How to get rid of foot odor effectively. Best remedies in pharmacies, causes and treatments for sweating

Bad foot odor and sweaty feet can lead to insecurity and embarrassment. It is not difficult to get rid of this problem if you know effective ways and means.

Causes of unpleasant foot odor

Excessive sweating of the feet and their unpleasant odor are often associated with neglect of personal hygiene. However, this is far from the only factor causing unpleasant consequences.

Sweat does not give off an odor by itself, as it is mostly water. It's all about the bacteria that live on the skin, or the toxic substances that the body tries to get rid of through sweating.

The causes of unpleasant foot odor are divided into 3 types:

• natural;
• pathological;
• fungal.

Natural causes

Irresponsible attitude to one's own body is one of the most common sources of the problem:

• Poor personal hygiene practices lead to an increase in the population of bacteria that inhabit the surface of the skin. As soon as their number reaches a critical level, the feet begin to exude a fetid odor.
• Poor quality, unventilated footwear can also cause excessive sweating and smelly odors. Artificial materials block the flow of air to the feet, due to which the liquid is retained within the confined space.
• Synthetic socks, stockings, tights aggravate the situation. Also, the work of the body's thermoregulation system is disturbed by constant stress and unbalanced nutrition.

Pathological causes

There are life-threatening diseases that cause malfunctions in the thermoregulatory system and the appearance of a fetid odor:

• Infections. In the fight against foci of infection, the body triggers inflammatory processes. Thus, the body fights microorganisms dangerous to humans. This phenomenon is accompanied by an increase in temperature and an increase in the volume of sweat secreted.
• Disorders or changes in the functioning of the endocrine system... The period of puberty and menopause are characterized by increased sweating. Also, this is observed in diabetes mellitus, tumors of the adrenal or pituitary gland, goiter.
• Pathology of the cardiovascular system. An increase in the volume of sweat is sometimes indicative of heart and vascular diseases. In such cases, hot flashes are observed, especially at night.
• Diseases of the genitourinary system. Pathological processes in the kidneys, for example, affect the excretion of toxic substances along with urine (urine). The body in such cases tries to get rid of all the excess through sweat.

By the smell of sweat, you can draw the first conclusions regarding a possible disease or affected organ:

Fungal diseases of the feet

One of the reasons for the unpleasant odor can be the appearance of fungus on the feet. Infection often occurs in public pools, shared showers, for example, in a gym, in baths. The fungus is localized on the skin between the toes, both on the inside and on the outside of the foot. The reaction of the body is not long in coming.

The patient is faced with:

• itching;
• redness;
• unpleasant odor;
• peeling;

In its neglected form, the fungus leads to the formation of pustules. It is able to spread to nearby areas of the skin and soon gets to the nails. In the case of inactivity, the nail plates are damaged and their subsequent destruction.

How to get rid of foot odor: basic methods

How to get rid of the smell of feet, not only a doctor can tell, but also time-tested folk recipes.

There are several basic methods of dealing with this delicate problem:

• deodorants;
• lotions;
• creams;
• ointments;
• sprays;
• pharmaceutical preparations;
• folk remedies;
• replacement of wardrobe items made of synthetic materials.

Deodorants

Foot deodorants aren't the harmless cans that flood store shelves. This is a much more effective remedy not only for eliminating the odor itself, but also for blocking the work of the sweat glands.

Interference with the natural processes of the body cannot pass without consequences. Daily use of deodorants leads to a deterioration in the quality of the skin, so use them with extreme caution. On the other hand, this product is extremely effective at fighting not only odor.

It also:

• has anti-inflammatory effect;
• protects the skin from harmful bacteria and fungi;
• prevents irritation.

Before buying, it is better to read the reviews, assess the condition of the packaging, check the labeling. Before starting regular use, you should evaluate the effect of a particular solution on the skin, because the body may have an allergic reaction.

It is advisable to apply the product not only to the skin, but also to the inner surface of the shoe, in order to exclude the repeated ingress of bacteria on the feet.

