Stinky feet, or bromodosis, is a quite common condition.
Can you Cure Stinky Feet?
While there isn’t a cure to avoid stinky feet altogether, there are things you can do to eliminate and control the odor seriously.
Why do Foot Odors Happen?
Feet become stinky because there are a lot of sweat glands located there.
There are also natural bacteria on your feet, which is supposed to be there to help break down the sweat.
When sweat glands in the feet are in overdrive, it causes more bacteria.
These excess bacteria mixed with excess sweat is what causes that stinky smell.
Medical conditions and fungal infections can also cause stinky feet.
Lack of ventilation and keeping feet in sweaty socks all day also give you stinky feet.
Why Do Feet Smell After Washing?
Even after showering, the faster your feet begin to sweat, the quicker the bacteria form.
It doesn’t take long for even freshly showered feet to start to stink.
Deodorizing your Feet Naturally
Products like foot powders help to absorb moisture, but a natural foot odor spray deodorizes feet by using essential oils.
Essential oils are not only good for skin but contain antimicrobial abilities that kill bacteria,1Ané Orchard, Alvaro Viljoen, Sandy van Vuuren. Antimicrobial Essential Oil Combinations to Combat Foot Odour
, Planta Med
. 2018 in turn, keep feet smelling good.
A healthy and productive way to keep feet smelling good is to use essential oils for an all-natural DIY foot spray.
Start by using some of these favorites:
Lavender Oil
Lavender oil comes from the lavender plant.
It has a lot of health benefits like stress relief, but it does wonders with stinky feet.
Because of its antifungal properties, it kills smelly bacteria.
It also helps unclog blocked pores, acts as an anti-inflammatory, and treats skin conditions such as eczema.
Applying a few drops of lavender oil before bed and slipping into socks will make a difference in the smell of morning feet.
Cypress Oil
Cypress oil has a delightful scent and is often used as a natural deodorizer, working to eliminate stinky feet.
It also has antibacterial and possibly antifungal properties.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil comes from leaves of the Melaleuca Alternifolia tree.
It has antifungal and antibacterial properties, so it works to kill the sweaty bacteria on your feet.
Because it is effective at killing bacteria and body odor, there are natural deodorants on the market containing this essential oil.
Cedarwood (Junipers Virginiana) Oil
Cedarwood treats fungal and bacterial infections.
This oil has what it takes to perform well as a natural antiseptic.
It is used to treat skin conditions like eczema and fights odor with its antibacterial elements.
Sandalwood Oil
Sandalwood oil boasts antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.
This essential oil is useful for treating skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.
Its antifungal agents make it ideal for fighting foot odor.
Cinnamon Bark, Cinnamon Oil
Cinnamon Bark is a potent bacterium fighting essential oil.
Commonly used to treat skin conditions, studies have shown it has proven effective in fighting some strains of bacteria-induced illnesses.2L Mayaud, A Carricajo, A Zhiri, G Aubert. Comparison of bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity of 13 essential oils against strains with varying sensitivity to antibiotics, Lett Appl Microbiol
. 2008
It makes an excellent foot deodorizer due to its antimicrobial properties.
Other essential oils that work naturally to kill bacteria and eliminate foot odor are lemon, grapefruit, and refreshing peppermint.
DIY Foot Spray
Making a natural foot odor spray is not hard and gives you the option to customize with your favorite scented oil.
- Combine 2 oz witch hazel, and 2 oz distilled water in a 4 oz dark spray bottle* (use a funnel if needed).
- Add eight drops each of lavender, tea tree and peppermint essential oils (or eight drops of your favorite essential oil).
- Insert sprayer and gently shake to mix ingredients. Spray generously on feet and shoes. And did someone say gym bags?
* keep DIY foot spray in the dark bottle to prevent light from reducing the potency of the essential oils.
Helpful Stinky Feet Tips
Keep these other tips in mind to ramp up the sweet-smelling effects of stinky feet busting essential oils.
- Wash feet thoroughly every day with an antifungal or antibacterial soap
- Look for soaps made with essential oils for an added boost of scent, fungus, and bacteria protection.
- Soak feet in vinegar or Listerine
- Spray regular antiperspirant or deodorant on feet
- Use a natural foot odor spray or make a DIY foot spray for daily use.
- Change socks frequently (once or more per day)
- Clean and dry insoles to kill bacteria and smell caused by sweaty shoes.
When using essential oils to combat stinky feet, you can either make a DIY foot spray or mix drops of essential oil with a carrier oil and massage deeply into feet.
A carrier oil dilutes the essential oils and carries them into your skin to work their magic. Choose from popular carrier oils such as coconut, sweet almond, olive, jojoba, or argan.
Enjoy the customized natural foot odor spray made from skin-loving, nourishing, and sweet-smelling essential oils.
