There are various ways to get rid of foot odor that are effective and you can try. By applying these methods, it is hoped that foot odor will no longer be a problem that can interfere with comfort and lower your self-confidence.
The problem of foot odor can be experienced by anyone. However, foot odor is generally more common in people who rarely wash their feet, rarely change socks and shoes, or often wear closed shoes throughout the day.
In addition, smelly feet can also be caused by several diseases or medical conditions, such as severe stress, excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), hormonal changes, and fungal infections of the feet.
Various Ways to Get Rid of Smelly Feet
For those of you who often experience foot odor problems, here are ways you can do to overcome them:
1. Keep your feet clean
Wash your feet every day in the shower. Rub your feet with a washcloth that has been smeared with soap between your fingers. After that, rinse and dry your feet thoroughly.
If necessary, soak your feet for at least 20 minutes in warm water mixed with half a cup of salt or vinegar. These ingredients can help inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause foot odor and maintain the natural moisture of the foot skin.
However, if you have sores on your feet, it's best to postpone soaking your feet in salt water or vinegar until they heal.
2. Change shoes regularly and store them properly
When leaving the house, wear sandals to reduce sweat production and minimize foot odor. If you want to wear shoes, choose a size that fits your feet and can keep your feet dry, such as leather or canvas shoes.
If possible, you can provide at least 2 pairs of shoes so that they can be used interchangeably. The reason is, using the same shoes in two consecutive days can trigger the appearance of foot odor.
Also, store your shoes in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. This is important to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi that cause foot odor in shoes.
3. Choose socks that absorb sweat
Regularly changing socks and choosing the right socks can also minimize the appearance of foot odor. When traveling, you should use cotton socks because they easily absorb sweat, so your feet stay dry.
Also, it's important to bring a spare pair of socks or two so they can be changed when your feet get wet or sweaty and smelly.
4. Use deodorizing foot products
In addition to the three methods above, you can also use the following products to get rid of foot odor, including:
- Deodorant or disinfectant spray, to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi that cause foot odor
- Foot powder, to absorb sweat, cover foot odor, and inhibit fungal growth
- Antiperspirant, to keep shoes dry
- Essential oils, for example those containing lavender, lemon, mint, tea tree oil, and eucalyptus oil, to disguise odor on the feet
Those are various ways to get rid of foot odor that you need to apply regularly. If all that still doesn't work to get rid of the smell on your feet, consult a doctor. The doctor will perform an examination to detect the cause of your foot odor and prescribe the appropriate medication.
