When you take your shoes off after a long day on your feet, you may notice that your feet have an odor. Because the soles of the feet have the highest concentration of sweat glands in the human body, it makes sense that sweat can get trapped on socks and shoes, leading to unpleasant smells from time to time.
That said, consistently stinky feet can signify of a more serious issue. Sometimes, foot odor is the result of a bacterial or fungal infection or an underlying health condition requiring professional treatment from a health care provider.
Understanding what can cause foot odor and how to treat it can help you determine the best way to get rid of smelly feet for good.
What Causes Foot Odor?
Also known as “bromodosis,” foot odor can happen for various reasons. The most common reason is trapped sweat, which can accumulate on your feet on hot days, after you’ve been standing for hours or when you exercise. Additionally, some medications can lead to excess sweating, and you may sweat more during certain times due to hormonal changes.
Other causes of smelly feet include:
Bacteria
There are different types of bacteria on the feet, and they can feed on sweat, creating foot odor. That same bacteria can also lead to foot infections when it enters a wound on the foot, such as a cut or abrasion. For example, Corynebacterium and Staphylococcus — the latter of which causes staph infection — are present in moist areas on the body, including the feet.
Three kinds of bacterial foot infections are:
- Foot abscesses: A foot abscess can occur when hair follicles or puncture wounds become infected. This infection leads to a pocket of pus called an abscess, which can look similar to a small pimple at first and then grow into a larger inflamed bump. The bacterium Staphylococcus aureus typically causes foot abscesses.
- Erythrasma: Often caused by Corynebacterium minutissimum, erythrasma can be found on the feet between the toes. It creates pink- or red-colored patches that eventually become scaly. This bacterial infection is sometimes mistaken for a fungal infection, so it’s essential to see a podiatrist to determine the cause and treatment.
- Cellulitis: This bacterial infection spreads through the layers of the skin, causing painful, red blisters and peeling. It’s most common in people with swelling, diabetes and obesity and can become a serious health condition if left unaddressed.
In each case, consulting with a health care professional is important so you can treat the bacterial infection and get rid of the source of your smelly feet.
Fungi
Two of the most common fungal infections found on the foot are athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) and toenail fungus (onychomycosis).
- Athlete’s foot: This condition is caused by a fungus called “dermatophytes.” The type of athlete’s foot you have can vary, and it can manifest itself in between the toes, on the bottom of the foot, in the form of blisters or as ulcers. Typically, athlete’s foot leads to itching, swelling, cracking, peeling and odor.
- Toenail fungus: Also called “tinea unguium,” toenail fungus occurs under and around the nail bed, causing yellow-colored nails, rippled nail plates and separation of the nail from the nail bed.
It’s usually easy to treat mild cases of athlete’s foot with over-the-counter creams or sprays, though visiting your health care provider is always beneficial to get a diagnosis. In comparison, toenail fungus requires testing to diagnose the fungus and determine the right course of treatment.
Improper Habits and Hygiene
Sometimes, stinky feet are a matter of improper habits and hygiene. For example, people with foot odor might neglect to change their socks or wait for their shoes to dry before wearing them. When you wear the same pair of socks without washing them or expose your feet to constant moisture, you give the bacteria on your feet the perfect spot to multiply and release odor-causing chemicals.
It’s important to look after your feet just as you would any other part of your body. Not washing your feet, trimming your toenails, or addressing sores, warts and other foot-related issues can impact your health beyond just causing odor. Some bacterial and fungal foot infections can lead to symptoms like fever and nausea and complications like sepsis.
Ways to Get Rid of Smelly Feet
If you’re dealing with mild foot odor related to sweat, you may be able to treat the problem with antibacterial products or foot deodorant. Certain lifestyle changes can also help. Here are some quick tips to keep your feet clean, dry and free of smells:
- Wash your feet daily, or more often if you live an active lifestyle.
- Keep your toenails trimmed and clean.
- Avoid wearing wet shoes.
- Don’t walk barefoot on wet ground, especially in public places like communal bathrooms and public pools.
- Make sure your shoes fit properly, offering enough room to let your feet breathe.
- Change your socks every time you wear shoes.
If you already practice good habits and hygiene for your feet and you still experience foot odor, it may be due to an infection or underlying condition, such as hyperhidrosis, which is excessive sweating. It’s essential to pay attention to your feet so you can identify changes and signs that a problem might be present.
When to See a Professional to Treat Foot Odor
Generally, you should seek professional help to treat foot odor when the problem becomes notable and impacts your daily life. If you’ve tried to treat your smelly feet and the problem won’t go away, or you’ve noticed visual changes like swelling and abscesses, it’s time to visit a podiatrist, or a foot doctor. This physician can look at your feet and toes, diagnose any present issues and provide the correct treatment plan to eliminate the issue and get rid of your foot odor.
Remember, taking care of your feet is essential to your overall health, so prioritize seeing a professional as soon as you think something is wrong.
Schedule an Appointment With Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates
At Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates, we go above and beyond to improve our patients’ lives by providing quality foot and ankle care. With a team of highly trained doctors and staff, you can rely on us for professional podiatry services that make a positive difference in your life.
In many cases, visiting a podiatrist is necessary to address specific concerns other doctors can’t treat. Whether you’re dealing with foot odor, a foot infection or another foot or ankle issue, we have the expertise and knowledge to offer custom treatment plans that get to the root of the ailment.
Learn more about our services and how we can diagnose and treat a variety of foot and ankle conditions to help you get back to living your life. Schedule an appointment today by calling (360) 754-3338!
