We sweat a lot during summer and running around in the heat only makes it worse. Most of us are plagued with foot perspiration, wet hands, and odour. And dealing with the embarrassment of sweaty feet and hands is whole stress on its own.
What exactly causes your feet and hands to smell?
What are Sweaty Feet and Hands?
Sweaty feet is also referred to as plantar hyperhidrosis. It’s a hereditary condition which can bring about excessive production of sweat. This condition can be caused due to several reasons such as warm weather, fever, infection, certain fabrics, and also when nervous.
Causes of Sweaty Feet:
1. Wearing fabrics that are not breathable
You should switch to socks with a more breathable fabric like cotton or wool socks to discourage excessive sweating.
2. Warm Weather
Avoid wearing leather or closed shoes during summer. Instead, opt for closed-toe shoes for allowing your feet to breathe.
3. Taking refined carbohydrate diet
Eliminate refined carbohydrates from the diet and balance healthy fats and protein by taking anti-inflammatory foods. This can reduce inflammation, and in turn the foot odour.
4. Poor personal hygiene
Keep your feet clean at all times. Make use of mild soap to wash your feet daily. Scrub gently using a soft brush in between your toes, and dry out your feet thoroughly.
5. Hormonal Changes
This is common among pregnant women and teenagers as their body goes through a huge transition during this stage.
Home Remedies for Sweaty Feet:
1. Baking Soda:
Description: Baking soda is also known as sodium bicarbonate. This is also an effective home remedy to prevent foot odour. It can balance the PH levels of sweat and prevent bacteria.
How to Use:
- Mix one tsp of baking soda in warm water.
- Soak your feet in the water for 15-20 minutes once a day for one week.
Note: You can also sprinkle baking soda inside your shoes and socks before putting them on.
2. Lavender Oil:
Description: Lavender oil not only smells great but also helps in killing bacteria. It also contains antifungal agents effective for treating foot odour.
How to use:
- Add a few drops of lavender essential oil in warm water.
- Soak your feet for 15-20 minutes.
Note: Try this procedure twice a day for two weeks.
3. Alum
Description: Alum powder contains astringent and antiseptic properties to prevent bacterial growth.
How to use:
- Mix one tsp of alum powder in a cup of warm water.
- Soak your feet in this solution for 15-20 minutes.
- Try this remedy once daily.
Note: You can also sprinkle alum powder once you dry your feet.
4. Epsom Salt
Description: Epsom salt is effective in fighting off microbial infection and neutralizing foot odour. It can minimize the odour coming from your feet.
How to use:
- Mix two tsp of Epsom salt in half a bucket of warm water.
- Soak your feet in the solution for 10-15 minutes daily.
- Dry your feet and do not wear socks or shoes for a few hours.
Note: This detoxifying foot bath can also soothe aching feet. Try it before bedtime for best effects.
5. Black Tea
Description: Black tea contains tannic acid that can help in killing foot odour causing bacteria. It can also help in closing pores over your feet, and reduce sweating.
How to use:
- Boil two black tea bags in three cups of hot water.
- Fill half a bucket of normal water for lowering the temperature.
- Soak your feet in the solution for 15-20 minutes.
Note: Try this solution daily for one week.
6. Vinegar
Description: Vinegar has acidic agents and helps to prevent smelly feet. It also acts as an astringent for keeping skin pores tight.
How to use:
- Add half a cup of vinegar to six cups of hot water.
- Soak your feet in the solution for 10-15 minutes.
- Wash off your feet thoroughly using a mild soap.
Note: You can also make use of apple cider vinegar for this remedy.
7. Borax
Description: Borax is an effective remedy for treating sweaty feet. It acts as a disinfectant for keeping food odour under check and for killing bacterial residues.
How to use:
- Sprinkle borax into the inner corners of your shoes and socks.
- Wear your shoes minus the smell.
Note: You can also make a solution using borax and vinegar in two cups of water. Spray your shoes using the solution.
8. Sugar Scrub
Description: You should make it a point to remove dead skin cells and calluses from foot to prevent odour. Make use of a scrubber daily for cleaning your feet. To make a natural sugar scrub, here is what you need to do:
How to use:
- Mix one part of isopropyl alcohol to five parts of water.
- Add sugar to the solution.
- Scrub your feet using the mixture for five to ten minutes.
- Try it twice or thrice a week.
Note: For best results, soak your feet in warm water before using this natural sugar scrub.
9. Sage
Description: Sage leaves have tannic acid to reduce sweat for preventing foot odour. Additionally, this herb has antibacterial and antifungal properties.
