Open
Close

Legs sweat a lot and an unpleasant odor appears: what to do in such a situation

Sweating feet often leads to an unpleasant odor. Poor-quality shoes and high temperatures are becoming the main factors of this problem, which any person, regardless of age, can face. Smelly feet make your quality of life more difficult. If this manifestation does not disappear in winter, then you need to carefully consider your health, since sweating of the legs is often a symptom of a serious illness. Why feet sweat and smell a lot and how to eliminate an unpleasant symptom, you can find out below.

Reasons for the smell

The main cause of the odor is due to the increased perspiration from the limbs. The scent is often associated with changes in the function of sweat glands, metabolic disorders or other pathologies in the body. A humid environment also causes odors. Allocations become a hotbed for the spread of viral, infectious microorganisms. Disease-causing bacteria settle in shoes, and their vital functions are supported by moisture in the tissues.

Attention! Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) of the legs requires immediate resolution. Doctors say that discharge is a non-standard defense of the body.

Why does sweat and odor appear:

  • due to heavy loads on the foot;
  • synthetic fabric, warmed tights and socks;
  • proper care of shoes and feet is not performed;
  • tight, closed or poor quality shoes.


People with strong sweating on their feet are more prone to colds, purulent infections, and fungal infections.

You can independently determine whether a person has an increased level of sweating or not. Dilute iodine in water, dip your feet in the solution. After a few minutes, remove and sprinkle cornstarch powder on your feet. When there is a problem, the skin turns blue, if there is no color change, then everything is in order.

Factors of pathological changes

It is possible to eliminate sweating of the extremities and their odor after a preliminary examination. If a person observes the necessary hygiene of the feet, the doctor will first exclude the possible presence of pathologies:

  • endocrine disorders (observed in both men and women);
  • nervous, mental disorders, stress;
  • skin diseases (boils, warts);
  • fungus on the legs;
  • oncology.

Hyperhidrosis is not a cosmetic disease. Only a good specialist will determine the cause of the symptom.


Why do my feet sweat a lot? Sweating and odor can be caused by:

  • colds and respiratory viral pathologies;
  • respiratory tract diseases;
  • disorders in the functioning of the thyroid gland;
  • cardiovascular diseases;
  • menopause in women;
  • increased blood pressure;
  • hormonal changes, leaps;
  • diabetes;
  • weight gain.

Important! Many people try to hide an unpleasant odor by means of fragrances, which can only temporarily eliminate it. The skin under antiperspirants is most open to infections. Constant use will delay the necessary treatment, which will negatively affect the human condition.


Do you need a doctor's help

When should you see a doctor? If the symptoms of the disease could not be eliminated using the tried and tested methods listed below (legs also sweat and stink a lot), you should definitely go to the doctor. In the body, most likely, a serious violation has occurred.

First of all, you should get the advice of a therapist - he will prescribe the necessary examination. You will also need the advice of a dermatologist. The doctor will prescribe medications to combat increased sweating. You may also need sedatives (tincture of motherwort, valerian), because often hyperhidrosis is provoked by nervous disorders.

In rare cases, a specialist prescribes bromides or tranquilizers. Their reception lasts no more than 21 days, since the body quickly gets used to them and a lot of side effects are possible.

Treatment for sweating feet

There are many methods that can help you get rid of unpleasant foot odor. For treatment use:

  • drug therapy;
  • folk methods;
  • sanitary and hygienic rules.


By following simple instructions, you can eliminate the perspiration of the limbs and forget about the unpleasant odor.

Drug treatment

The doctor will tell you what to buy at the pharmacy and how to use the funds. Modern medicine offers a wide range of effective drugs to help stop sweating. Here is some of them:

  1. Lavilin. The constituent components are antibacterial medicinal herbs, vitamins that destroy pathogenic microbes. The medicine is absorbed into the skin, showing an effective result after 14 days.
  2. Teimurova paste. It is used for uncomplicated hyperhidrosis. The presence of talc and zinc oxide helps to disinfect, deodorize and dry the skin. Virtually no side effects. The therapeutic course is 45 days.
  3. I surfed. A well-known agent that inhibits the growth of fungus, eliminating odor. They can not only process the feet, but also add a little of the drug to the shoes.
  4. Formagel. The product is applied for 40 minutes, creating a thin film. After the time has elapsed, wash off with warm water. The effect lasts 15 days, then the manipulation is repeated. With intense sweating, it can be used for up to 3 days, but no more, otherwise a burn or dry skin is possible. Do not apply to open wounds.
  5. Formidron. An antiseptic that eliminates bacteria by stopping their reproduction. Has a drying effect. When using, you should be careful, since toxic substances can provoke irritation of the respiratory tract.

Attention! Boric acid is an affordable and inexpensive option. The solution is harmless for topical use. Instantly removes unpleasant odors. It is allowed to use it as a prophylaxis.


Remedies for an unpleasant scent

Many pharmacy products give short-term results and do not guarantee absolute elimination of the problem. The most famous remedies for odor and perspiration are:

  • sprays against fungus - reduce the inflammatory process, remove fungal infection;
  • galenopharm 5 days - produced in powder form: before putting on shoes, the product is poured into the shoes. The effectiveness is that it is able to eliminate the cause of the inconvenience in 5 days;
  • antiperspirants - there is a narrowing of the pores, and therefore the performance of sweat is blocked;
  • deodorants - eliminate the smell for a while;
  • specially made socks for odorless feet: made of natural cotton fabric and visibly reduces perspiration.

