If you are worried about a sweaty foot odor problem, you may need to do some basic preventive methods to avoid such problem. Foot odor refers to bad smell of the foot, and a sweaty foot deals more with sweating rather than the smell; however, if these two combine to create a problem, then it is about time to make sure to adopt some healthy ways to get rid of it.

Sweaty foot odor is caused by bacteria which causes the bad smell. These live in moist and warm environment, so you just have to make sure that possible places where bacteria can exist are kept dry. Examples are your shoes, socks and feet as well.

• Wear clean cotton socks to prevent the sweating of feet. Change socks often or change into new ones if they have become wet due to sweating.

• Rest your feet and put them up. Then, regularly wash your feet with soap and water. It may be helpful to use anti-bacterial soap to wash the feet.

• Use a good foot deodorant. You can also apply underarm deodorant to your foot.

• Clean your shoes, dry them well or air dry to keep bacteria away. Alternate wearing your shoes; don’t wear those 2 or 3 days in a row.

• Avoid wearing socks or shoes made of synthetic materials to prevent sweating of feet.

• Try to wear sandals to let your feet breath.

There are lots of effective remedies to get rid of foot odors.

• Try to use some talcum powder and sprinkle between your toes and into your socks to keep your feet dry. You can also use baking soda or corn starch as alternatives for this.

• Check with your doctor for your zinc vitamin supplements. Zinc is good to prevent foot odor.

• Soak your feet in a basin filled with about ½ gallon of water and a tbsp of vinegar to get rid of odors.

• Boil a pot of water, put in 5 tea bags and leave it to steep for about 5 minutes. When the water is lukewarm, soak your feet into it for about 10-15 minutes.

• Use a foot scrub. Make one made up of ginger, radish and lemon. Grind enough ginger and radish then add some lemon juice to make a scrub. Do at least twice a week.

• After a shower, you can soak your feet in warm water mixed with 2-3 tbsp of salt for about 10 minutes. Do not rinse with water, just dry feet thoroughly with towel.

• Try lemon juice mixed in warm water and soak your feet for about 10 minutes at least once a week.

There are over-the-counter medications, creams, foot sprays, balms, powders and lotions that are effective to combat sweaty foot odor. Check with a doctor to recommend the best for your need. You can also use activated charcoal insoles or special cedar soles to be placed inside your shoes to prevent foot odors. If everything fails, seek a good doctor - a podiatrist who can diagnose and identify the root problems of your sweaty foot odor problems.

Jason Ladock

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