7 ways to solve smelly feet, say goodbye to foot odor for good

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There are many easy ways to solve the problem of smelly feet for those who have foot odor, sweaty feet, or feet that are often damp. There are many methods that can be easily done by yourself, whether it’s taking care of the cleanliness of your feet, choosing the right socks and shoes, scrubbing and soaking your feet, or using products that help eliminate foot odor. However, for those whose feet don’t go away completely, you may need to consult a doctor for additional treatment.

How to permanently cure smelly feet

Here are some ways to fix smelly feet that you can do yourself:

1. Keep your feet clean.

The first way to solve the problem of smelly feet is to keep the feet clean. Because feet are areas with many sweat glands and are areas that are easily damp and dirty from wearing shoes and socks during the day, you should clean your feet at least once a day, เล่นเกมคาสิโน UFABET ทันสมัย ฝากถอนง่าย in the morning or when you get home in the evening, using a gentle soap or antiseptic soap to wash your feet and then rinse. 

You should also keep your toenails short, keep them clean regularly, and remove hard skin on your toenails using a brush or pumice stone 2–3 times a week to remove dead skin cells and prevent bacteria from collecting.

2. Soak your feet in salt water or vinegar.

If washing your feet with soap and water doesn’t help with foot odor, soaking your feet in salt water or vinegar once a week is also an effective way to get rid of smelly feet.

  • Salt helps draw moisture from the skin and reduces the amount of bacteria that cause smelly feet. Mix about a half cup of Epsom salt into warm water. If table salt or bath salts are not available, soak your feet in it for 10 to 20 minutes, then pat them dry.
  • Vinegar has antibacterial properties, which can help to get rid of smelly feet. Mix 1 part vinegar or apple cider vinegar with 2 parts warm water and soak your feet for 15–20 minutes. However, if you have an open wound on your foot, you should not soak your feet in vinegar, as it can irritate them.

3. Keep your feet dry at all times.

If your feet are damp, they can easily become smelly. You should dry your feet thoroughly after washing them, especially the area between your toes where they can easily become damp and bacteria can thrive. You can sprinkle a thin layer of talcum powder to help absorb sweat and moisture on your feet. At night, you can use a cotton ball soaked in alcohol to wipe your feet to help dry them, except in cases where there are cracks or open wounds on your feet, as these can irritate the wounds.

4. Be careful when choosing socks and shoes.

Socks and shoes are important factors that can cause foot odor. Here are some ways to solve the problem of smelly feet from socks and shoes:

  • Choose socks that absorb and wick away sweat and do not retain moisture, such as socks made from natural fibers and athletic socks.
  • Wear flip-flops or open-toed shoes on hot days, and walk barefoot when you’re indoors to keep your feet dry and prevent smelly feet.
  • Avoid wearing shoes that are too tight, as this can increase foot sweat.
  • Replace the insole with an insole that has antibacterial and anti-odor properties on the feet.

5. Change your socks and shoes frequently.

You should change to new, clean socks every day. Do not wear the same socks repeatedly because they can be a breeding ground for bacteria that makes your feet smell. If you are in a very hot place, exercise, or sweat a lot on your feet,  you should change to a new pair of socks.

As with shoes, you should not wear the same pair of shoes for several days in a row. If your shoes are sweaty or wet, you should air them out in the wind or weak sunlight to allow the sweat and moisture in the shoes to dry for at least 1 day before wearing them.

6. Use foot odor eliminating products.

Using foot deodorizing products is a convenient way to deal with smelly feet. These products, available in many forms such as foot powders and sprays, absorb moisture from your shoes, prevent fungus and bacteria from growing, and provide a pleasant smell.

7. Consult a doctor.

Sometimes, persistent smelly feet can be a sign of a health problem that needs proper diagnosis and treatment, such as  hyperhidrosis, athlete’s foot, diabetes, thyroid disease , stress, and hormonal imbalances in menopausal women.