Foot Odour 

There’s no better feeling than taking off your shoes at the end of a long day. However, that feeling can quickly get cut down by the odour of your sweaty feet. Bad foot odour, also known as Bromodosis, can be caused by numerous factors, but in the end, it can make you feel self-conscious and embarrassed. No matter how hard you try, your feet may always seem like they stink. We’ll be going over all that you need to know about foot odour conditions, as well as how to treat and prevent them:

Causes

Why Do My Feet Smell?

There can be many reasons why you have smelly feet. Your foot has roughly 250,000 sweat glands, which is more than any other part of the body. Wearing shoes or socks often gets those sweat glands going, which leads to the smell factor. When your feet begin to sweat, your skin gets wet and becomes trapped under your socks or footwear, making the odour worse.

Bacteria can begin to collect in your footwear, socks, and skin due to the sweat. As it multiplies, it eats any dead skin cells and/or oils on your feet, resulting in a bad foot odour. The moisture can also cause fungal growth and other foot conditions. 

Other Factors 

• Conditions such as athlete’s foot can cause odour 
• Hyperhidrosis -  a condition involving excessive sweating, even in low temperatures 
• Poor overall hygiene when it comes to your feet
• Choosing shoes with poor ventilation, such as leather, rubber, or synthetic materials
• Going out with closed-toed shoes without any socks
• Choosing socks made from synthetic materials such as nylon or polyester 

Prevention 

If you fear that you’re at risk of possible foot odour, there are ways in which you can prevent it: 

How To Prevent Foot Odour

• Stick with cotton or wool socks
• Make sure you change your socks frequently 
• Keep your socks clean and dry
• Wear socks with your footwear to avoid collecting dirt, oil, or skin in your footwear
• Cut your nails regularly
• Use a file to rid your feet of any dead skin
• Use anti-odour foot creams or antiperspirant foot sprays
  

Treatment 

Keeping Your Feet Clean

The most obvious solution for combatting foot odour is to simply wash your feet. Consistently keeping good hygiene when it comes to feet is a good first step in preventing the spread of bacteria and other foot issues. 

• Clean your feet daily with an antibacterial soap
• Make sure your feet are thoroughly dried 
• Applying a foot powder or antiperspirant can cut down odour 

If washing your feet with soap and water is not cutting it, other methods can be used:

• Exfoliate your feet with a pumice stone, scrubbing the dead skin and bacteria off your feet.
• A salt soak: Add Epsom salts into a tub of warm water and soak your feet for 10-20 minutes.
• Vinegar soak: Using apple cider vinegar in a warm tub works well for its antibacterial properties. However, don’t use this if you have any open cuts or scratches. 
• If you’re experiencing some more severe foot problems, such as bacterial or fungal infections, you should consult with a doctor. 

Wearing Socks 

• Stick to wool or cotton socks, as they can decrease moisture buildup
• Socks made of sweat-wicking materials can absorb sweat and reduce odours
• Change your socks as often as possible; at least once a day 

Wearing Shoes

• Select shoes that offer some breathability. Doing so can prevent the risk of sweating. 
• Alternating between two or three pairs of shoes can limit the possibility of sweating and bad odours. 
• If your footwear is a source of foul odours, try replacing the insoles or disinfecting them often. 

Tired of the smelly feet? We have a wide selection of products and services that can aid in preventing or treating your foot odours. Visit our online shop or foot clinic for a closer look at what we can do for you.