HOW TO PREVENT FOOT ODOR AND KEEP YOUR FEET SMELLING FRESH

April 16, 2013 by  
Filed under Tips for Ayurveda

prevent foot odorFoot odor is a major concern for many. In summer shoes stink of foul smells and it becomes impossible to have a meeting or even walk beside a person with foot odor. You can interpret the face expressions of those who are annoyed when the place is stinking . You better avoid feedback , worst case the person totally avoids you.

Basic cause of foot odor is sweat. Sweat combines with the harmless bacteria that live on the skin . When the environmental conditions are warm and damp the bacteria on the feet multiply and break down into foul smelling by- products. The conditions worsen when you wear shoes that prevents air circulation and synthetic socks that keeps the feet closed without absorbing the sweat.

At times the bacteria will overgrow and will lead to blisters on the feet or between the toes. You need to be extremely careful with the selection of foot wear and the socks. You can keep your feet smelling fresh by following these tips:

  • Wash your feet as soon as you finish working out. To prevent the growth of bacteria keeping your feet clean and dry .
  • If you can’t shower right away, rub your feet with antibacterial wipes or cloths containing tea tree oil, a natural antiseptic and astringent.
  • Keep toe nails short, because bacteria can collect underneath. Rub diluted tea tree oil on your feet and thoroughly on toes/nails after showering. Tea tree oil kills foot fungus and smells nice too.
  • Check your feet for any signs of fungal or bacterial infection, and treat any symptoms promptly.
  • If your feet are excessively sweaty, try using an antiperspirant on your soles.
  • Use odor-fighting insoles, like Dr. Scholl’s Odor-X insoles, which contain charcoal and baking soda to neutralize odors.
  • Air out your shoes for at least a day before you wear them again, especially sneakers and boots. Don’t wear the same pair of shoes two days in a row.
  • Sweaty feet and shoes that don’t allow air circulation can lead to fungus and bacteria breeding inside your shoes and socks. These germs can cause an embarrassing odor when you remove your shoes. Wear shoes made of breathable materials, like canvas, leather or mesh, and avoid plastic or nylon shoes.
  • Wear thick, absorbent cotton socks with shoes. Opt for moisture control socks. Change socks daily. Avoid socks made of synthetic material. For closed shoes always wear socks, even if it is for a short duration. Sweat that collects in the shoe creates foul smell later.
  • Apply on your feet daily a non-medicated powder, like baby powder or foot powder.
  • Salt water can dry out your skin so if you wash your feet in it then you can reduce the moisture of your feet and that will reduce their tendency to get stinky fast. When you are done with your shower, soak your feet in a solution of lukewarm salt water. Don’t rinse it off; merely wipe it off with a towel and let your feet dry fully before putting socks on.
  • Soak your feet in tea that has attained normal room temperature.  The tannic acid present in tea works effectively on feet. Black tea is best although green tea works as well.
  • Ginger, radish and lemon are all good products for creating a foot scrub that will truly cleanse your feet. Do this once or twice a week.how to prevent foot odor
  • If you need to wear the same shoe in a row then sprinkle talcum powder inside the shoe. An ideal alternative will be corn starch or baking soda.
  • Place crumpled newspaper inside damp / wet shoes , paper will absorb moisture and foul smells keeping them dry overnight.
  • After a bath, wipe your feet with IPA (Isopropyl Alcohol 70%) available in medical store. It will prevent bacteria growth.
  • Minimize food like garlic, onion, pepper if you perspire a lot. These food items stimulate your sweat glands and thus resulting in sweaty and stinky feet.
  • Stress and anxiety increase production of sweat, later on causing unpleasant body and foot odor. Practice relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation to keep away stress. A relaxed mind gives a healthy body.


Ayurveda recommends the following home remedies to keep away body and foot odor.

  • Immerse foot in Neem leaves water for 20 mins, frequency once a week. It has anti-bacterial property. Use neem soap available in the market.
  • Extract juice of radish or turnip . Apply this on your foot and let it dry.
  • Use cotton swabs dipped in Vinegar to wipe your feet and under arms too. The foot will be free of bad odor throughout the day.how to prevent foot odor
  • Soak your feet for 20 minutes in a basin containing lukewarm water , salt and herbal ingredients as recommended by the Vaidyar.
  • Extract tomato juice. Add ½ cup of tomato juice to a bucket of bathing water. You can keep body odor at bay too.

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