Removing foot odour can be a problem. Knowing how and why odour forms can help in getting rid of it. The waste matter that is secreted with sweat has to be removed by daily washing to eliminate odour and feel fresh and clean.
The feet are areas where germs accumulate and odour forms. Pay special attention to your feet, while bathing. After washing them well, dry them thoroughly and apply talcum powder. If you wear closed shoes, talcum powder can be sprinkled inside the shoes. However, in the hot season, slippers and open sandals are the best as they allow maximum ventilation and help perspiration to evaporate. But open footwear attracts dirt and therefore foot hygiene becomes all the more important. After a hot day, soak your feet in cold water after putting some salt in it.
A problem called ‘Athlete’s Foot’ develops easily during humid weather because it thrives on soggy (wet) skin. If neglected, it can become a stubborn problem, with an itchy and soggy condition. Athlete’s foot starts as a fungal infection. So if there is dry scaling on the feet, especially between the toes, with some itching, be sure to consult a dermatologist without delay.
Anti-fungal preparations are effective in dealing with the problem in the initial stages. However, excessive moisture caused by excessive sweating, tight shoes and humid weather can lead to bacterial activity and this worsens the condition. Avoid socks and wear open shoes, use talcum powder and keep the feet as dry as possible. In fact, during the hot and humid season, the feet should be exposed to the air as much as possible.
Weekly pedicures help in keeping the feet and nails clean and prevent fungal infections.
Beauty expert Shahnaz Husain gives you some home remedies for foot care:
Alum: Adding alum to bath water, or to water for soaking the feet helps to get rid of odour. Crush some mint leaves and add them too.
Foot soak: In one-fourth bucket of warm water, add half cup of coarse salt and 10 drops of lemon, or orange essential oil (if you cannot get essential oil, use half cup of lemon or orange juice). If your feet tend to sweat a lot, use a few drops of tea tree oil, as it has germicidal properties. It helps to deal with bad odour. Soak the feet for 10 to 15 minutes.
Foot lotion: Mix together 3 tablespoons of rose water, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and one teaspoon pure glycerin. Apply on feet and leave on for half an hour.
To remove dryness: In one-fourth bucket of warm water, put two tablespoons of honey, one tablespoon of herbal shampoo, one tablespoon of almond oil. Soak feet in it for 20 minutes.
Cooling foot bath: Add rose water, lemon juice and a splash of eau de cologne in cold water and soak feet in it. It cools, cleans and removes odour.
Massage oil: Take 100 ml olive oil and add two drops of eucalyptus oil, two drops of rosemary oil and three drops of khus, or rose oil. Mix together and keep in airtight glass jar. Use a little of this for foot massage. It removes odour, protects the skin and keeps it healthy.
Bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) helps to prevent odour. Mix a little baking soda with your talcum powder and apply on the feet.
Potato slices can also be rubbed on areas where odour forms easily.
Add two drops of tea tree essential oil to two tablespoons of water or rose water. Apply this on the feet with cotton wool.
