Stinky feet or bromodosis is an unpleasant situation that occurs when your feet start sweating. The sweat results in bacteria growth on your skin causing a bad odor. [1]
This condition can get worse if your feet are enclosed in small spaces such as shoes and socks. Although it is quite common among people, having smelly feet is quite embarrassing and sometimes doesn’t go away quickly even after a refreshing bath.
Luckily, there are some essential oils for stinky feet that can help you to get rid of this situation naturally. These therapeutic oils have antibacterial properties that may help kill the bacteria that cause bad odor. [2]
Continue reading if you are interested to know the name of those essential oils and how they can help you to get rid of foot odor.
5 Effective Essential Oils for Stinky Feet
1. Eucalyptus Oil
For decades, eucalyptus essential oil has been popular as an antifungal, antibacterial, antiseptic, antiviral, and anesthetic agent. It’s considered one of the best natural remedies for smelly feet.
In a 2012 study, eucalyptus oil successfully killed Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria, implying that it may kill other bacteria as well. [3]
Fungal infections such as athlete’s foot can also cause a bad smell in your feet. This essential oil can be an effective treatment for this condition as well.
2. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint essential oil is quite popular due to its soothing and refreshing effect, thanks to menthol, a key component that has a soothing effect on your sore or unhealthy feet.
This oil is rich in antimicrobial and antibacterial properties that help fight the bacterial attack on your feet. [4]
Besides, peppermint oil has potent aromatherapeutic effects, meaning that it can spread a pleasant aroma instead of just canceling out the foot odor.
3. Lavender Oil
Soothing and relaxing, the sweet-scented lavender oil is quite famous among the essential oils lovers.
This therapeutic oil has been a go-to solution for covering body odor, as well as foot odor.
Apart from its sweet smell, a lavender essential oil also contains strong antibacterial and antiviral components that may kill the bacteria responsible for stinky feet. [5]
However, do not use an excessive amount of this oil for topical application as it might be drying for the skin.
4. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree essential oil is considered one of the most versatile oil, thanks to its more than 92 therapeutic components.
Foot odor mostly occurs due to the bacteria that infest your shows and stick on your feet. Tea tree oil is rich in antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic effect that can fight the odor-causing bacteria. [6]
Due to its numerous medicinal properties, tea tree oil can also soothe athletes’ feet, another main reason for smelly feet.
5. Lemon Oil
Lemon oil has been a famous deodorizing agent traditionally, thanks to its incredible citrusy scent.
Derived from the oil gland of lemon peel, this essential oil is rich in antifungal, antiviral, and antiseptic properties.
Lemon oil’s ability to fight various types of bacteria has been demonstrated in several scientific research. [7, 8]
Remember, lemon oil can make your skin photosensitive. So, you are recommended not to expose your skin to the sun right after you apply this oil.
How to Use Essential Oils for Stinky Feet
Foot Soak:
- Fill up a bowl or tub with water and add 10-15 drops of any above-mentioned essential oil to that water.
- Soak your feet in that water for 15 minutes.
- Repeat this procedure three times per day for a week.
Spray:
- You can also make an odor spray by mixing rubbing alcohol or vodka with a few drops of essential oils.
- Spray that mix to your shoes and your feet to get rid of bad odor.
Some Safety Tips for Using Essential Oils
- Some essential oils, such as eucalyptus is found to be toxic and may cause seizures if ingested orally. So, do not consume essential oils.
- For topical application, do a patch test before regular use.
- Do not apply any essential oil directly to your skin. Dilute them with a suitable carrier oil.
- Store the essential oil in a cold and dry place.
- Keep the essential oils away from children.
Do You Need to See a Doctor?
Stinky feet are not a severe medical condition and usually do not require any medical attention. Home remedies such as essential oils may help you to get rid of this situation naturally.
However, if your odor is caused due to some fungal infections that do not go away using natural remedies, you need to see a doctor and start proper treatment.
Bottom Line
Although smelly feet are quite common, they can make you feel embarrassed, as well as self-conscious.
The way your feet smell depends on your hygiene. It is not a severe condition and can be treated using natural ingredients such as essential oils. But for any fungal infections, consult with your doctor as soon as possible.
