All posts by tina

The Safety of Aluminum-Containing Antiperspirants

Are antiperspirants and other topical cosmetic products containing aluminum (Al) safe to use? Or should you avoid such products as is often led to believe?

These questions have been asked frequently as the deodorant industry has grown to achieve approximately $18 billion in annual revenues and aluminum in deodorants has gotten a bad rep.

Since topical aluminum chloride hexahydrate application to the feet is generally considered a “simple, safe, and inexpensive therapy”, that requires continuous application since “results are often short-lived, and they may be insufficient”,  it’s critical to find out if using aluminum in this manner is hazardous to our health.

  • Source: AAFP.org. Palmoplantar Hyperhidrosis: A Therapeutic Challenge.

How Antiperspirants/Deodorants Were Conceived

The first deodorant, Mum, appeared in 1888, while the first deodorant and antiperspirant, Everdry, appeared in 1903.

Prior to development of these products, people took care of their sweat and odor issues through careful washing of their affected body-parts and masking odors with perfumes.

Those concerned about sweat piercing their clothing wore items like dress shields or special pads that protected clothing from sweaty armpits.

The initial antiperspirant products were not very well received by society and sales were low. Around 1912, a young woman began marketing an antiperspirant that her father, a surgeon, had developed to keep his hands from sweating while in the operating room.

The active ingredient in this product was Aluminum chloride, and she named it “Odorono” (Odor? Oh No!).

Odo-ro-no-vintage-deodorant-adMarketing for Odorono was also initially slow, until the woman joined forces with an advertising professional who decided the key to the product’s success would be to focus on underarm perspiration and body-odor tied to the vanity of women.

This marketing strategy worked, vaulting the sales of Odorono to over $1 million by 1927.

The increase in sales of spurred others to develop competing products, and the basis of the current multi-billion dollar industry was formed.

Deodorants and antiperspirants were mostly advertised to women at the beginning of the industry, and it would take another two-decades to get men to believe that they had the same deodorant problem that women had.

It was found that Aluminum chloride (AlCl3) could be harsh to both exposed skin and clothing, so alternate compounds that elicited similar properties were developed, the most common being Aluminum chlorohydrate, which is largely used in modern antiperspirants.

How Aluminum Works in Antiperspirants

The way Al works in antiperspirants is that Al salts in the products (i.e., chlorohydrates, etc.) form insoluble Al hydroxide polymer gel plugs within sweat ducts, temporarily preventing sweat from reaching the surface of the skin (SCCS, 2014, June 18).

By keeping sweating down, the Al salts prevents the ordinarily odorless sweat from being fermented by bacteria that inhabit the surface of the skin. Thus preventing foot odor.

  • These bacteria thrive in the warm and moist environments provided by folds of the skin, and the byproducts of their metabolism give rise to what is known as “body-odor”.

How Safe are Toiletry Products Containing Al?

There has been much thought put into whether Aluminum-containing antiperspirants are safe for human use. The concerns have included possible Al toxicity, to Al antiperspirants causing breast cancer, to the products causing renal-failure, to them contributing to the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.

A 1974 study published in Environmental Health Perspectives examined over 800 references on Aluminum since the mid-1950s. This review encompassed the occurrence of Al in soil, air, water, plants, products, and air/water pollution, and examined the biology and toxicology of Al, along with its medical and therapeutic uses.

The study noted that applied to the skin in antiperspirants, Al compounds act as protein precipitants with a low cell-penetration capability. As such, the Al remains bound to proteins in the stratum corneum, and presents no significant pathological changes.

  • The study concluded that there is no need for concern by the public or producers of Al or its products concerning hazards to human health derived from well-established and extensively used products.
  • It also stated that there have been no reports of either acute or chronic poisoning from the use of Al and its compounds in the processing of foods and beverages (Sorenson, John R. J., Campbell, Irene R., Tepper, Lloyd B., & Lingg, Robert D. 1974, August).

A 2001 study published in the Journal of Food and Chemical Toxicology examined the dermal absorption of Al from antiperspirants.

The study concluded that a small fraction of Al is absorbed through the skin from Al-chlorohydrate products applied to both underarms, compared to the Al typically absorbed by the gut from food over the same time period—saying that antiperspirants do not significantly contribute to the body-burden of Al (Flarend R., Bin T., Elmore D., & Hem S.L., 2001, February).

Aluminium penetration of the skin is very shallow.

This study also concludes that:

“Contact sensitivity to aluminium is very rare. [..] Less common is sensitivity during continuous application of aluminium-containing antiperspirants, topical aluminium application..”

  • Aluminium and its compounds occur naturally in bauxite rock and other types os stone and comprise about 8% of the Earth’s surface. Aluminum chloride is derived from aluminum hydroxide. Source: Wikipedia.

Breast cancer

According to the American Cancer Society, an email campaign evolved saying that compounds in antiperspirants were contributing to the incidence of breast cancer in women.

The absorption of these compounds through razor nicks from under-arm shaving was the pathway for this issue.

This organization has declared that there is no clear link between Aluminum-containing antiperspirants and breast cancer, due to the very low absorption of Al into the skin from these products (citing the study referenced in the paragraph above) (American Cancer Society, 2014, October 14).

Alzheimer’s

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, during the 1960s and 1970s a possible link between Al exposure and Alzheimer’s disease was claimed.

The Alzheimer’s Association contends that these links are false and that experts no longer believe that exposure to Al (to include antiperspirants) causes Alzheimer’s disease (Alz.org, 2014).

What Government Sources Say

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has ruled extensively on Al-antiperspirants. In 2003, the agency concluded that small amounts of Al can be absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and through the skin.

  • However, the accumulation of Al resulting from usual exposures to antiperspirant drug products (application to the underarms once or twice daily) and subsequent absorption is considered minimal (HHS. 78 Fed. Reg. 110, June 9, 2003).

A 2014 study by the European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) examined the safety of AL exposure through food and the use of cosmetic products.

  • The study noted that a wide-range of Al compounds are used in a host of different consumer products. Pertaining to antiperspirant products, the SCCS concluded that in the absence of better data to estimate skin penetration of Al, no firm conclusion on internal exposure to Al following use of Al-containing cosmetics can be drawn (SCCS, 2014, June 18).

In Summary

The use of antiperspirants and deodorants got off to a slow-start in the last century, and only took off when slick marketing campaigns appealed to the vanity of people (targeting women first, then also men).

By the first decade of the 21st Century, the industry was a multi-billion dollar per-year seller of products.

There have been multiple efforts to study the effects of Aluminum exposure in various consumer products; including antiperspirant products.

None of these studies, including efforts by government agencies, have conclusively connected exposure to Al from consumer products to cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, or other human malady.

The conclusion was that antiperspirants do not contribute significantly to the overall body-burden of aluminum.

Add that up with another conclusion researchers drew:

“The most effective topical treatment for palmoplantar hyperhidrosis is 20 percent aluminum chloride hexahydrate in absolute anhydrous ethyl alcohol (Drysol)”. Stolman LP. Treatment of hyperhidrosis. Dermatol Clin. 1998; 16:863–9.

And you know what to use when suffering from excessive sweating (of the feet). Here’s more info the best antiperspirants for the feet.

 

References

  • Alz.org. (2014). Alzheimer’s Myths.
  • American Cancer Society. (2014, October 14). Antiperspirants and Breast Cancer Risk. Retrieved from
  • Antiperspirant Drug Products for Over-the-Counter Human Use-Final Monograph; Food and Drug Administration, HHS. 78 Fed. Reg. 110 (June 9, 2003) (to be codified at 21 C.F.R. pts. 310, 350, & 369).
  • Flarend R., Bin T., Elmore D., & Hem S.L. (2001, February). A preliminary study of the dermal absorption of aluminum from antiperspirants using aluminium-26 [Abstract]. Food Chem Toxicol, 39(2), 163-168. DOI:10.1016/S0278-6915(00)00118-6
  • SCCS. (2014, June 18). Opinion on the safety of aluminum in cosmetic products. Retrieved from Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety.
  • Sorenson, John R. J., Campbell, Irene R., Tepper, Lloyd B., & Lingg, Robert D. 1974, August). Aluminum in the Environment and Human Health. Environ Health Perspect, 8, 3–95.

 

Image: Nesster Flickr

Foot Sweating Causes, Treatments and Myths (Infographic)

Foot odor is essentially caused by bacteria. Other factors, that often worsen the smell are poor hygiene, medical conditions, diet, skin problems, inappropriate footwear and emotional and physical stress.

Just like with sweating in general, fresh sweat doesn’t smell. Often people think that the sweat directly causes the foul odor. In fact it’s the sweat and in lesser degree skin flakes eaten by the bacteria on your skin and in socks and shoes that produce the smell.

While feasting on the sweat these micro-organisms produce isovaleric acid. Which is the direct cause of reeking of your stinky feet. Inhibit the bacteria and the amount of sweat and you will be able to prevent foot odor.

This infographic offers a great overview of the causes, treatments, myths and other noteworthy facts regarding (plantar) hyperhidrosis aka excessive (foot) sweating.

 

foot odor infographic

Do your feet smell too?

Have a question?

Drop your comment below.

How To Build Your Own Iontophoresis Device

Iontophoresis treatment is an ongoing process. Because the effects wear off you will need to get treatment once in a while.