Deodorants are divided into three types, depending on how they work:

• Masking... This type of product should be used if there is only a repulsive smell, without increased sweating. We'll have to decide between standard and flavored solutions. The former only get rid of the unpleasant odor, the latter also give the legs a certain aroma.
• Blocking. Deodorants of this type should be used only after consulting a doctor, because they can significantly worsen the skin condition. In addition, they have a specific smell.
• Complex. This solution fights microorganisms and tightens pores.

According to numerous reviews and recommendations of doctors, special attention should be paid to:

• deodorant Deo-control;
• avon foot works;
• dry dry.

Lotions

Lotions have both a deodorant and a disinfectant effect. This is an excellent remedy for the prevention of fungal diseases. Lotions are much cheaper than most deodorants, but take more time to normalize thermoregulation and kill bacteria.

You can notice the first changes after 5-7 days of regular use.

How to use:

• Rinse your feet thoroughly before using the product.
• After that, you need to moisten a cotton swab with lotion and lubricate problem areas. Particular attention should be paid to the area between the fingers.
• The procedure is recommended after waking up, before going to bed and separately after visiting places with an increased risk of fungal infection: saunas, public showers and swimming pools.

There are not so many lotions on the dermatological market. The "5 Days" remedy from Galeno Farm is rightfully the leader in this area. It is an effective and inexpensive solution that does not require a prescription and is available at most pharmacies.

Foot creams

Creams are relevant both in the fight against fungi and in the care of the skin of the feet, since they have an antiseptic effect, soften the skin, and help get rid of its keratinized excess.

According to customer reviews, an unpleasant odor is effectively eliminated:

• Clotrimazole. This cream with the active substance of the same name fights against different types of fungus. It can negatively affect the quality of the skin, causing itching, burning, blistering and puffiness. This happens with individual intolerance to the components of the drug. Its use should be discarded in case of pregnancy. It is also contraindicated in children. The cream is applied to problem areas of the skin with a thin layer. The therapy lasts 2-4 weeks.
• Green pharmacy. This tool is actively used to prevent fungal infections. It has a deodorant effect, has a positive effect on the quality of the skin, softens it and increases its elasticity. It is not recommended to use it in advanced cases, since it does not effectively fight the foci of the spread of the fungus. The cream is applied to the feet every few days.

• Foot cream "5 days". The "5 days" preparation deodorizes and dries the skin, but it is not suitable for people suffering from increased levels of perspiration, since it is not an antiperspirant. The treatment continues for 5 days. The manufacturer recommends applying the cream before bed.

Sprays in pharmacies

Foreign manufacturers know exactly how to get rid of foot odor, because it is imported products that dominate the spray market. Using them is a pleasure. There is no need to rub in anything for a few minutes or prepare special baths. It is enough to spray your feet daily after a shower.

Do not put on shoes or socks immediately after using the spray. Better to let the product absorb into the skin.

The three most popular solutions on the market:

• Oriflame Reviving Foot. Oriflame needs no introduction and the quality of its products is undeniable. Their deodorant spray refreshes feet and protects them from microorganisms. However, it does not have a pronounced aroma. They need to process not only the feet, but also the shoes, since the real cause of the fetid odor often lies in it.

• Scholl fresh step... This spray actively fights odor and reduces sweat. Against the background of competitors, it stands out for the possibility of using it by people suffering from diabetes mellitus and disorders in the work of the cardiovascular system.
• Avon Foot Works. A product in a beautiful, compact package that you can always take with you on the road. There are 2 types of this spray on sale: lime and citrus with mint. It protects the feet from unpleasant odors and gives them a light, unobtrusive scent. Avon Foot Works is a salvation on a hot summer day, because the mint in the composition refreshes the feet.

Ointments

How to get rid of foot odor can sometimes be suggested by a television advertisement, in which some really effective drugs are regularly shown. Ointments, although more expensive than lotions, cope with the fungus, even if it has already spread on the surface of the skin.

