Smelly Feet

What are Smelly Feet in Podiatry?

Smelly feet is very common condition that most of us will experience at some point in our life. It can be quite an embarrassing and chronic condition. Luckily, there are many treatment options available for those of us who experience this condition.

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What are the Causes of Smelly Feet?

There is a host of reasons that cause smelly feet. One of the most common is a condition called hyperhidrosis (excessively sweaty feet). As the foot sweats bacteria begins to grow and proliferate around the sweat follicles of the foot producing isovlaeric acid which is responsible for the foot odor. The sweat will then settle inside of footwear producing a combination of a smelly foot and footwear. However, there are a number of conditions that will increase the chances of smelly feet that include drugs, stress, and hormonal changes.

Smelly Feet FAQ

One of the best ways to control cases of smelly feet is by following these simple preventative steps. First and foremost wash your feet with an antibacterial soap with warm water and thoroughly dry them daily. Proper foot hygiene helps reduce the level of bacteria which helps alleviate the odor. If your feet sweat a lot during the day you can use foot powders to help dry them as well as change of socks during the day. Wear socks that help wick moisture away form the feet to keep them dry suck as CoolMax socks or medium-bulk acrylic sock. Avoid cotton socks although they absorb moisture well them keep the moisture up again the skin causing the problem.

When at home go shoeless or wear sandals. This keeps your feet form being enclosed in shoes and open to air to help keep them dry. Also never wear the same pair of shoes two days in a row. Allow the shoes to dry up and air out. Taking the insole out will help them dry faster. Aerosol fresheners such a Lysol can be sprayed into the shoe to not only aide in reducing the smell but also to kill any bacteria in the shoes causing the odor.

Soaking the foot at night in regular tea has also been effective in fighting foot odor. The tea contains tannic acid with helps kill bacteria. But it is to be advised that the tea may stain your feet. If these methods fail to fight the odor then a prescription strength antiperspirants may be used to keep the feet dry and odor free. 

If foot odor persists despite maintaining good hygiene, or if you notice signs of infection like redness, peeling skin, or persistent itchiness, it’s important to see a podiatrist. A podiatrist can assess whether a fungal infection or other condition, such as hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), is contributing to the odor and recommend appropriate treatments.

If these methods don’t relieve the odor or you are experiencing smelly feet make an appointment with you local podiatrist (at any of our five locations, Savannah, Hinesville, Statesboro, Claxton, or Bluffton)  here at Atlantic foot and Ankle where we will be happy evaluate and discuss treatment options with you.

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