Buying a device to use at home can be less expensive in the long run. Besides being more affordable and accesible, treating your hands or feet at home may be more convenient to you as well.

However purchase costs of iontophoresis devices are high. They start from about $500 and prices go up quickly.

In fact, commerical iontophoresis machines are insanely expensive and the most affordable device isn’t even that well reviewed.

It’s even more outrageous since these are basically very simple constructs consisting of a few items only.

The good thing is that this makes it fairly easy to build one yourself. Even a non-tech savvy individual can do it. Looking to build your own?

Here we go, a simple, step by step instruction guide on how to do it. And a short video explaining the process too.

How To Build An Iontophoresis Machine

Whether you just don’t want to shovel out the money to pay for one of these helpful machines or you are a “do-it-yourselfer”, building your very own Iontophoresis Machine could be the best option for you.

Materials Needed:

  • 12 Volt Lantern Battery – $10 (the power source of your DIY iontophoresis device that’s going to supply the electrical current)
  • 1 Pair of Alligator Clips – $2 (to transfer the currents to your hands or feet. One red and one black)
  • Aluminum Pie Pans (for hands) – $15 (the pans are going to conduct the current from the battery to your hands or feet using the Alligator clips.
  • Aluminum Pie Trays (for feet) – $15

 Needed for iontophoresis treatment itself

  • Water
  • Salt (increases conductivity of the water ?/ true? see study…]]]
  • Aquaphor (for cuts or irritated skin to make treatment more comfortable) – $7. You can use Duct tape to for soothing purposes too.

build your own DIY iontophoresis device

 

How To Build And Use It Step By Step

  • Unscrew the screws a little bit so the metal from the alligator clips comes into contact with the battery conductors. (also remove any rings or jewelry from hands). Also, you can use salt to better conduct through your skin, but it is optional. Apply Aquaphor to avoid irritation if needed.
  • Measure 2 cups of water and pour them evenly into the two pans. There should be just enough water to submerge your hands. Don’t fill the pans up to the top.
  • Shake some salt into the pans only after you have done the procedure 4 or 5 times and are confident with your results. Then, connect one alligator clip to one pan from the positive screw of your battery and attach the other one to the other pan from the negative screw. Never use both clips on the same pan while attached to the battery because it will ruin your battery.
  • Apply any Aquaphor you may need to your sensitive parts of your hands (like fingernails). Then, submerge hands in water of pans without completely touching the bottom with your palms.
  • Keep your hands/feet submerged for 10 minutes, then reverse the charges by switching the alligator clips. Just switch the screws that the clips are attached to while keeping the other ends on the same pans. Then, submerge your hands again for another 10 minutes.

Conclusion

If you apply this step by step strategy using your own homemade iontophoresis machine* everyday for 5 days straight, you should see a dramatic decrease in the sweating of your hands or feet. (* it’s not so much a machine but more a simple DIY setup).

If excessive sweating is making you self-conscious or just getting on your last nerve, it may be time to build your own homemade Iontophoresis Machine.

Then, it’s just maintenance after that. You may only need to do the treatment every couple of weeks to keep your desired results.

Not sure about building your own device? Some hospitals offer a trial of the treatment so that you can see if it works for you.

 

Here’s an instruction video on how to build your own machine:

 

Image; Creative Commons

 

 

Does Drionic The Home Iontophoresis Machine Work? A Review

Drionic-iontophoresis-hand-foot-device

If you suffer from excessive foot sweating you’ll probably have tried antiperspirants and other measures.

If those first-line treatments deemed inefficient you may need more invasive sweat reduction therapy.

The first option, the one that is most commonly recommended because it has almost no side effects is iontophoresis.

By emerging your feet in water and exposing them to a mild electric current sweat glands are closed. This temporary effect results in less sweat being excreted to the outer skin of your feet.

There are few pros and cons about this treatment

  • The good. Iontophoresis works for a lot of people and has virtually no side effects. Some people experience minor skin reactions including dryness, blisters, and itchy sensation or, initially, a mild rash. Iontophoresis treatment can be irritating or painful in case you have cuts or other wounds.  You can reduce the stinging sensation by applying Vaseline or duct tape on skin nicks.

One user mentioned a side effect of hands getting “a bit weak and red on my palms”

  • The bad. It does not work for everyone. If you belong to those unlucky souls you may have to get botox injections or undergo surgery.
  • The ugly. This effects of the iontophoresis procedure are wear off in time. You will have to keep getting sessions in order to control your hyperhidrosis. This means ongoing session costs which may make it an expensive treatment. A foot treatment session on average costs about $40.

If iontophoresis works for you, getting your own device will probably be more affordable in the long run.

Which begs the question, which home iontophoresis device to get? The most affordable one?

Drionic is the most affordable iontophoresis device available on the consumer market.

But does it work?

What are its pros and cons?

The Drionic comes in two versions, a unit for hands and feet treatment and an underarm unit.  We’re talking about the foot treatment device.

Cons

  • Battery powered. Makes use of expensive (about $7 a pair), hard to get by batteries that don’t last very long. Some customers have batteries shipped over from the US.
  • Poorly built. Its design could be improved upon. Especially the elevated mid part prevents you from submerging the middle of your feet and thus treating the whole surface of your foot soles and sides of your feet at once.

Pros

  • The most affordable. At $216 the Drionic is the least expensive device on the consumer market.
  • Works for many people. Iontophoresis sessions are the first line treatment for people who tried antiperspirants and other cures to no avail.

Research confirms this treatment works. This study on PubMed for instance concludes:

Iontophoresis is a safe, efficacious, and cost-effective primary treatment of palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis. Decades of clinical experience and research show significant reduction in palmoplantar excessive sweating with minimal side effects.

Does Drionic work? User reviews

When people start using the Drionic they feel a discomforting stinging sensation or some pain. This gradually reduces.

Peter2222 who uses the Drionic device on his hands reviews:

Hi…. i bought it [drionic] about 8 days ago..and been using it every day..morning when i get up and nights before i go to sleep…i use full power…every sessions..for 30 minutes…anyways.. .its a bit uncomfortable with the stinging that you feel when using it..but i’ve been through worst situations mentally with sweety hands..so now…i just want to say that my hands are not sweating right now… 😛  …. i was skeptical when using it first…but it does work…

 

Sadly it doesn’t work for everyone. klamm76 reports:

I lost my hope for the iontophoresis because of the Drionic.But now i tried Idrostar and that machine worked much better for me.My sweating is about 90% cured if i do it once a week after 10 sessions in the start,but still my fingertips is sweating and my hands/feet is swelling when its extremly hot indoors?.So the hyperhidrosis shit is still a problem for me.But as i said much better.

Generally, iontophoresis does not cause compensatory sweating like surgery is known to do. However some people seem to experience it. Which is another reason to try this treatment first before getting your own machine. Here’s a user who uses the device for his hands.

The Drionic device did work for me, but, I started sweating on the back side of my hand & fingers. Did this happen to anyone else? I became so frustrated that I stopped.

For most people however the Drionic seems to work. Studies and renowned medical institutions confirm this

The Department of Dermatology, George Washington University Medical Center notes:

“Results with the Drionic device have been very good in patients who have hyperhidrosis; 80 percent or more have shown some improvement and have continued its use.”

And Harvard Medical School reports:

“The Drionic home-use apparatus seems to be effective in reducing hyperhidrosis, providing a definite inhibitory response by 3 weeks.”

Various other studies come to the same conclusion. “Iontophoresis…a commercially available Drionic device delivering 20 ma is effective.” Timothy G. Berger, M.D.
Asst. Clinical Professor, Dept. of Dermatology . University of California, San Francisco

How to get around the Drionic batteries issue

Drionic-iontophoresis-deviceIf you purchase a iontophoresis machine for home use for the sake of convenience and cost reduction you don’t want to have to buy expensive batteries on a regular basis.

Especially if these are relatively hard to come by it defeats the purpose of getting a machin in the first place. There are a few ways to circumvent this annoyance.

People have developed hacks by finding a way to adapt the device to use more common 9 volt batteries. By inserting a thin piece of metal such as a box cutter you can adjust one of the metal flaps so that it comes out. By reducing the distance you’ll make rechargeable 9 volt batteries fit.

Another hack,

I rewired mine to take a simple 12V adapter so I could stop replacing batteries.

 

Alternative iontophoresis devices

Much pricier machines costing around 500$ and up. However these are better built and can just be plugged into a socket.

  • Hidrex
  • Idrostar
  • I2m.a and Iomax 4 by I2m Labs.

Insurance?

Find out if your insurance plan covers the purchase of a professional iontophoresis device. If they will pay for a more expensive device you may want to get that.

If not, or if you have to pay for one yourself, the Drionic may be a great sweaty feet cure anyway.

It may have its downsides but if nothing else works and surgery or botulinum toxin injections are your only other option you may want to churn out those 200 bucks to get rid of that dreadful sweating.

Read more reviews about the Drionic Hand/Foot device on Amazon.

 

freshen up stinky shoes

How To De-Stink Smelly Shoes? Disinfect, Then Deodorize

Do your shoes stink permanently? Experiencing foul odors ascending from your shoes even when they are on your feet? Then you could say it’s about time do de-stink them.

