Smelly feet, also known as bromodosis, is a common condition that affects many people. The unpleasant foot odor is often caused by excessive sweating and bacteria growth on the feet. While there are many remedies claimed to help with smelly feet, one popular home treatment is using hydrogen peroxide. But does hydrogen peroxide actually help get rid of stinky feet?
How Hydrogen Peroxide Works
Hydrogen peroxide is an antiseptic agent that works by killing bacteria and fungi. As it breaks down, hydrogen peroxide releases oxygen, which foams and bubbles on contact. This bubbling action helps to loosen debris and flush out grime.
Due to its antibacterial and antifungal properties, hydrogen peroxide may have potential for controlling foot odor. Applying it directly onto clean feet could help destroy odor-causing microbes. The oxygen released may also help clean out shoes and socks to prevent bacteria from thriving again.
Some people dilute hydrogen peroxide with water for use on feet. However, high concentrations (over 10%) can irritate skin, so caution is advised.
Using Hydrogen Peroxide for Smelly Feet
Here are the basic steps to use hydrogen peroxide for foot odor:
- Wash and dry feet thoroughly, especially between the toes. Make sure no debris or dead skin remains.
- Mix equal parts 3% hydrogen peroxide and water. Or dilute a higher concentration so it’s no more than 10%.
- Soak feet in the hydrogen peroxide solution for about 10 minutes. The bubbling helps disinfect and clean.
- Rinse feet and pat dry completely.
- Apply a foot powder to keep feet dry and discourage bacterial overgrowth.
For best results, use this foot soak once or twice per week. You can also spray diluted hydrogen peroxide directly into shoes and leave overnight to kill bacteria before wearing again.
Does Hydrogen Peroxide Actually Work?
There’s some evidence showing hydrogen peroxide’s potential against foot bacteria. A 2011 study found that bathing feet daily in a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution reduced odor-causing bacteria after six weeks. Participants also self-reported improvement in foot smell.
Another study from 2015 evaluated different hydrogen peroxide concentrations on fungal cultures from infected toenails. They found 0.5% hydrogen peroxide could inhibit fungal growth after seven days compared to untreated controls. Fungal infections often contribute to foot odor.
However, no large controlled studies have specifically examined hydrogen peroxide’s effects on bromodosis. The few studies done had small sample sizes and short follow-up periods. More research is still needed to make definitive claims on hydrogen peroxide’s efficacy.
Anecdotal evidence from people using hydrogen peroxide foot soaks is mixed. Some users report noticeable odor reduction even with consistent use. Yet others claim they saw no difference despite following all steps. Individual results seem to vary widely.
Potential Risks and Considerations
When used appropriately, hydrogen peroxide is considered safe for the skin in small doses. But improper use does carry some risks, such as:
- Skin irritation or burns from high concentrations
- Excess drying of healthy skin tissue
- Lack of effectiveness if feet are not cleaned thoroughly
- Rebound effect – destroying too many bacteria may allow fungal overgrowth
Hydrogen peroxide may help temporarily reduce foot odor. But it does not address the underlying causes like sweating, fungi growth, or wearing non-breathable shoes. For best results, consistent foot hygiene is key.
It’s also important not to use hydrogen peroxide long-term for foot odor. The antibacterial effects, while useful short-term, can ultimately damage healthy skin over time if overused.
Other Remedies to Consider
While the evidence is still inconclusive on hydrogen peroxide, trying it is relatively low risk. But if you find it ineffective for smelly feet, other remedies to consider include:
- Absorbent foot powders – Keeps feet dry by absorbing moisture
- Antifungal sprays/powders – Treat fungal overgrowth
- Tea tree oil – Has anti-fungal and antimicrobial properties
- Changing shoes/socks regularly – Prevents moisture buildup
- Avoiding tight shoes – Allows air circulation
- Antiperspirants – Controls excessive sweating
- Botox – Temporarily blocks sweat glands
- Medications – For excessive sweating conditions
Smelly feet can be unpleasant and embarrassing to deal with. Although more research is still needed, using diluted hydrogen peroxide foot soaks seems relatively safe when done carefully under proper guidance. Some people do report noticeable odor reduction with consistent use.
However, hydrogen peroxide alone will probably not resolve most cases of chronic smelly feet. This symptom is better managed through a combination of proper foot hygiene, moisture control, and wearing appropriate footwear. But adding occasional hydrogen peroxide foot soaks to your regimen likely won’t hurt either.
Just be careful not to overuse it or leave feet soaked too long in higher concentrations. For severe or persistent foot odor, see your doctor to rule out any underlying conditions. But in milder cases, hydrogen peroxide foot baths may be a worthwhile home treatment to try.
