your feet to stay dry.
- Avoid shoes that are tight or may retain moisture.
- Use a cotton ball to apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol to your feet every night. This will help to dry out your feet. Avoid applying it to any cracks in your skin.
- Alternate between shoes, have at least two pairs of shoes that you alternate wearing every other day. This allows each pair to thoroughly dry out from sweat or moisture for a full day before being worn again. You can remove the insoles in your shoes to help them dry again. Wet shoes allow bacteria to grow on your feet more quickly.
- Apply an antifungal foot spray or medicated foot powder on your feet once daily.
- Insert medicated deodorant insoles into your shoes.
- Try various types of antifungal and antibacterial soaps until you find one that works best for you.