There are various ways to get rid of the smell your shoes emit and most of them are fairly easy to accomplish. Certain methods are more effective than others though.

Before we delve into the ins and outs of freshening up your shoes, first this..

  • Some shoes are beyond recovery. If your shoes really stink do your feet a favor and throw them out.

These shoes are probably invested with bacteria. The bacteria may have taken over the inner and outer linings, the fabric, the deepest pores in the soles. The microbes thriving there are hard, if not impossible to drive out.

In other words, really raunchy shoes just don’t benefit from any de-stink treatment.

More importantly, if you do wear them you will nullify your smelly feet cure efforts.

I mean, if you thoroughly wash your feet, wear appropriate socks, use a quality antiperspirant and at the same time wear those old musty shoes you are giving those pesky bacteria a chance to proliferate. In that case, all those other efforts have been for nothing.

For shoes that aren’t totally wasted, here are some proven de-stink methods.

How to get rid of the stink in footwear?

Step 1. Disinfect

Step 2. Deodorize

You will have to disinfect them to get rid of the bacteria in the shoes. After that you can deodorize them.

If you don’t first disinfect your shoes the smell is likely to be back in no time. * Some substances may have both qualities allowing you to disinfect and deodorize at once.

 

How to properly disinfect your shoes

The following are common methods to get rid of the bacteria, fungi and other micro organisms in shoes. Although all of these remedies are rampant over the internet they are not all equally effective. Some are just plain old wives tales.

Let’s take a look at efficiency and other pros and cons of each method based on contemporary research and common sense.

 

Disinfect: to clean (something) especially by using a chemical substance that kills all germs and bacteria

The freezer method. Take the pair of smelly shoes and place them into a plastic bag, don’t forget to seal them tightly. Place the bag into the freezer overnight and thaw the next day in the sun. Extreme cold, just like extreme heat, can take out bacteria.

  • Does it work? The problem with this method is that freezing is ineffective since such low temperatures do not kill bacteria. Freezing mostly renders bacteria inactive. Which is why  it doesn’t work well. I tried it and in my experience the smell returned rather quickly upon wearing. It seemed to me as if not all bacteria were killed off. Which I now know is probably true since freezing may kill some but not all bacteria.

 

Dryer sheets can prove helpful. Simply slide them into your shoes, and enjoy the fresh scent they will leave behind. Because their mild to moderate antibacterial action and fragrances they are a popular means to freshen shoes.

  • Does it work? Again, not a solution for the stinkier shoes since soaking shoes in a potent antimicrobial solution is more effective. Also, dryer sheets may contain all kinds of hazardous target chemicals such as chloroform, pentane, and ethyl acetate. Fragrances are increasingly known to trigger asthma and to stimulate growth of breast cancer cells in lab studies.

 

The washing machine. Sometimes simply a good washing can help take the smelly away. Remove the soles and laces, and put the shoes into a pillow case. Wash in the washing machine in 40-50 degree water twice and air dry. Don’t forget to wash the soles and laces too.

  • Does it work? One study concluded that washing at 60°C (140°F) for 10 minutes is sufficient to decontaminate hospital uniforms and significantly reduce the bacterial load. So yes washing shoes in the machine is likely to help freshen up stinky shoes by killing bacteria. Not all shoes are suitable for a treatment in the washer though.

 

Steaming. If your washer or dryer has a steam function, you can use it to destroy bacteria and fungus that are present. You can also try using a (hand-held) steam machine commonly used to remove wrinkles from clothing to clean them thoroughly.

  • Does it work? Steam is also a potent bactericidal. Its high temperaturs are likely to kill odor-causing bacteria and fungi.  There are even special anti-bacterial steam cleaners on the market. These are clinically proven to remove 99,99% of bacteria. Remember that you have to be careful with suede shoes.

Rubbing alcohol. One of the more potent remedies. Dab some rubbing alcohol onto a cotton swab or a Q Tip, and rub that into your shoes. Not only does it dry relatively quickly, but it evaporates liquids like sweat.

  • Does it work? Yes. There’s however a more effective method than the one described above. More in a bit.

 

Vinegar. It is commonly thought that vinegar, a.k.a. acetic acid is a great odor killer. Advice like, “Use half water, half vinegar, spritz, let dry and follow up with some baking soda”, is omnipresent.

  • Does it work? Vinegar may be able to remove odors but it it’s not your best option when it comes to fighting bacteria.

In the popular media, vinegar is commonly recommended for treating nail fungus, head lice, and warts, yet scientific support for these treatment strategies is lacking.

Whether or not the popular food preservative actually helps reducing shoe odor remains to be seen.

Studies comparing vinegar with commercial chemical cleaners also show that

natural products were less effective than commercial household disinfectants

This particular PubMed study assessed the efficacy of natural products such as baking soda, vinegar and common commercial disinfectants such as

  • Lysol Vesphene IIse Disinfectant Spray,
  • Lysol Antibacterial Kitchen Cleaner,
  • TBQ,
  • Clorox,
  • and Mr. Clean Ultra, ethanol.

 

We have to point out that this study examined the antimicrobial activity against selected potential human pathogens, antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and viruses. It did not research the disinfecting activity of these compounds specifically against bacteria living on the feet.

However, it will be obvious to conclude that there are better disinfectants for shoes then vinegar.

Recommended shoe disinfection method:

Rubbing alcohol soak and bleach spray. Disinfected.org recommends the following treatment.

  • Soak the shoes in a rubbing alcohol solution. The alcohol seeps into the inner parts of the shoes where it will kill them.
  • After seeping for a while, remove the shoes and let them dry, in a place with sufficient air circulation, preferably directly placed in the sun.
  • Bleach mixed with some water should then be sprayed evenly on the outside and inside of the shoes. All parts need to be sprayed. The bleach kills fungus and germs.
  • Porous surfaces and the inside of footwear should be applied with anti fungal shoe spray to help kill fungus that may cause athletes foot which can cause odor too.

 

If you dont’ want to soak your shoes use a spray such as Lysol Antibacterial Kitchen Cleaner instead. You could use an antiseptic powder in addtion to reach in crevices and seams.

Foot powders

There are numerous antifungal foot powders, and various foot sprays, that can assist in keeping odors at bay. While they are generally recommended for athlete’s foot, which can contribute to foot odor, these are formulated to cut into the stink.

DIY foot powders. Some people swear by mixing baking soda and zinc for an odor and fungal fighting powder that you can simply sprinkle into your shoes and leave overnight.

  • Does it work? Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is known for its deodorizing ability. This study on PubMed for instance also demonstrates its germ fighting ability. However, baking soda is NOT a sanitzer nor disinfectant. In other words, it is not able to kill most bacteria. This corresponds with my own baking soda for shoe odor removal experiences. So it can help remove foul odor but you will have to use something in addition to kill bacteria. On Disinfected.org they explain the difference:

A product that “sanitizes” means it can kill 99.9% of identified germs as written on its label. “Disinfect” does the same thing, with a “nearly 100%” batting average. According to the California Childcare Health Program, baking soda doesn’t “kill germs well enough to be used to sanitize” nor does it mention disinfection as one of baking soda’s uses.

 

Commerical foot powders. Now we know that baking soda, despite its reputation isn’t a sanitizer pur sang.

If you will be using a commercial foot powder you’ll have to look at the label. It’s not for no reason Arm and Hammer does not mention “sanitizing” or even “disinfecting” on its packaging. The words “baking, cleaning and deodorizing” are listed.

Commerical foot powders however often contain zinc oxide. Among other ingredients. Zinc oxide has superior antibacterial action, relieves itch and has a soothing effect. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NP) are also used in the food industry,

ZnO NP […] can be applied as a potent sanitizing agent for disinfecting and sterilizing food industry equipment and containers against the attack and contamination with foodborne pathogenic bacteria. (Source. Wiley Online Library)

Examples of commercial foot and shoe powders are Gold Bond, Tinactin. These are mainly used to prevent Athlete’s foot and skin rash.

 

How to deodorize your shoes

Cat litter. Quirky but effective. As strange as it may sound: cat litter actually isn’t such a weird remedy since the stuff is produced for odor prevention and deodorization.

Simply fill an old sock, seal it shut and loop it into your shoe overnight. Just remove anytime you plan to wear them, and put them back after.

Charcoal. Charcoal is commonly used in air filters because of its deodorizing properties. Therefore charcoal can work wonders in removing odor from shoes too. Fill a cloth bag or old socks with charcoal, insert these in the footwear and keep it there during the night.

Tea tree oil based deodorizer spray. This Rocket Pure Natural Shoe Deodorizer can be used on both feet and shoes and has raving user reviews. It’s all-natural containing essential oils of tea tree, mint, eucalyptus, and thyme.

Deodorizing insoles. Shoe inserts made out of cedar wood, bamboo or containing charcoal can help remove nasty scents. These however do not attack the problem at the source.

freshen up stinky shoes
lemon won’t help you much when your shoes are really stinky

 

Why masking scents doesn’t really help

According to some people, masking odors is an effective way of reducing footwear odor. Commonly used all-natural remedies are fresh orange peel, or grapefruit, lemon or limes. They simply place them into shoes for that fresh, citrus scent.

Others use a few drops of lavender oil dripped onto the soles of each shoe so that it can give off a flowery scent that eliminates the reek.

