Table of Contents
Overview
We have all been there – catching a whiff of our feet and thinking, “Oh no, that smell is coming from ME!” You’re not alone; our board-certified podiatrists can assure you of that! More importantly, we can help.
Bromodosis, or foot odor, is a common problem and occurs to most people. This is because, believe it or not, the feet sweat more than other parts of the body.
For those who suffer from foot odor, it can be an embarrassing and uncomfortable condition. The good news is that foot odor is usually simple to remedy. Plus, there are easy, quick, and inexpensive ways to treat it.
Causes of Foot Odor
The feet have over 250,000 sweat glands, which is more than in other parts of the body. The feet also naturally have bacteria to help break down sweat on the feet as it is released. It’s when bacteria gather in the sweaty, damp spaces of the feet, that we can experience foot odor.
Some reasons why the odor can get worse include:
- Hormonal changes. Teenagers and pregnant women are more prone to sweaty feet, because their bodies produce hormones that make them sweat more.
- Fungal infections like athlete’s foot can lead to bromodosis.
- Manual workers who are on their feet all day tend to have sweatier feet.
- Stress can cause excessively sweaty feet.
- Certain medical conditions can cause feet to sweat more.
- Poor hygiene – unclean and unwashed feet can become a breeding ground for bacteria.
- Wearing unwashed socks is a recipe for smelly feet.
- Hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating even if you aren’t overheated. It may cause sweaty, smelly feet and be so severe that it interferes with your daily life.
- Diabetes can cause peripheral neuropathy and peripheral artery disease, and feet may get damaged without your knowing it. A strong odor could be a sign of a wound or ulcer, which needs immediate medical attention.
- Sometimes, foot odor can be a sign of an underlying health issue.
Tips to Prevent Foot Odor
To ensure the smell of your feet doesn’t reach your nose – or anybody else’s! – follow these tips:
- Wash your feet every day with mild soap and lukewarm water.
- Dry your feet thoroughly, making sure all moisture between your toes is removed.
- Keep your toenails short and clean (Note from your podiatrist: Always cut your toenails straight across – never on a curve!).
- Wear clean, moisture-wicking socks every day. Ask your podiatrist or local run specialty shop for recommendations!
- Consider getting two pairs of shoes and alternating them.
- Spray the insides of your shoes with a sanitizing spray, such as Lysol, to keep the smell at bay. Just be sure to let them dry thoroughly, about 24 hours.
- Walking barefoot at home can help reduce foot odor, as it helps the feet breathe. However, if this is painful for your feet, skip this tip.
- Wearing sandals instead of covered shoes airs out the feet. Choose supportive sandals instead of flimsy ones to keep your feet supported.
- Sleeping without socks can help avoid any build-up of bacteria.
- Scrape hard, dead skin from feet with a foot file. The skin can get soggy and soft when damp, which can attract bacteria.
- Getting regular pedicures can also help keep your feet clean.
The key to avoiding smelly feet is to make proper foot care a regular part of your daily hygienic routine!
When Your Foot Odor Won’t Leave
The above tips can only do so much for a person who is suffering from a severe case of bromodosis. If the above at-home treatments and lifestyle changes don’t work, it’s time to consult one of our board-certified podiatrists.
Our podiatrists can help combat your foot odor by:
- Prescribing stronger antiperspirants
- Prescribing foot soaps
- Recommending better lifestyle changes to combat excessive sweating
