Foot odor is really embarrassing, only those who have experienced it know. Before having foot odor, we think it's just a small problem. But once we have foot odor, we realize how big of a nuisance it can be. So, what are the treatment methods for foot odor? Can soaking feet solve the problem of foot odor?
Traditional Chinese Medicine explains the causes of foot odor
Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that sweaty feet are caused by an imbalance in the spleen and stomach functions. The imbalance can be classified into spleen and stomach deficiency and spleen and stomach excess.
The soles of our feet have a large number of sweat glands, with about 620 sweat glands per square centimeter, while other parts of the body only have 140-340 sweat glands per square centimeter. Therefore, the soles of our feet sweat more than other parts of our body.
Generally, when we engage in intense physical activities, wear shoes with poor breathability, or walk for a long time, our feet sweat more. In addition, if we are emotionally excited, the sympathetic nervous system is stimulated, leading to increased secretion of acetylcholine, which can also cause increased foot sweating. If our feet are trapped in shoes for too long without proper ventilation or foot hygiene, an unpleasant odor can develop.
Spleen and stomach deficiency: Symptoms may include dry mouth, restlessness, a red tongue with little coating. This condition is often caused by insufficient body fluid.
Spleen and stomach excess: Symptoms may include bitter taste in the mouth, bad breath, constipation, turbid urine, a thick and greasy tongue coating. This condition is often caused by excessive alcohol consumption and consumption of spicy, fatty, and sweet foods.
Can soaking feet solve the problem of foot odor?
1. Ginger foot soak
Ginger contains spicy and aromatic components. It can eliminate odor, have antibacterial, dehumidifying, and dispelling cold effects. When people with foot odor soak their feet in ginger water, they can also add some salt, which enhances the sterilization and disinfection effects and can remove dead skin. The specific method is as follows: cut the ginger into slices, put them in a pot with water and 1 tablespoon of salt, boil it; pour the water into a basin, wait for it to cool slightly, and soak the feet for 20-30 minutes.
2. Tea foot soak
Use leftover tea leaves from the day to brew a tea. When the water temperature is suitable, soak the feet for 20-30 minutes. Tea leaves not only eliminate odor but also contain tannic acid, which has strong antibacterial effects and helps remove filamentous bacteria that cause foot odor. Tea also has an auxiliary antispasmodic effect on peripheral blood vessels, so soaking feet in tea can relax the whole body. Regularly using tea to soak feet not only removes foot odor but also reduces the occurrence of skin diseases on the feet.
3. Leek water foot soak
Leeks contain special ingredients such as volatile essential oils and sulfur compounds. They have a pungent fragrance and have detoxifying, sweat-stopping, and astringent effects. Soaking feet in leek water can help eliminate sweaty feet and foot odor. It is recommended to soak the feet for 20 minutes each time, and the water should cover the feet. This treatment should be done continuously for about ten days.
4. Orange peel foot soak
Orange peel itself contains essential oils that emit a natural fragrance, which can eliminate odor. It also has the effects of antibacterial and dehumidification. Soaking feet with orange peels can help eliminate foot odor. The specific method is as follows: put 2-3 orange peels in a basin, pour boiling water over them, wait for the water temperature to cool slightly, and then soak the feet for 20-30 minutes.
Treatment methods for foot odor!
1. Medication
Treatment for foot odor generally starts with trying medication. In the early stages of foot fungus infection, it is not difficult to treat. If patients can seek medical treatment at a dermatology clinic as soon as possible, the condition will not recur. As for the medication for foot odor, it is not advisable to buy it at a pharmacy without a doctor's guidance. Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.
2. Traditional Chinese Medicine
In the treatment of foot odor, both Western medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine can be chosen. Traditional Chinese Medicine mainly uses foot soaking as a treatment method. Take the prescribed Chinese medicine back home and cook it. Soak the feet in the boiled medicine liquid. The effect is good, but it requires persistence. Foot odor is prone to recurrence, so doctors usually recommend a combination of Chinese and Western medicine for better results.