Well, if your shoes really stink this isn’t going to help.

Natural methods such as spraying some lavender oil are nice for when there’s only a really mild scent. Fact is that these remedies do not kill of the bacteria living in your shoes.

For really smelly shoes it’s time to take out the big guns.

Prevention

Once you managed to freshen up your footwear you may want to take some preventative action. Here are some things to consider.

Damp or damaged insoles need to be taken care of properly. Remove them from the shoes, and dry them out. Dry the entire shoe beneath a heater or in the sun on a hot day. To quicken the process, remove the laces and lift the tongue up. This will destroy any bacteria currently in the insole.

Or simply buy insoles that don’t allow bacteria to grow. Bacteria are one of the primary causes of foot odor, along with wearing shoes made from unbreathable material synthetic or plastic materials.

  • Cedar wood insoles are antifungal, odor repellant and smell delightful. Simply pick up a pair and stick them into your shoes to regularly combat stinky shoes.

 

Click here for The Ultimate Guide on How To Prevent Foot Odor.

Remember,

Never wear the same pair of shoes two days in a row but rotate. Shoes can take 36 hours or longer to dry completely. If you wear them every day, they’ll never dry completely and bacteria have free play.

Once your shoes are fresh again, wear good socks, wash your feet properly, use insoles, and if necessary an effective antiperspirant and you are good to go.

Perhaps you have to throw in an occasional foot soak, but then your feet will probably be fresh n ‘dry.

 

Or de-stink shoes with this device:

StinkBOSS Shoe Sanitizer, Deodorizer & Dryer Review

 

 

Image: Yogma.

The Pros and Cons of Boric Acid For Shoe and Foot Odor

I found this antique book excerpt about a cure for exceptionally stinky feet. It’s from The British Medical Journal edition Sept. 18, 1880.

Since we, in our pharmaceutical dominated culture, have a hankering for remedies from grandma’s era I did some research. Checking if it’s a good alternative to more modern cures.

In the book, a doctor called George Thin, MD, describes how he goes about treating a patient with, in his own words, evil smelling feet.

There are few persons of experience, medical or lay, who have not had the misfortune to discover that certain individuals smell so offen- sively, that it is almost to approach them. In many instances, the evil smell is connected with the feet.

This evil smell is so strong and gross that it fills an area “with a sickening effluvium” that somewhat resembles “putrefying cheese”.

The doctor also describes how the foul odor may linger long after the person with the stinky feet has left the room.

In some cases the smell is so strong and penetrating, that it pervades a room long after the person from whom it emanates (and who may have remained in it only a few minutes) has left.

The doctor expatiates a bit more about the social consequences of such a medical problem before he proceeds with his experimental, yet successful treatment of such extreme cases of foot odor with boracic acid.

He also explains that in case of such extremely smelly feet there’s more to it than just bacteria feeding on the excessive sweat and skin flakes on one’s feet.

The cause of the extreme foot odor

George Thin M.D. notes:

Profuse sweating of the palms and soles is not uncommon, but, in order to produce the specific odor to which I refer, something more than mere profuse sweating is required. The excessive perspiration, when confined by stockings and boots, macerates the epidermis, and, if the per becomes tender. This tenderness is accompanied by redness, slight blistering, or more decided localized eczema.

 

What is boracic (boric) acid?

Boric acid, also referred to as boracic acid, has anti-bacterial , anti-viral, and anti-fungal properties. As almost all effective antiperspirants, boric acid is a topical astringent.

It is often referred to as sodium borate in the list of ingredients in products.

Boric acid is made from the mineral boron, from sodium salts and from oxygen

During WW1 boracic acid was used to treat wounds of British soldiers. In fact, the ancient Greeks already used it to make cloth fireproof.

The substance is still today used as a mild desinfectant on skin and as an eye wash. Because of its antiseptic properties it’s a common ingredient in baby powder, contact lens solutions, and various cosmetics.

It is popular as a remedy for yeast infections (ladies issues), Athlete’s foot, jock itch, yeast, in the laundry and more.

The substance, in powder form, was and still is sprinkled in corners and crevices of rooms to repel and exterminate mice, insects such as silverfish, cockroaches, termites, fire ants and other vermin.

The chemical boric acid has proven to be a potent topical agent that requires apropriate and cautious use.

Is it safe?

It’s basically toxic but with correct use it’s generally considered safe.

From Wikipedia:   Toxicology

While strictly speaking, Boric Acid is poisonous if taken internally or inhaled, it is generally not considered to be much more toxic than table salt (based on its mammal LD50 rating of 2660mg/kg body mass).

and

The New York Times reported that products containing boric acid are safe according to research but may cause skin irritations in people with sensitive skin and babies.

Is it a good idea to use boric acid on extremely sweaty feet?

While it may generally be safe, is it a good idea to use boric acid on extremely smelly feet?

Feet of which the skin has been broken or otherwise damaged because of maceration?

Probably not.

The general rule of boric acid (liquid or powder) is,

Don’t eat it, Don’t inhale it, and Don’t use it on broken skin.

Drugs.com states

While boric acid, borates, and other compounds containing boron are used medicinally, they are potentially toxic if ingested or absorbed through nonintact skin.

Which is often a problem accompanying very sweaty feet. Maceration of skin, blisters, pitted keratolysis, cracks, in other words, nonintact skin.

Treatment of feet

It’s a commonly used agent to both treat feet and shoes. For shoes often boric acid powder is used. It’s a very potent cure according to some. As this user experience demonstrates.

I was in Mexico visiting my aunt, and I showed up at her door after having spent 24 hours straight on a bus from Guatemala. I was wearing hiking boots and have been known to have sweaty feet. As soon as I took my boots off in her house she pointed me to a container with a white powder.

After washing my feet I applied the powder directly onto my feet and sprinkled some in my boots. For one of the first times in recent years I was not worrying about how stinky my feet were.

Apparently her husband was in the Mexican army and upon walking into the rancid barracks recommended that his COs put out bowls of boric acid for the soldiers to rub their feet with. It worked so well he got a promotion on his first day. cheers, J.

 

Treatment of shoes

To treat your shoes you can use boric acid powder or wash them with a solution of borax, vinegar and water.

Elissa Altman, editor of “Baking Soda, Banana Peels, Baby Oil and Beyond” recommends to use 1/2 cup of borax, 1/2 cup of vinegar and 2 cups of water to kill lingering bacteria.

If your shoes can’t be washed you could spray this solution in a fine mist in shoes and let it dry completely before wearing the shoes.

 

Conclusion

Does it work better to desinfect footwear from bacteria and as an astringent than other foot powders and antiperspirants?

Since it’s a weak acid it may not be such an effective astringent (thus antiperspirant) compared to more potent antiperspirants.

Although the cooling and tightening effect of boric acid may be average it seems to be an effective shoe sanitizing agent. If you do want to use it as a topical for feet, don’t forget to check if the skin on your feet is whole and not damaged.

As for effectiveness, it often also depends on what works best with your body’s chemistry. What works well for some people may not work for others.

 

The Best Deodorants and Antiperspirants for Sweaty Feet

Are there antiperspirants for feet? This is what I asked myself a while ago. You may have pondered this question too. When searching for products it almost seems like they all are dedicated to use on armpits, neck and face.

But yes, they do exist although most over the counter products are not dedicated to use on feet. Still, varying in strength and action there are quite a few rather effective products available.

In fact there are various ways to control excessive foot sweating and odor. A quality antiperspirant is one of them and is an essential part of a multimodal approach.

They are generally the first resort of treating plantar hyperhidrosis, a condition in which you have overactive sweat glands located on your feet.

Years ago I was, as they say, gellin. Squishing and slipping in my shoes, white macerated skin from the sweat and bacteria eating my skin alive. Sometimes it hurt and it always smelled really bad.

My first encounter with an effective cure was a prescription solution from my physician; aluminum chloride. There’s a wide range of non-prescription antiperspirants that contain this stuff too.

I have compiled a list of products designed to reducing the amount of perspiration and controlling the unpleasant odor. There are 3 in particular that I recommend.

If you want to find a solution for your sweaty feet, deodorants or, even better, antiperspirants can help

I will delve in their active ingredients, how they work, which product is best, and also essential to success, how to use.

Types of antiperspirants /deodorants

There’s a difference between deodorants and antipersiprants.

  • Deodorants reduce odor, usually through an antibacterial action.
  • Antiperspirants reduce sweating, often by closing sweat glands.

Some of the foot deodorants also double as an antiperspirant but you will want to make sure you read the label carefully to make sure.

If your foot sweating is serious you will want a product that has at least antiperspirant action. This will reduce the wetness and slipperiness of your feet and subsequently foot odor.

These products generally come in sticks or sprays. Sprays allow for easier application between toes.

If you want to prevent your feet from sweating and causing offensive odors, then you will want to skip the deodorants and look at antiperspirants for your feet.

 

Active ingredients

Quality antiperspirants for the feet contain metallic salts. Ancient peoples such as the Romans and Greeks already used aluminum salts as wound dressings because of their  astringent properties.

  • Astringent action: causing the contraction of skin cells and other body tissues.

Nowadays these substances are still used to contract tissue. Either to seal harmed blood vessels or to inhibit sweat glands. The following are two commonly used types of metallic salts.