How to use:
- Place dried ground sage inside your shoes.
- It can absorb odour and leaves a pleasant scent.
Note: Additionally you can take one cup of sage tea before bedtime or soak your feet for 15 minutes in sage tea.
10. Ginger Root
Description: Ginger roots are a natural remedy for smelly feet as it can prevent bacterial growth and remove toxins.
How to use:
- Make a puree of ginger root.
- Steep the puree in a cup of warm water for 10-15 minutes.
- Strain the mixture.
- Massage your feet using the solution before bedtime.
Note: Repeat this routine once daily for two weeks.
11. Cornstarch
Description: Cornstarch works similar to talcum powder and prevents sweaty feet in an instant. Applying the cornstarch on your feet can absorb the sweat and keep your feet dry.
How to use:
- Dust cornstarch powder over feet.
- Allow it to sit for 30 minutes.
- Wash off with warm water.
Note: You can also mix baking soda with cornstarch for best effects.
12. Cold Water
Description: Coldwater is an effective remedy for preventing foot sweat. You can soak your feet in cold water and also drink 10-12 glass of water daily to reduce foot odour.
How to use:
- Add cold water to a bucket or a small tub.
- Soak water in the cold water for 10-20 minutes for instant relief.
Note: If you are suffering from excessive sweating, then you should soak your feet in the cold water for 20-30 minutes.
13. Rosewater
Description: Rosewater can naturally cleanse sweaty feet. You can purchase it from nearby stores, or make your own pack at home. Here is how you can make your natural rosewater:
How to use:
- Soak fresh rose petals in a clean bowl filled with water.
- Keep it for 15-20 minutes.
- Strain the mixture and transfer it to an empty container.
- Dip a cotton ball in the solution and wipe your feet with it before putting on shoes.
Note: Mix vinegar with the rosewater to keep your sweaty feet dry for a longer period.
14. Lemon Juice
Description: The acidic nature of lemon juices not only kills bacteria that causes foot odour but also refreshes the skin. It can also prevent excessive sweating.
How to use:
- Add lemon juice and vodka in a bowl.
- Dip cotton onto the solution.
- Dab the cotton over your feet.
- Wash off after 20 minutes.
Note: You can also use a solution mixed with lemon juice and salt. Use this mixture on your feet until it absorbs into your skin. This solution can decrease excessive sweating.
15. Tomato Juice
Description: Tomato juice acts as a natural coolant when applied on skin and prevent sweating. It can lower body temperature when you dip your feet into tomato infused solution. The sodium levels present in tomato can keep your feet dry.
How to use:
- Squeeze out the juice from fresh tomatoes.
- Mix it with cold water.
- Dip your feet in the solution for 15-20 minutes.
- Wash off using a mild soap.
Note: You can also rub the pulp of tomato onto foot directly to soothe skin.
Prevention for Sweaty Feet and Hands:
- You must maintain good hygiene always. It is important to wash your feet daily and keep it dry at all times. Dry your feet using a towel after bath.
- Do not wear the same footwear daily. This can generate foot odor. Allow your shoes to dry out in direct sunlight.
- Wear cotton or wool socks and change them frequently.
- You can try antifungal foot powder, foot scrubs, and foot soaks to eliminate foot odor.
- Reduce cigarette smoking and drinking alcohol to relieve perspiration and foot odor.
Tips for Avoid Sweaty Feet and Hands:
- As strange as it may sound, you must avoid eating spicy and pungent foods such as onions and garlic. These food items can directly excrete through sweat in your foot.
- Avoid putting on cotton socks as it holds moisture to the skin and worsens food odour.
- Wear open-toed sandals in the summer, and stay barefoot when indoors.
- Put on medicated insoles in your shoes as it has a deodorizing effect.
- If you suffer from excessive sweating, then talk with a podiatrist. You might be suffering from a condition known as hyperhidrosis which causes sweating.
Final Words about Dirty Sweaty Feet and Hands:
- The sweaty foot is often accompanied by offensive odour known as bromhidrosis. This condition occurs in children and adults alike.
- There are home remedies and preventive measure to get rid of foot odour. For that you should maintain good hygiene, make use of foot powder, deodorizer, and foot scrub. You should scrub foot to remove calluses, rotate shoes, change socks frequently, and watch your diet.
- Foot odour occurs when bacteria break down the sweat glands and releases a foul smell. It can also be caused by daily stress, wearing shoes daily without changing, and even hormonal changes.
Do you have any question? Comment below.
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