If you are constantly tormented by a problem with your legs, it is good to purchase a bath with a hydromassage. It promotes relaxation of the limbs after a working day and the correct regulation of the functions of the sweat glands.

Iontophoresis from increased sweating

Iontophoresis is a medical method for eliminating sweating of the feet. This procedure completely eliminates the appearance of sweat and odor. Duration is 20 minutes, performed 10 times daily or every other day.


Iontophoresis is carried out as follows:

  • water is poured into a special structure;
  • legs sink into liquid;
  • a light electric current passes through the water.

At the time of the procedure, the person should not feel pain. If it is observed, then turn off the device or reduce the current level. Therapy consists in the fact that under the influence of the current entering the skin, ionizing substances pass. They do not damage the skin.

Hygiene rules: what to do to make the smell disappear

Sweat itself does not have any aroma, it only becomes a favorable environment for microorganisms. It is important to keep your feet hygienic, wash them in the morning and in the evening, and then wipe them dry.

Here are some tips on how to deal with this:

  • wash feet with antibacterial or household soap - they have a drying effect, destroying microbes;
  • initially rinse with warm water, then with cool water - it narrows the pores, thereby reducing perspiration;
  • you can use a contrast shower;
  • after manipulation, treat the legs with baby powder or talcum powder;
  • apply any hygiene product to the skin;
  • at least 2 times a week to do various baths with the addition of medicinal herbs (calendula, chamomile) and sea salt.


Important! You should have your own personal towel for drying your feet. Do not use the belongings of other family members.

Shoes and socks

Your feet can stink if you are wearing tight or synthetic shoes that do not allow air to pass through.

It is advisable to buy shoes made from natural materials. Socks and stockings also affect the condition of the skin, so you need to:

  • wear clean socks daily;
  • buy not tight shoes;
  • periodically wash and ventilate shoes;
  • dry well;
  • change insoles or pull out and wash separately;
  • use talcum powder or powder that absorbs excess moisture.

Attention! To avoid stinking shoes, use hydrogen peroxide or vinegar. The product is carefully applied to the inner surfaces.

A tea leaf is put into a clean sock, and then put into shoes for several days. The unpleasant scent will disappear for a long time.

Folk recipes for children

When a child's feet are sweating and stinking, treatment should be taken seriously. Since the skin of children is very delicate, the wrong therapy can harm and worsen the situation. For the child, it is better to use sparing methods.


The following folk recipes can be used:

  1. Kombucha forms an acidic environment, inhibiting the growth and reproduction of bacteria. Such baths will only have a positive effect on children's sensitive skin.
  2. To eliminate heavy sweating, salt is suitable (add 5 liters of non-hot water to 2 glasses). The procedure should be performed once every 7 days. However, it is worth making sure that the child does not have wounds on the skin.
  3. Baths with regular tea will also have an effective result. It will take 1 tbsp. l. black tea and 1 liter of water, which you need to boil over a fire for several minutes. The procedure helps to strengthen the immune system.

And if the child's feet stink after the shoes, then it is better to replace them with a better one.

Folk ways for adults

If an adult's feet are sweating and stinking, a home treatment can be used. Quite effective are:

  • glycerin + iodine tincture: smeared on the foot, after which warm socks are put on - the manipulation is carried out several times;
  • potassium permanganate: a weak solution is made - dip your feet in water for 10 minutes;
  • talcum powder: have an antiseptic effect and significantly reduce the likelihood of fungal infections;
  • starch (corn, potato is suitable): absorbs excess moisture;
  • alum: powder is used as a dusting powder - used every day;
  • massage: restores blood circulation and normalizes perspiration - can be done with various aromatic oils.


If your feet are cold, but sweating is still high, then products containing tannins are well suited for treatment.

Application of foot baths

At home, you can do baths: they narrow the pores and sweating is not so much. The procedure is best done 2-3 times every 7 days, and after 12 manipulations a break is taken. The duration is 10-15 minutes. If there are wounds and sores on the legs, then the baths cannot be done. When the procedure with the addition of any agent provoked discomfort, it is necessary to rinse them with warm water and wipe them dry.

Attention! There are various recipes for foot baths, which are supplemented with medicinal plants, essential oils, and apple cider vinegar. They are able to eliminate unpleasant odors and intense sweating.

Baths with oak bark

The bark quickly tightens pores, eliminating unpleasant odors. You can buy the product at the pharmacy or make it yourself. For cooking, you need 3 tbsp. l. oak bark and 3 glasses of boiled water. Insist for about 20 minutes. Then take about 2 liters of warm water into the bath, adding the infusion there. Lower the feet and hold for about 15 minutes, until the liquid cools down.

Baking soda relieves itching, irritation and sweating of the feet, removing an unpleasant odor. 1 tbsp. l. the funds are dissolved in 1 glass of hot water. Dip a cotton swab into it and wipe the feet and areas between the toes. Then you need to rinse.

You can also use baking soda. Collect some funds, add to the bath, loosen up and lower your legs for 10 minutes.


Lemon baths

You will need a little freshly squeezed lemon juice for 2 liters of water. Cool water is poured into the bath and legs are lowered. You can also wipe your feet and the area between your toes with lemon zest, and then be sure to rinse. This exercise is performed in the absence of wounds and cracks in the legs.

What to do with increased foot sweating and associated foul odor? There are many remedies and hygiene rules. But the conclusion remains one: in order to forget about this problem, it is necessary, first of all, to establish the cause of the negative manifestation. It is difficult to identify this on your own, so you do not need to hesitate to seek help from a specialist.