Aluminum zirconium (tricholorohydrex) has a multimodal method of action. In other words, it helps reduce out-of-control sweating of the feet in several ways.

  • Your skin absorbs the substance, where the aluminum and zirconium ions trigger the skin cells to swell. This constricts the sweat glands, once closed they can’t release sweat. Besides this effect the substance also absorbs perspiration that does take place.

Commercial “clinical strength” antiperspirants containing aluminum zirconium are are a little stronger than typical antiperspirants. They are often applied at night and work for many people suffering from sweaty feet.

  • Other antiperspirants have a slightly different method of action. Once applied to the skin the sweat from the sweat ducts pulls in the antiperspirant. It then fills up the sweat ducts (forms a plug) blocking them, thus preventing sweating from being secreted on the skin.

Aluminum chloride (hexahydrate) is another commonly used, generally effective active ingredient. If you need the strongest antiperspirant one that contains this ingredient will be your best option as dermatologists refer to aluminum chloride as “a particularly effective antiperspirant”.

Prescription-strength Drysol is an example of such an antiperspirant for the feet. However, Drysol is often linked to skin irritation whereas clinical strength brands such as seem to cause less skin irritation.

Aluminum salts do not stop your feet from sweating, they keep (parts of) the sweat from being released onto the skin

 

Strengths

In terms of potency you could divide products in 3 categories:

  • regular antiperspirants
  • clinical strength
  • prescription strength

Secret Clinical Strength offered a breakthrough leading to most antiperspirant brands now offering clinical strength

Just looking at the percentage and which ingredient may be a less confusing way to decide which product you need.

In case of serious foot sweating (plantar hyperhidrosis) a strength of 30% aluminum chloride is recommended. For instance by the International Hyperhidrosis Society.

Formulas with concentrations of 20 to 40 percent are typically used for the soles of the feet compared to the 15 to 20 percent concentrations prescribed for other areas of the body.

While over-the-counter antiperspirants may help with mild hyperhidrosis symptoms, products that contain high levels of aluminum-based compounds, are not always effective.

Aluminum chloride and aluminum chloride hexahydrate do offer relief to a certain extent to most sufferers from excessive foot sweating.

Dermatologists acknowledge that clinical strength or prescription strength antiperspirants “work slightly better than regular antiperspirants”.

If such commerically available products are not sufficient you can aquire stronger antiperspirants through prescription by your dermatologist. Do note that OTC products typically are linked with less skin irritation than prescription products such as prescription Drysol.

20% is the maximum amount of aluminum solutions available in an over-the-counter antiperspirant

Also good to know, it’s not only the percentage of active ingredient that determines how well it works. According to dermatologists, correct use also determines how effective the antiperspirant will be.

How to use

These antiperspirants should be applied at night when you sweat the least. This way the substance is better able to block the sweat glands.

When left on during the night, a lasting barrier will form which is less likely to be washed away in your morning shower or by initial sweating that may occur.

If you need more protection put on your antiperspirant at night time and in the morning. When you start, use it for several days on end for maximum effectivness.

  • don’t forget to apply on the sides and top of your toes too
  • your skin is constantly regenerating so you should keep applying the product otherwise sweating will return.

If you use the antiperspirant according to instructions you should see a dramatic reduction in the sweat that you produce. If not you may need a stronger concentration.

The best brands

The following are so called ‘clinical strength’ antiperspirants.

The strongest OTC antiperspirants you can use for your sweaty feet:

  • Odaban Antiperspirant Spray. Has 20% Aluminum Chloride. If you are looking for the strongest commerically available product get Odaban. If you haven’t tried aluminum antiperspirants yet you may want to get one with a lower concentration since this may sting or burn. On the other hand, some users find Odaban to be more tolerable than other brands with lower aluminum concentrations such as Drysol and Certain Dri. This is probably due to the blend. Pros: powerful, spray. Cons: may cause skin irritation since it’s 20%.
  • Driclor Roll On 20% Aluminum Chloride. Tip from one Amazon user, to save some money you could get a small squirt bottle and purchase the 75ml Drichlor Roll On instead of the Odaban spray. Pour the contents of the roll on into the bottle and you have more than double the solution for half the money. The Odaban spray is about $14 for 30 ml while the Driclor roll on is about $7 for 75 ml. Both contain 20% aluminum chloride hexahydrate. This does of course does involve some hassle.

Other brands offering clinical strength include Arrid, Gillette, Secret, Dove, Degree, PerspireX and Sure.

Recommended for sensitive skin and injured feet:

  • Hydrosal Professional Antiperspirant Gel. 15% Aluminum Chloride (Hexahdrate) Pros: a gel may be less harsh on delicate skin than an alcohol based solution. Some studies confirm this. Cons: gels are less convenient than sprays. Less affordable.

Less potent yet very popular antiperspirants:

Keep in mind that although the following products may have more user reviews and higher sales numbers, they are used for other purposes than combating foot sweating too. Personally I would get a spray or gel for easier application.

  • Sweat Block towelettes. 14% Aluminum Chloride (Hexahydrate) 4,5 stars 2038 user reviews.
  • Maxim Extra Strong Roll On.  15% Aluminum chloride.  Without alcohol. Probalbly less risk on drying out your skin and cause itch. 4,5 stars, 392 user reviews.
  • Certain Dri Roll On.  4,5 stars 772 12% Aluminum Chloride. Comes in a, lower rated, solid stick version too.

 

Prescription strength

If these don’t work, your next step is to get a doctor’s or dermatologist’s prescription for, for instance, Drysol deodorant.

Drysol contains 30% aluminum chloride. It is available in most drugstores however you can’t get it without your prescription.

Consult a dermatologist or a physician if your experience with the products does not produce a change in foot odor or sweating.

See your chiropodist if these treatments fail.  You may need and even stronger “industrial strength” antiperspirant such as Xerac-AC®.

This preparation is so strong (and effective) that professional guidance is recommended.

Side effects?

Basically, what you feel after applying these substances is that your skin dries. It may dry out a bit even but the sweating will stop. Or significantly reduce.

Aluminum chloride is known to irritate the skin in some people according to WebMD. It is therefore recommended to strictly follow the instructions.

Some people experience a burning and itching sensation upon use. Others don’t feel anything.

Aluminum zirconium is less linked to side effects but is also known to be less effective.

  • Is shrinking and closing off pores and sweat glands safe?
  • Yes it is harmless since your body has much more pores and sweat glands. It simply redistributes perspiration the other thousands of square inches of your skin’s surface.

Topical aluminum health hazards?

You may have read warnings about aluminum in deodorants and antiperspirants. These controversial stories may have worried you.

Today, antiperspirants are still claimed to cause cancer and Alzheimer’s. They are claimed to do so by preventing the body from “purging toxins”.

It is true that aluminum can be toxic if swallowed and can also be a skin irritant but these rumors do not have any scientific backing.

There is no convincing scientific evidence for the link between using aluminum topically and diseases such as breast cancer and Alzheimer’s. WiseGeek notes,

As of 2012, no medical or environmental study had proved that aluminum zirconium — a common ingredient in antiperspirant — increases the risk for any disease, including breast cancer or Alzheimer’s disease.

And to zoom out instead of focusing on aluminum zirconium, WebMD states that “antiperspirants have no proven impact on the risk of diseases like breast cancer and Alzheimer’s.”

Additional products

To control foot odor some people insist on using a deodorant that does not have ingredients perceived as harmful. Various of such all-natural, hypoallergenic, organic deodorants exist. How effective these are in case of serious foot sweating remains to be seen.

If you are more into natural or herbal remedies there are are also different brands that stick to 100% natural ingredients such as the Crystal company with their Natural Foot Deodorant Spray and the Gewhol’s Caring FootDeo Spray.

These too are available in roll on, sprays, lotions, creams, and powders. In fact there is much variety when shopping for foot deodorants.

Zinc oxide

You may have heard off zinc oxide as an active ingredient. This substance however is generally used to protect wet skin from getting irritated.

For example to treat and prevent diaper rash in babies. Or when your feet sweat a lot and skin irritation occurs zinc oxide helps protect your feet. So this is not a sweat reducing compound.

Popular products for foot odor control containing the active ingredient zinc oxide include Dr.Scholl’s Deodorant Foot Powder (has baking soda too), Gold Bond No Mess Spray Powder Fresh and Odor Destroyer Deodorant Powder.

Gold Bond Medicated Powder and Spray is great if you also suffer from foot fungus because it uses Menthol as a way to relieve itching and Sodium Bicarbonate to absorb moisture and control odor.

Essential oils

If you, despite aluminum’s proven effectiveness are looking for a botanical alternative I think you should look into this Elite Sportz foot and Shoe Odor Spray. Its active ingredients are essential oils.

It is very well-reviewed and seems to moisturize your feet and take care of your shoes too.

Advertised as the “Only Multi-Functional Moisturising and Deodorising “ALL Natural” Foot Care Product”  it has 7 essential oils and 11 botanicals to reduce smelly feet and soothe dry cracked, callused itchy feet.

Nanosilver foot spray

Not as widely used as aluminum antiperspirants, colloidal silver is popular among some people. Silver Foot Spray is more a deodorant than an antiperspirant. Besides colloidal it has essential oils to fight off bacteria yet no ingredients known to block sweat glands.

