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Home Remedies to Treat Stinky Feet

Stinky feet can be embarrassing. Many people spend countless dollars on medications to fix the problem. Many tried and true remedies can be used in the privacy of your own home. Not only are these remedies effective, they cost less than prescription medications. You probably already have the ingredients in your medicine cabinet or kitchen.

  1. Antiperspirant

    • Antiperspirants on the underarms can be used to combat odor and wetness on the feet. Since odor comes from bacteria multiplying in the perspiration, keeping your feet dry will eliminate the problem of stinky feet. Apply a regular antiperspirant to the feet twice a day for optimal results. Allow it to completely dry before putting on socks or shoes. Look for a roll-on type applicator with aluminum chloride hexahydrate as the active ingredient. You can buy special products made just for the feet, but regular antiperspirants work just as well.

    Tea

    • The tannic acid in tea can reduce foot odor. Steep four to five tea bags in a pint of boiling water for 15 minutes. Dilute the tea with two quarts of cool water. Pour the diluted tea into a dishpan or other suitable container that you can fit your feet into comfortably. Soak your feet in the tea for 30 minutes twice a day for two weeks. Any stains left by the tea can be removed with soap and water.

    Acne Medication

    • Foot odor can be caused by bacteria. A condition called pitted keratolysis causes the soles of the feet to take on a whitish look and be covered with tiny pit-like structures. Caused by the same bacteria that causes acne, pitted keratolysis can be treated with any acne medication that contains the ingredient benzol peroxide. Look for a medication with a strength of 10% benzol peroxide for best results.

    Apple Cider Vinegar

    • Apple cider vinegar has long been known for its antiseptic qualities, making it an effective treatment for foot odor. Soaking feet in a basin of warm water to which 1/3 cup of apple cider vinegar has been added can eliminate foot odor. Repeat this treatment three times a week, as needed, for continued results. Apple cider vinegar is also an effective treatment for athletes foot when applied full strength to the feet.

    Essential Oils

    • Tea tree oil and callendula oil are highly effective in the treatment of foot odor. Both possess natural anti-fungal properties that aid in the elimination of stinky feet. Apply the oils to feet that have been thoroughly cleaned and dried, paying close attention to the spots between the toes.

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