Bromhidrosis (Foot Odor)

Foot odor can be mildly irritating or a social killer. Some people have it bad and need help controlling it.

Bromhidrosis is extreme odor that affects the feet. One of the most common causes is too much perspiration, called hyperhidrosis.

One of the easiest natural remedies to control bromhidrosis is to keep your feet clean and dry. Shower regularly with anti-bacterial soap and actually scrub your fee.

Then dry them well, including between the toes and use foot powders and sprays that have been specifically designed to keep feet dry. You can also use a mixture of talc or baby powder and baking soda for this.

To continue with the cleanliness remedy, it helps control foot odor if you change your socks and shoes a couple of times a day.

Rotate your shoes especially athletic shoes and use removable insoles that can be changed frequently in order to keep the smell from staying in the shoes. Wash and dry those shoes that you can and discard foul smelling shoes when the above measures don’t help.

During the summer, wear sandals as often as possible.

Natural Cures for Bromhidrosis:

Salt Water Soak:

For feet that sweat excessively, use a salt water soak to help the sweating as well as the smell. Add one half cup of kosher salt to one quart of warm water, and soak your feet for at least fifteen minutes. Once the time is up, don’t rinse your feet, just pull them out and pat dry with a towel.

Since salt dries out the skin, this will help your feet stay dry. Kosher salt works better than regular table salt, because kosher salt has larger crystals.

Tea Soak:

Is effective in controlling odor. Boil three to four tea bags in one quart of water for about ten minutes. Add cold water and ice until it’s possible to put your feet in without burning them. Soak your feet in the tea water for 20 to 30 minutes, and then dry thoroughly. Initially this can be done twice a day until the odor is under control and then go to twice a week to keep the odor from coming back.

Baking Soda Soak:

Use one tablespoon of baking soda in one quart of warm water. Ensure that the soda is dissolved, and then soak your feet for 15 minutes at a time. Sodium Bicarbonate or baking soda will make the surface of your feet more acidic, which will in turn cut down on bacteria and odor.

Rice Water Soak:

Put plain rice (not minute rice but regular) in water for half an hour. You can drain the rice out or leave in, but the point is to use the rice water as a foot soak and an effective foot odor remedy.

Apple Cider Vinegar Soak:

Dilute 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar for every 2 cups of warm water that you use. Soak your feet in the solution and the vinegar will inhibit bacterial growth and reduce foot odor production. Like the salt soak, if you aren’t going anywhere, don’t rinse your feet, just pat dry. It is better to leave the solution on your feet for as long as you can.

Sage Foot Soak:

Add one teaspoon of sage powder to hot, boiling water. Add cool water or ice until you can put your feet in the water. Sage will reduce excessive sweating and can be an effective foot odor treatment that can be done as often as once a day.