In summary

Antiperspirants containing aluminum are safe and effective. They are available over-the-counter or via a dermatologist prescription

Since these are the typical first-line treatment, try an over-the-counter antiperspirant. If you are still having issues with sweaty feet and none of the over the counter products seem to be working for you, see your dermatologist to write you a prescription for Drysol.

The only difference between the over the counter products and the prescriptions is that the prescription products contain higher levels of the active ingredient which is often anything over 20%.

Sweaty feet is a bothersome condition but you can use foot deodorant and antiperspirants to make your life easier. Don’t forget to wear appropriate socks, use the best soap, get quality odor fighting and sweat reducing insoles, and let your shoes thorougly dry.

Stop worrying about taking off your shoes at a friend or family members house because of the odor. Enjoy being able to wear open toed shoes again and save yourself embarrassment with one of the products mentioned above.

 

 

Do Essential Oils Cure Sweaty Smelly Feet?

There’s a wide range of websites providing you with information on aromatherapy. Often, claims are made regarding the topical application of essential oils to cure foot odor.

If such sources aren’t backed by either trustworthy reviews (e.g. your own personal experiences or those of peers) or PubMed and Wiley Interscience studies we are not sure how to judge these statements.

Fact is that there’s little clinically backed evidence to support the wide variety of therapeutic claims made by aromatherapists.

So we did some desk research to find out what sources are available regarding the topical use of essential oils in order to combat stinky feet.

In medical terms, whether or not there’s a clinical indication for essential oils as a plantar hyperhidrosis remedy.

What Are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are extracts from specific plant species, and are designed to contain the true essence of the plant from which they are derived.

They are actually not “oily” to the touch, but instead are pure liquid extracts that are distilled from the plant using various means, and then concentrated to form the extract.

They usually come in small bottles and the liquid is concentrated enough such that only a few drops are needed for each use. The uses of essential oils range from aromatherapy, to natural remedies for physical discomfort, to household cleaning, to insect repellents.

Essential oils are commonly used for inhalation and, generally in diluted form, for topical treatment.

essential oils
essential oils

Why Essential Oils for Smelly Feet?

Foot odor is caused by the interaction of microbes (chiefly, bacteria) with the sweat and dead skin cells on your feet. The metabolism of these bacteria can leave odiferous byproducts that are “cheesy” in smell.

One way of combatting foot odors is establishing a treatment regimen that uses essential oils. According to proponents of the use of these oils there are several essential oils that can be used on smelly feet.

What does research say?

PubMed Aromatherapy and Essential Oils (PDQ®):

Topical application of aromatic oils may exert antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects.

 

This is obviousdly very generic information. However, these aspects may be helpful in curing feet sweating and subsequent foot odor since it’s the bacteria that cause the smell.

More specific information was offered by another case study that showed..

..that the use of an ‘oil-powder compound’ consisting of arrowroot, baking soda, basil oil, clove oil, tea tree oil, and sage oil reduced bacterial and fungal growth in shoes and socks.

In fact, a number of essential oils may be beneficial for the relief of foot odors, as explained in the following paragraphs:

Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus oil is distilled from the leaf of Eucalyptus, sp. Eucalyptus oil has a long history of use as a pharmaceutical, antiseptic, repellent, flavoring, fragrance, and also in industrial processes.

To make the essential oil, leaves of Eucalyptus are steam-distilled into a plant extract (“Eucalyptus oil,” 2014). Two aspects of Eucalyptus oil can help foot odors: Its antiseptic properties can retard the growth of bacteria, and its fresh fragrance can help mask your foot odors.

Lavender Oil

Lavender oil is extracted from the flower spikes of the lavender flower, Lavandula, sp. Lavender has long been raised for its flavor, scent, and medicinal properties.

This essential oil has anti-microbial properties when used on the skin, and a very pleasing natural aroma to help mask smelly foot odors.

Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil has a long history of use in aromatherapy and as a folk medicine. Active chemicals in peppermint oil include terpenoids and flavonoids.

Terpenoids add peppermint’s aromatic component, while flavonoids provide an anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory component. These compounds help peppermint oil to retard microbial growth and mask any foot odors with a pleasant smell, while also helping to relive inflammation of your tired feet.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is also known as melaleuca oil. It is extracted of the leaves of the narrow-leaved tea tree, Melaleuca alternifolia (not to be mistaken with the tea plant, Camellia sinensis, from which tea beverages are derived).

It is known to have a fresh, camphor-like smell, and has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties (“Tea tree oil,” 2014). Applied to the feet, tea tree oil can help fight the growth of microbes that cause foot odor, and its potent natural fragrance can help mask any existing foot odors you might have.

In a study on the antimicrobial and medicinal properties of tea tree oil researchers concluded that:

There’s a wide range of laboratory studies that support the long-held beliefs that Tea Tree Oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

This study concludes “there is still a lack of clinical evidence demonstrating efficacy against bacterial, fungal, or viral infections.”

Which may lead you to think that tea tree oil may be useful as a preventative agent only. To help you keep the bacteria on your feet at bay.

However, other studies, also referred to on WebMD show tea tree oil does help cure Athlete’s foot. It also reduces allergic skin reactions and helps cure toenail infections.

Thyme Oil

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is an evergreen herb with culinary, medicinal and ornamental uses. Thyme’s uses date back to the time of the ancient Egyptians.

Thyme oil contains 24-50% thymol, which is the component which gives thyme its flavor and odor. Thymol has very strong anti-bacterial/antifungal properties (“Thyme,” 2014). In therapy for smelly feet, thyme oil can help retard the growth of odor-causing bacteria, and its pleasant fragrance can also help mask foul foot-odors that are present.

Sage Oil

Sage (S. officinalis) extract and tea are a folk medicine that has been traditionally used to treat excessive sweating.

Clinical trials provide evidence for some of its proclaimed medicinal properties. Whether or not essential sage oil is a potent remedy for smelly feet remains to be seen. Based on the available data it is somewhat promising.

In Summary

Certain essential oils may help combat foot odors in two ways.

  • First, they tend to have anti-microbial and/or anti-fungal properties, so they act against the microbes which can cause smelly feet.
  • Secondly, they tend to have a very pleasant natural aroma, which can help mask any foot odors that are present. These oils are a holistic and natural way to combat foot odor, without having to resort to using drugs or other non-natural topical treatments. Masking foot odor however is not a real cure.

So do essential oils cure sweaty smelly feet?

How potent these botanical remedies are is not clear though. Tea tree oil shows to help cure other foot conditions. A blend of essential botanical oils and other compounds demonstrated to inhibit bacterial growth on feet while wearing shoes and socks.

However, real convincing clinical evidence does not exist. If you have a serious foot sweating and odor problem giving this treatment a try would probably not hurt. Some things may work for some people so why not give it a shot. If I did, I would go for tea tree essential oil or perhaps sage.

Do keep in mind that, based on what’s proven by science, other, more valid remedies are most likely better able to help you out.

 

Image by ilovememphis.

 

Invasive Sweaty Feet Treatments – When Nothing Else Works

When your feet are really sweaty you may suffer from hyperhidrosis. Hyperhidrosis affects people on their hands, feet, and faces producing an abnormally high amount of sweat on a regular basis.

In this case it could be that commercial, over-the-counter antiperspirants or natural home remedies just don’t work.

You may have tried foot soaks, Certain-Dri or Sweat Block and even doctor-prescribed antiperspirants such as Drysol containing 20% aluminum chloride hexahydrate solution, to no avail.

Most of the several home remedies to help ease the symptoms of this condition, have the same method of action (potency varies per remedy) namely an astringent action. However, if your feet still sweat excessively this may interfere with your work and social activities.

If this is the case more serious, invasive and aggressive treatments may be required to effectively prevent hyperhidrosis. Your doctor will assess if there’s an underlying cause and start treatment. You could be referred to a dermatologist too.

In order to inform you on your options, here are three effective, common treatments for severe hyperhidrosis of the feet.

 

Iontophoresis

Iontophoresis is done with a device that uses small electrical pulses to create a current across the skin until you feel a tingle.

While you can do this home, many people elect to have this procedure done in a hospital or doctor’s office by a professional technician. Often you start out on a daily basis followed up by weekly visits.

In iontophoresis, your feet will be submerged in water for about a half hour in order to act as a better conductor for the tiny electric pulses they are sending through the skin of your feet.

How does it work?

This process causes your pores to temporarily stop being able to produce sweat in the affected area. This procedure is ongoing and will require many sessions in order to prevent your hyperhidrosis from getting out of control as the effect wears off over time.

Does it have side effects?

The procedure has minimal side effects that are minor skin reactions like blisters,dryness, and general skin irritation. Each visit to treat your feet costs on average about $40 per session.

Some hospitals offer treatment trials for you to find out if it works for you.

Iontophoresis is a topical treatment. Topical treatments are generally recommended as first-line treatments.

 

Botox injections

Another method of controlling the excessive sweating of feet is using botulinum toxin (Botox) injections. Injections are given under the skin of the feet and work well for some patients.

The Botox injection has to be administered by a trained and certified doctor because Botox can have some severe side effects if used improperly.

A case study published in The Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association was conducted in 2004 with two patients suffering from plantar hyperhidrosis. This study found that after the Botox injections the patients saw a large reduction in residual sweat even 3 months after the initial injection.