The following are considered optimal in terms of price and quality:

• Lamisil. This drug actively affects the fungus through the main active substance - terbinafine. Lamisil is characterized by an almost complete absence of side effects. Perhaps the only problem is the individual intolerance to specific components. The product is applied to clean and dry skin.The duration of therapy depends on the type of fungus and can last up to two weeks.

• Salicylic ointment. Inexpensive, but effective remedy for infectious skin lesions. It must be applied to the infected skin 2-3 times a day. Use should be limited if a person suffers from kidney disease.
• Exoderil. This ointment is suitable for those who are faced with a fungal source of a fetid odor. At the cellular level, it destroys the structure of the fungus, relieves itching and irritation. This is due to the presence in the composition of naftifine, a popular antifungal agent. The therapy involves daily rubbing of the drug into problem areas for two weeks. In the most advanced cases, treatment lasts up to six months.

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Top best pharmacy drugs

Most pharmacies sell pharmaceutical drugs that are in no way inferior in efficiency to specialized drugs:

• Teymurov's paste;
• essential oils;
• formidron;
• benzoyl peroxide lotion, gel;
• burnt alum;
• boric acid;

Pasta Teymurov

Teymurov's paste helps to get rid of the smell of feet. Both boric and salicylic acid in its formula kill most of the bacteria that exude a fetid odor, relieve inflammation, and remove excess stratum corneum. Due to the presence of lead acetate, zinc oxide, the skin dries out, which prevents fluid retention, and menthol dilates blood vessels, cools the feet.

How to apply:

• The drug is applied to washed, pre-dried skin. It should be rubbed in for a few minutes.
• It is necessary to apply the drug on the inner side of the foot, the area between the fingers and on individual foci of increased sweating.
• The procedure must be repeated daily before bedtime for 4 days.

How to get rid of foot odor using Teymurov's paste:

Lavender oil

Lavender oil has a disinfecting, tonic effect, therefore it is well suited for use after a long tiring day at work as a relaxant. In addition, it tidies up the legs, helps to relax and promotes rapid healing of calluses, minor abrasions and cuts.

An even more effective way to combat unpleasant odor will be baths with the addition of several types of essential oils:

• To do this, it is necessary to draw water into the basin, the temperature of which corresponds to body temperature, so that the liquid completely floods the feet.
• Further, 4 drops should be added to it. lavender oil and 3 drops. chamomile and mint oils.
• It will be enough to hold your feet in the bath for about 15 minutes.
• The procedure should be repeated daily for a week.

Formidron

Formaldehyde in the composition destroys the protein molecules that bacteria feed on, which prevents the spread of microorganisms. It also inhibits excessive sweating by blocking the ducts of the sweat glands.

It has increased toxicity, which is why it is contraindicated:

• nursing mothers;
• children;
• pregnant women.

With caution, the use of formidron should be considered for kidney disease, since harmful substances can be retained in the body.

How to apply:

• Before using the ointment, rinse your feet thoroughly in warm water.
• Once they are dry, apply the ointment and wait about half an hour.
• After that, the remaining funds are removed from the feet.
• It is allowed to use formidron no more often than once a day.

Benzoyl Peroxide Lotion, Gel

Benzoyl peroxide preparations are popular under the name Baziron AS. This drug is widely used for acne, but due to its antiseptic properties it will also be useful in suppressing unpleasant foot odor. The product must be applied to problem areas of the skin every morning.

The duration of therapy should not last more than 3 months due to the manifestation of side effects in the form of itching, burning and redness.

Burnt alum

Alum is a versatile antibacterial agent. It includes the mineral salts of potassium and aluminum. Its natural nature ensures the complete absence of any side effects, therefore, both adults and children can use it freely. Alum not only has an antiseptic effect, but also absorbs excess moisture.

How to apply:

• You can use alum as a powder for shoes and socks.
• They should also be applied to the feet after washing, paying particular attention to the area between the toes.
• Baths with the addition of two tablespoons of this product will not only protect the feet from unpleasant microorganisms, but also relax.

