As summer arrives, so does smelly feet season. It happens to the best of us, but there’s an easy way to get rid of any foul odors.
A dermatologist has recommended one handy ‘personal hygiene hack’ to keep smelly feet at bay during the hot weather.
Hack for smelly feet
“Here’s a personal hygiene hack that I will not gatekeep,” Dr. Neera said in a viral TikTok video.
If you have “stinky feet, toenail fungus or crusty rough heels,” she recommends using apple cider vinegar. It contains antibacterial, antifungal and exfoliating properties which all help to reduce foot issues.
Medically known as bromodosis, smelly feet are caused by a build-up of sweat and bacteria, as well as fungal infections like atheletes food, NHS explains.
The amount you sweat can be affected by hot weather, exercise, standing all day, being overweight, hormonal changes, some medication and a condition that causes excessive sweating called hyperhidrosis.
How to apply it
Rubbing some apple cider vinegar onto your smelly feet won’t do the trick – you need to soak them in it.
Here’s what Dr. Neera recommends:
- Mix 1 cup of apple cider vinegar with 4 cups of warm water in a large bowl
- Soak your feet in the solution for 15 minutes
- Repeat this three times per week
The dermatologist says doing this will get you “odorless, baby smooth, fungus free” feet.
Speaking of foot problems, here are eight simple exercises to get rid of toe cramps, recommended by a sports chiropractor.
Preventing smelly feet
To prevent smelly feet, the NHS recommends washing them at least once a day using an antibacterial soap and removing hard skin with a foot file. You should also keep toenails short and clean and wear breathable or natural fabrics on your feet, like cotton or leather.
Always let shoes dry out before wearing them, as this moisture contributes to the foul odor. Do not wear the same socks or shoes two days in a row, and don’t wear tight shoes either.
If foot odor is still an issue, speak to a pharmacist who can provide other solutions including antibacterial soaps, powders, and creams, special foot deodorant, medicated insoles for your shoes and antibacterial socks.
Dr. Neera Nathan, MD, MSHS, is a board-certified dermatologist and skin cancer surgeon who completed her combined BA/MD program at George Washington University. She went on to do her dermatology residency at Harvard Medical School.