How do botox injections work?

The Botox paralyzes the eccrine sweat glands in your feet causing them to be unable to produce sweat. More specifically, the Botox inhibits the transfer of nerve impulses to the sweat glands.

Another study conducted published this past August compared two sets of patients with idiopathic axillary hyperhidrosis with one group receiving Botox injections and the other getting iontophoresis.

The study published in The Journal of Dermatological Treatment found that those patients that received the Botox sustained reduced sweat production longer and to greater degree than those that underwent iontophoresis treatment.

This treatment requires that several areas of your foot receive an injection usual resulting in dozens of injection sites in each foot.

You will only have to get a session of injections every six months in order to keep your plantar hyperhidrosis in control.

Does it have side effects?

The most common side effect of this treatment is bruising and pain from the injection sites, but after a few weeks this should go away. According to studies, injectable botulinum toxin as a treatment for plantar hyperhidrosis is effective and safe.

This is a costly procedure, usually running upwards of $1000 for each session.

Another downside of this treatment, the effects of the botulinum toxin (Botox) wear off after a while. So in order to keep your feet from sweating this treatment must be repeated every 4-12 months.

Botulinum toxin injections are recommended as second-line treatments.

Anticholinergic medicines

Two types of anticholinergic drugs exist. Systemic and topical. E.g. pills and ointments. Brand names are oxybutynin and Robinul.

Oral anticholinergic medications stop sweating. This is actually a side effect of the drugs. Since these medications can stop all sweating they can not be used by athletes. Side effects such as a dry mouth are common.

Oral medications are sometimes used to treat plantar hyperhidrosis. This line of treatment is however recommended if botulinum toxin injections do not work.

The topical variety in the form of glycopyrrolate solutions is applied to reduce sweating locally. This is commonly applied to the forehead and scalp and not on the feet.

Oral medications are recommended as third-line treatment.

 

Surgery

Medical professionals often recommend to opt for the so called conservative treatment modalities first.

These include Drysol antiperspirant, iontophoresis, and anticholinergic medicines. If you suffer from severe hyperhidrosis these treatments may not be successful but trying them first is recommended.

Surgery is a more invasive treatment, considered only if other modalities do not prove effective.

Opinions on the efficacy and risks of surgery differ greatly.

There are three types of sweat reduction surgeries,  local surgery, ETS surgery and  lumbar sympathectomy.

The ETS surgery is the most invasive, also called endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy surgery.

Also, local surgeries are not done for excessive hand sweating because other nerves in the feet may be damaged, so this is not an option.

Local surgery is recommended as fourth-line treatment. ETS surgery as fifth-line treatment.

 

Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) surgery

Unlike the other procedures this is meant to be a one time permanent solution for plantar hyperhidrosis. It is a day surgery a.k.a. ambulatory surgery meaning you don’t have to stay overnight at the hospital.

 

Does ETS surgery involve side effects?

Some sources discourage ETS surgery because of potentially “dire side effects”  and the irreversible character of the procedure.

On the National Hyperhidrosis Society website (SweatHelp.com) they write:

“because it [..endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS)] frequently causes serious, irreversible compensatory sweating (excessive sweating on large areas of the body or all over) as well as other dibilitating effects such as extreme hypotension, arrhythmia, and heat intolerance. In fact, most physicians do not recommend ETS surgery because of the serious negative side effects of the procedure.”

A study published in The Scientific World Journal in 2012, also stated that while patients saw reduced sweating in their feet, their bodies seemed to compensate by producing more sweat in the trunks of their bodies.

Lumbar Sympathectomy Surgery

This procedure is done under general anesthesia. Contrary to ETS surgery the patient is required to stay for one night at the hospital.

A surgeon will make a one inch incision in both flanks of the abdomen so that they can get to the Lumbar sympathetic trunk. Once they have gained access to the trunk it is clipped while the temperature of your feet are monitored.

The goal here is to interrupt nerve signal transmission from the spinal column to the sweat glands.

After this procedure you will typically have to stay in the hospital overnight for observation. This procedure is known to cause soreness in the groin area of the patient and in men can cause sexual dysfunction.

This surgery has a 95% to 97% success rate for relief for patients struggling with excessive foot sweating and the odor that often accompanies prolific sweating. The goal is described with the medical term: anhidrosis which means “the inability to sweat normally”.

Severe plantar hyperhidrosis can be safely and effectively treated by endoscopic lumbar sympathectomy using the clamping method. It can be accomplished on an outpatient basis with low morbidity, complete resolution of symptoms, and a significant improvement in quality of life. PubMed

Some medical professionals state that lumbar sympathectomy is the best and most effective surgical treatment for excessive foot sweating with a much higher degree of success (98%)

In order to find out the price of this procedure you will have to have a consultation with a doctor that is trained in this area.

A leader in this field is Dr.Rafael Reisfeld based in Beverly Hills, CA who has spearheaded research and procedures in the U.S.

This should be used as a last resort to treat your sweaty feet. Do your research and make sure that you talk with your doctor to know all the risks associated with this type of surgery.

Which treatment is best?

If nothing else works you have basically 4 options:

  1. Iontophoresis
  2. Botulinum toxin injections
  3. Lumbar sympathectomy
  4. ETS surgery

Again, mixed opinions and study results.

According to this PubMed study, surgery is your best option in terms of success rate.

Thoracoscopic sympathectomy is by far the best curative alternative for patients with clinically significant idiopathic HH. Topical creams containing aluminum hydroxide, use of iontophoresis, and use of off-label botulinum toxin type A (Botox, Allergan, Irvine, CA) injections are all less successful, time-consuming, and often costly.

However, as mentioned before, there may be serious side effects.

Also,

This PubMed study notes:

Unfortunately, after surgery, plantar hyperhidrosis may remain in 50% of patients, and compensatory sweating may be observed in 70%.

Note: thoracoscopic sympathectomy is also called video-assisted thoracic sympathectomy or endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy

Conclusion

If you suffer from plantar hyperhidrosis there are options for you. Talk with your doctor and find out which solution is the best for you. Don’t suffer through embarrassment with your sweaty feet any longer. You could find relief with one of these treatment methods.

Personally, I would be really hesitant to opt for ETS surgery. Too many drawbacks and horror stories.

I think I would get an iontophoresis device at home and use that religously and hope for the best. (Hidrex iontophoresis machines are powerful and some people have good results with them). Maybe opt for botox injections if that doesn’t work.

What do you think? Have experiences with any of these? Or have questions. Drop a note below.

 

Top 6 Best Foot Soaks For Foot Odor

A popular type of foot odor home remedies are foot soaks. Claims on which soak works best are almost as abundant as the bacteria feeding on sweat on your feet.

Truth is that not all soaks are equal in terms of efficacy.  Although lots of prescription medications work wonders, inexpensive home remedies such as soaks can be just as effective.

Here are the 23 most effective soaks along with some info about their efficacy. If available either from studies, anecdotal reports, or personal experiences.

What you should know,

Foot soaks commonly have three types of action:

  1. astringent
  2. antibacterial
  3. deodorizing

Some odor-killing foot soaks only have one method of action. This does not automatically mean that the more types of action one foot soaks offers, the better it is in getting rid of foot  odor.

The synergistic effect may play a role in the efficacy of a cure however this is no set rule. This because a remedy may employ only one of the three actions but a really powerful one thus it can still be superior over others with more methods of action.

For example a really strong astringent may help cure sweaty feet better than a substance that’s mildly both astringent, antibacterial and deodorizing.

Top 6 Best Odor-Fighting Foot Soaks:


 

#6. Vodka soak  / wipe

On the Mythbusters TV show (episode 41) Adam and Jamie did a comparison of a foot powder wash vs. wiping a foot with vodka. Their experiment showed that foot odor was eliminated by both treatments.

Soaking your feet in vodka may work even better.

Won’t I get drunk?

Don’t worry (or get your hopes up), the Danish urban legend that you can get drunk by submerging your feet in alcohol is just that, a myth. Three doctors put this claim to the test. Read more about it on Discover Magazine.

How to use?

Wipe your feet down with a vodka-soaked washcloth. This will kill bacteria and thus reduce foul odor.

Or submerge your stinky tootsies in a moderate sized foot basin with water and vodka. Don’t fill it up too much as this will become a costly habit (the more water the more vodka you need). Not to mention a waste. Vodka has other great uses too right?

vodka-smelly-feet-cure

 

#5. Potassium permanganate foot bath

Does it work?

This old-school method is one of the more potent foot soaks. Potassium permanganate, (KMn04) (Permanganate of Potash) is a powerful chemical known to effectively kill fungi and bacteria.

How to use?

Add a few crystals or a table spoon potassium permanganate to  a quart of water. a quart of water.  The foot soak needs to color dark purple (see instructions on the package for more detailed dilution rates)

Soak for about 30 minutes. Don’t be surprised if your toenails and calluses start turning brown. It’s harmless.

Caution: topical use is safe in weak dilutions containing no more than 0.04 percent of potassium permanganate only. More about potassium permanganate foot soaks.

 

potassium-permanganate-foot-odor

 

#4. Apple cider vinegar soak

If you have to believe many health gurus apple cider vinegar is close to a divine panacea, an all-natural medicine descended straight from Heaven.