Boric acid

Boric acid is a popular antiseptic. Previously, it was used as an alternative to iodine or hydrogen peroxide. However, it is also suitable for reducing sweating levels and eliminating unpleasant foot odor.

Boric acid disrupts the nutritional environment of bacteria, which is why they have nothing to eat. As a result, they die, and with them the fetid smell goes away. In addition, it has an astringent effect, due to which the ducts of the sweat glands are narrowed.

At the pharmacy, you need to purchase exactly an alcohol solution, not a powder. Boric acid is applied to clean and dry feet through a cotton swab dipped in it. The procedure must be repeated every day for a week.

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Traditional methods

How to get rid of foot odor, will suggest alternative medicine recipes.

They actively use publicly available components, which can be found even in your own kitchen:

• herbs;
• magnesia and sea salt;
• Black tea;
• flax seed;
• Oak bark;
• edible salt;
• vinegar;
• soda;
• potato starch;
• sugar.

Herbs

Herbal baths and lotions have been used since time immemorial because they have proven to be an effective method for relaxation and combating unpleasant foot odor.

The following herbs can be used:

• Sage. Half a glass of dry sage should be poured with 1 liter of boiling water. The liquid should be infused for 15 minutes, after which it will have to be filtered. The feet are completely filled with infusion. You will need to be in this position for the next 20 minutes. The procedure is repeated daily until complete recovery.
• Chamomile... To prepare chamomile lotion, you will need to pour three tablespoons of flowers with 1 liter of water. The resulting liquid is covered with a lid and infused for about an hour. Then add 1 tablespoon of baking soda to it. The mixture must be thoroughly mixed. The resulting lotion is applied to the skin of the feet in the morning and evening over the next week.
• The sequence. The sequence must be poured with boiling water so that the liquid barely covers the grass. The mixture is boiled over low heat for about half an hour, after which it is infused for another hour. The broth in small quantities is added to the water for taking baths.
• Lavender and Yarrow. The herbs are infused in boiling water for 45 minutes. The resulting product is mixed in small amounts with warm water. The feet are dipped into the resulting liquid. You can enhance the positive effect of herbs by adding sea salt.

Magnesia and sea salt

Sea salt and magnesium (Epsom salt) are antibacterial. Also, baths based on them act as a natural antiperspirant.

To prepare such a remedy:

• it is necessary to add half a glass of sea salt or Epsom salts to 2 liters of water.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, and then lower your feet into it.
• The next 15 minutes. you should keep your feet in the resulting broth.Baths can be taken daily in the afternoon or evening.

Black tea

Black tea is used both as a lotion and as a base for baths. In the first case, you need to apply a small amount of tea to the skin of the feet every morning using cotton swabs. In the second, leafy tea is brewed in the ratio of 100 g of tea to 1 liter of water. Feet are immersed in undiluted broth. The procedure takes 15 minutes. You can repeat it every few days.

Flax seed

In the fight against increased sweating and fungal diseases, flax seed is excellent.

It should be used as a basis for medicinal baths:

• Pour 50 g of seeds with 1 liter of water.
• The liquid should be brought to a boil over low heat and then immediately removed from the stove.
• The broth is added to warm water in a ratio of 5 to 1.
• Feet are immersed in water for a quarter of an hour every evening for a week.

Oak bark

Due to the high concentration of tannin, oak bark, when used correctly, can have an antibacterial effect. The best method in this case would be a special broth-based bath.

For this:

• put oak bark in a saucepan, completely fill it with water and boil for 30 minutes.
• After that, the liquid should be infused for about an hour. Feet should be placed in the decoction for half an hour every 3 days.

Salt baths

To neutralize excessive sweating, it is recommended to take salt baths:

• Add table salt to boiling water in the ratio of half a glass of salt to 100 ml of water. Then the water should be slowly stirred until the salt is completely dissolved.
• Once the liquid is ready, you need to immerse your feet in it for no more than 15 minutes.
• The procedure should be repeated every 4 days.

