Overview
Sweaty feet are not the only cause of unpleasant foot odor. The bacteria that grow in the warm, moist, dark confines of your shoes play a major role in causing foot odor, says dermatologist Dee Anna Glaser for the International Hyperhidrosis Society. You may need to seek a doctor’s help if foot odor is extremely bad or doesn’t resolve with at-home care.
Foot Odor Basics
The soles of your feet contain more sweat glands than any other body part–some 250,000–says integrative physician Andrew Weil. On bare feet, the sweat excreted from the glands simply evaporates. But shoes confine sweat to a small space and a host environment Weil describes as “perfectly suited or bacteria.” When sweat begins to break down this bacteria, the process causes foot odor.
Bad Foot Odor
Particularly foul foot odor may be linked to a bacteria type that’s not a part of the body’s natural flora, according to dermatologist Dee Anna Glaser. Overgrowth of a different bacterial strain, Micrococcus sedentarius, and sweaty feet can result in “volatile sulfur compounds” that make your problem more difficult to resolve, according to Dr. Andrew Weil. About 10 percent to 15 percent of people suffer from bad foot odor, Weil says.
Basic Foot Care
To combat foot odor, dermatologist Dee Anna Glaser suggests washing feet regularly with an antibacterial soap. Dry your feet well, especially between your toes, the Mayo Clinic suggests. Use nonprescription foot powders to absorb perspiration. You can also apply unscented antiperspirants to the soles of your feet before you go to bed. Go barefoot as much as you can to give your feet time to air out.
Shoes and Socks
Choose shoes made of natural rather than synthetic materials, the Mayo Clinic suggests. A materials such as leather lets your feet breathe better. Because your shoes don’t easily dry out after you wear them, rotate your footwear, and don’t wear the same pair of shoes two days in a row.
Change socks and hose once or twice daily, and dry your feet well before changing over. Cotton and wool socks and hosiery with cotton soles may help absorb sweat, the Mayo Clinic says. However, if you’re working out, wear synthetic socks because they draw moisture away from your skin. Toss out shoes and socks that are permeated with bad foot odor, dermatologist Dee Anna Glaser advises.
Other Treatments
If you’ve tried everything to fight foot odor and still have stinky feet, Weil advises seeing a physician or podiatrist. Your doctor may recommend using a stronger antiperspirant with 20 percent aluminum chloride hexahydrate. Dermatologist Dee Anna Glaser notes that your doctor might suggest a topical or oral antibiotic.