The hailed liquid is said to help with weight loss, digestive problems, to sinusitis and allergies. Skeptics may be inclined to waive apple cider vinegar‘s ability to cure foot odor to that same category of old wives tales but it’s actually doctor-approved.

Does it work?

“Apple cider vinegar kills bacteria and dries excess sweat, the two main causes of foot odor,”

says New York City-based podiatrist Johanna Youner, DPM.

“It’s a really good, effective and cheap cure,”

The popular cure-all has antibacterial properties, partially due to its abundant levels of phenolics and acetic acid. Its acidity helps get rid of the foul odor and reduces the build up of sweat.

How to use?

Add a ½ cup of apple cider vinegar to a quart of lukewarm water and soak your feet for 20 minutes. Soak twice a week or more often if necessary.

 

apple-cider-vinegar-foot-odor-remedy

White vinegar

White vinegar is a more affordable alternative to apple cider vinegar. White vinegar is a popular green, non-toxic household cleaner for a reason;  it’s a natural disinfectant and deodorizer.

Does it work?

Yes.

How to use?

Mix about 1 part vinegar to 4 parts water. Soak your feet in the diluted foot bath.

 

#3. Mouth wash / Listerine soak

Who would have though that the same refreshing liquid you rinse your mouth with can also be used to fight foot odor? There’s even more, mouth wash also helps cure foot Athlete’s foot and other forms of fungus.

Does it work?

You bet it does. Here’s why.

Listerine (or other brands) is an antiseptic (kills bacteria) and an astringent as well so it reduces the amount you sweat after soaking. Listerine contains ethanol, which kills bacteria, fungi, and germs that can cause athlete’s foot.

Not to forget it’s a deodorizer too. Contrary to some other popular foot soaks mouth wash brings triple action to the table.

Bonus: mouthwashes also soften hard parts of skin on your feet. This is an added benefit because when feet sweat these parts become soggy and can harbor even more bacteria.

How to use?

Wet a wash cloth with mouthwash and treat your feet with it after a shower. Make sure to rub it in well. Thorough contact makes that the skins crevices and cracks in your foot soles are treated too.

Or, mix one part Listerine with two parts warm water in a tub and soak your feet for about 20 minutes.

Podiatrist Eric Reynolds, DPM on WebMD, recommends to apply a moisturizer such as Eucerin Plus Intensive Repair Foot Creme when your ready with soaking. The cream contains hydrating urea making this treatment even more effective.

“Both types of mouthwash—with and without alcohol— contain antimicrobial properties that reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth,”

Mouth-wash-smelly-feet

 

#2. Epsom salt foot soaks

Epsom salt soaks fall in the category ‘Granny knows best’. My father always told me to use this cure as it worked wonders for him.

Epsom salt is a versatile beast. The popular mineral is used by Hollywood celebrities and the less-famous alike to cure tummy bloating, to detox, exfoliate skin, to slim waistlines, and de-puff skin.

Gwyneth Palthrow swears by an Epsom salt bath as an effective hangover cure. On top of that it’s praised for its use as a jet-lag remedy.

Does it work?

Epsom salt works great as a foot soak for stinky feet too since it is rich in magnesium sulphate. This substance not only neutralizes foot odor, it softens skin (be gone thy nasty hard skin patches!), reduces inflammation and even soothes aching feet.

Mouth wash and vodka work too but Epsom salt is more affordable .

How to use?

Dissolve ½ cup of Epsom salt in about 10 cups of warm water and soak your feet for 30 minutes. For best results do this two times per day.

Remove the loosened dead skin, calluses and corns with a foot file or pumice stone.

Epsom-salt-sweaty-feet-cure

 

#1. Baking soda and Tea Tree oil soak

Baking soda is the apogee of household products in terms of versatility. What can’t you do with the household powerhouse? Also when it comes to curing foot odor, baking soda is a true workhorse. Tea tree oil, on the other hand, is no less of a Jack-of-all-trades.

Does it work?

The salt also called sodium bicarbonate, bread soda, cooking soda, and bicarbonate of soda is praised for its potent odor control abilities.

It kills bacteria and fungus *, and, if that’s not enough, softens your feet like Cleopatra’s honey and milk baths did for the Egyptian queen.

  • * It helps prevent and cure toenail fungus but existing, persisting toenail fungus may require 100% tea tree oil application.

The reason we proclaim the Epsom salt & Tea Tree oil foot soak as the number one best soak you can get is because it combines the best of both worlds.

Tea tree oil is known worldwide for its antimicrobial action. The clinically proven odor-fighter helps you get rid of bacteria, fungi, spores, and other unwanted critters.

Besides neutralizing foul odors, the amazing essential oil has antiseptic, antibiotic and antifungal activity as well as anti-inflammatory effects.

Renowned sources such as WebMD state that Melaleuca Oil (as it’s called as well) not only removes foul odors but relieves common foot problems such as itching, scaling, burning, and inflammation.   

The combination of ingredients is why this soak does it all.

It removes odors like, is an astringent thus reduces sweating, smells good, soothes skin, softens hard skin patches, takes care of nail problems, and relieves pain.

How to use?

Add 1 ounce of foot soak, approximately 1 ½ tablespoons to a foot basin with warm water. Mix with hands until dissolved.

Soak your feet for about 15 minutes. Insert more salts for a more stringent or aromatic foot bath.

Go get this popular Tea Tree oil and Epsom salt foot soak now. Your feet will thank you. As will your family members.

Tea Tree Oil Foot Soak With Epsom Salt

 

5 Other popular foot soaks


 

If you just need a mild soak that may help rid the slightest whiff, the following soaks may help.  But trust me, if you suffer from serious foot stink you will want to use one of the top 5 above, those are just may more potent.

Black tea foot soak

Recommended by Dr. Oz and other well-known sources. Also called the tea bag soak, this very popular remedy’s method of action has to do with the tannins present in tea.

Tannins are plant polyphenols with astringent properties. Astringents temporarily close up the pores in your feet thus reducing the amount you sweat. This home remedy may stain your feet so keep that in mind before you put on your white socks.

How to use?

Cook water, place a few black tea bags in it. Let it cool off and soak your feet for at least 20 minutes. Repeat this a few times a week and see how it turns out for you.

Does it work?

It didn’t help me much. It’s not potent enough. There are stronger astringents out there (as well as substances that also kill bacteria and deodorize). Read my review here.

soaking your feet in black tea is a common home remedy for foot odor

 

Sage Soak

Sage, with its camphor-like scent, is a tonic herb. It contains oils and tannins that have astringent properties.
Does it work?

Sage leaves have antifungal and antibacterial properties, and a pleasant smell to help mask foot odors. The tannic acid in sage helps retard bacterial growth and close pores to reduce sweating.

How to use?

Make a tea mixture with sage leaves and soak the feet in it for 15 minutes.

Lemon water soak

Lemon is an astringent too. In theory lemon will help with excessive sweating because of the same principle as black tea. It’s supposed to shrink pores and the citric acid present in lemon also kills bacteria and because of its fresh scent it’s often used as a natural deodorant.

How to use? / Does it work?

Haven’t used it myself. People are known to mix lemon juice with baking soda making a paste that’s applied to the feet.

For example before going to bed. To me this seems more effective than just bathing in lemon juice diluted in water. Soaking your feet in pure lemon juice may be more potent but will be costly in practice.

Lemon-water-sweaty-feet-remedy

Bleach foot bath

Common household bleach isn’t just a popular liquid among doomsday preppers to disinfect water for drinking purposes.

How to use?

Some people soak their feet in household bleach diluted with water. About a cup of bleach would be appropriate in a bath of water ( about a quart cup in a tub).

Does it work?

Just think about it, 8 tiny drops are used by disaster preppers to purify a gallon of water so bathing your feet in a stronger solution will definitely kill bacteria living on your feet.

Warning

Despite its popularity it’s commonly advised not to use bleach (sodium hypochlorite) on the skin. It can cause irritation, blisters and burns.

This soak may be too harsh to do regularly and detergents present in the bleach may be detrimental to your health. Not for the faint-of-skin and organic-minded among us.

Sea water, an ancient smelly feet cure

Salty sea water works wonders as a toenail fungus cure but if it works as a cure for your stinky feet?

Does it work?

Sea water, because of its salt content may help eliminate bacteria but it’s not an astringent.

Since it has not the multiple action other remedies do have this may probably not be the most effective cure. It’s likely to be a nice addition to a cure involving more thorough ways to prevent foot odor.

How to use?

If you frequent the beach anyway, make sure to get those feet in the water but don’t count on curing your condition over night.

 

sea-water-smelly-feet-cure

 

Wrapping it up

Although the chemistry of these foot baths is given, every individual is different and what works for some may not work for another.

Generally speaking, these 6 foot baths are your most powerful options in getting rid of foot odor.

Depending on if you have additional goals such as curing dry or dead skin, warts, toenail fungus you may want to opt for another treatment but even then, the allround remedies we listed are your best bet.

Don’t forget to use a good antiperspirant on your feet for optimal effectiveness.

 

Which foot soaks did you try?

Did they work?

 

Image credits: sea water: Christina Xu , foot powder: Pixabay, vodka:  Villamon, feet, Pixabay, lemon water: Sam Fox, apple cider vinegar: Wisegeek