Vinegar

Vinegar-based antiseptic bath is an effective remedy against pathogenic microorganisms:

• It will be enough to mix 1 cup of vinegar in 1.5 liters of water.
• The components are thoroughly mixed, after which the feet are immersed in the liquid. The procedure will take 20 minutes.
• You can repeat it no more than 3 days in a row. Then it's worth taking a break.

Soda

Baths with the addition of baking soda also have a positive effect on sweating of the feet:

• To prepare the product, you need to dissolve 1 tbsp. soda per liter of water.
• The feet are immersed in the hot liquid. The procedure takes about 10 minutes.
• It must be repeated every day for a week.

Potato starch cream

Making homemade cream will not take long, but the result will surpass all expectations:

• You will need a teaspoon of potato starch, olive oil and baking soda.
• The components must be carefully moved until a homogeneous mass is achieved.
• The mixture is applied to the feet every night before going to bed for a week.

Sugar

Baths with sugar and milk eliminate unpleasant odors and relax after a tiring day. They also remove dead skin particles thanks to sugar granules.

Preparation and use:

• Mix water and milk in a ratio of 2: 7, then add one part of sugar.
• The resulting mixture is stirred, keeping it on low heat. It is not worth bringing it to a boil. The liquid should be warm, but not hot.
• The feet are lowered into the bath for 20 minutes. At the bottom there should be sugar granules that did not have time to dissolve.
• The procedure can be repeated daily. It has no side effects or contraindications.

Other recipes for men and women

1. Rosehip-based baths help to finally overcome the problem in a few weeks. Pour rosehips with water and boil them for 10 minutes. Then the mixture must be allowed to brew. After half an hour, the liquid is filtered and mixed with warm water. Baths are taken for 20 minutes. 3 times a week.
2. Natural ground coffee trays - the pleasure is quite expensive, but the price fully corresponds to the action rendered.The feet should first be poured with warm water, after which very strong hot coffee is slowly added to it. The resulting mixture should completely cover the feet. It is necessary to keep your feet in the liquid until it cools completely.
3. Berry baths are also quite effective. However, their use is relevant only in the summer season, since frozen products are not beneficial. Strawberries are poured with a liter of boiling water and infused for the next hour. Next, the liquid is filtered, warm water is added to it.

Foot massage to treat excessive sweating

There are several types of massage that can help relieve sweating. First of all, massage with essential oils or vinegar has an antibacterial effect.

To do this, apply the appropriate liquid to the palm of your hand. Then, starting with the toes, stretch the top of the foot with sliding movements. The same sequence of actions must be repeated with its inner side.

You can also resort to acupressure, the effect of which is due to pressure on bioactive points. Before proceeding directly to the massage, you will have to learn their exact location.

The following points need to be stimulated:

• an area exactly 1 cm above the navel;
• the forearm area to the right of the tendons 5 cm above the base of the palm;
• point between the bones of the thumb and forefinger of the left hand;

The procedures must be repeated daily until complete recovery. Then, as a preventive measure, you will have to conduct sessions several times a week.

Hygiene rules

Feet should be washed daily regardless of odor. If there is increased sweating, then you will have to take a shower at least 2 times a day. Thoroughly clean the area between the fingers with soap, as bacteria can often develop there. After washing your feet, it is advisable to treat with salicylic ointment or lotion.

Also, it is imperative to monitor the condition of the shoes. After long-term wearing, they should be dried and ventilated. If there is an unpleasant odor, it should be washed. Shoes must be treated with antibacterial agents: sprays, deodorants.

Unpleasant foot odor is a purely cosmetic problem, which is easy to get rid of. You should not postpone its decision, as neglected diseases are more difficult to treat. It would be much better not to bring the feet to the point where bacteria begin to accumulate on their surface.

Article design: Svetlana Ovsyanikova

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