Foot odour (bromodosis) is an embarrassing issue, causing even the most outgoing person to lose their confidence.
If you have this condition, you might find yourself avoiding taking your shoes off in social situations.
Constantly being worried that others will notice your smelly secret despite your best efforts.
We understand how much this condition can affect your quality of life and self-esteem. But you shouldn’t have to suffer with it.
Understanding the causes of foot odour is the first step to getting rid of it!
What Causes Foot Odour: 3 Reasons
It’s normal for everyone to have some sweat and bacteria on their feet. We all experience the occasional whiff of foot odour, especially after a long day.
However, a persistent, strong odour can signal an imbalance or potential problem worth addressing. Here’s what contributes to that unpleasant smell:
Bacteria’s By-Product
Bacteria naturally live on your skin and thrive in moist environments, such as wearing enclosed shoes for long hours.
When you sweat, it provides a cosy environment for bacteria. They then break down the sweat, and the resulting byproduct is what causes the bad feet odour.
That’s why it’s a common and popular advice that the most basic way you can maintain good foot hygiene is by washing your feet regularly and drying them right away.
Too Much Sweating
Some people are more prone to developing bad foot odour because they sweat too much. This condition is called hyperhidrosis.
When you sweat excessively, the constant moisture creates a warm, humid environment that odour-causing bacteria love.
As already mentioned, bacteria feed on the components of sweat. As they break down sweat, they release byproducts that have an unpleasant odour.
Too much sweating means this bacteria has a constant food supply, leading to a rapidly growing bacteria population. As a result, they produce even more of those smelly byproducts.
This creates a cycle where the more you sweat, the more bacteria thrive, leading to an increasingly noticeable odour problem.
Certain Medical Conditions
While sweat and bacteria are the main culprits behind smelly feet, foot odour can be just one of the symptoms of more serious health issues.
5 conditions include:
This fungal infection can cause dead skin cell buildup and create a moist environment.
This provides a breeding ground for odour-causing bacteria and can worsen existing foot odour.
2. Athlete’s Foot
This fungal infection causes itchy, scaly skin, often between the toes.
The damaged skin and moist environment create ideal conditions for odour-causing bacteria to thrive, making foot odour worse.
3. Psoriasis
Certain skin conditions, such as psoriasis, can affect the skin’s natural barrier function. This can lead to increased susceptibility to bacterial growth and contribute to foot odour.
4. Neuropathy (Nerve Damage)
This condition can affect the body’s nerve function. It commonly affects localised areas, such as the feet.
Our body automatically manages its internal temperature through sweating.
However, peripheral nerve damage can disrupt this process, causing you to sweat too much or not enough.
While excess sweating is a common cause of foot odour, people with neuropathy face another issue. The loss of sensation in their feet.
With reduced feeling, you might not notice small cuts, blisters, or other injuries on your feet.
These injuries can become infected, providing ideal conditions for bacteria to thrive.
The strong odour might actually be a sign of a festering wound and underlying conditions that need medical attention.
5. Diabetes
Many people think that foot odour is linked to diabetes.
Although having smelly feet doesn’t indicate diabetes, people with diabetes do need to take special care when it comes to their feet.
Diabetes can cause peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage as mentioned above) and peripheral artery disease.
These conditions make several things more likely:
- Reduced sensation:
Due to neuropathy, injuries like cuts, blisters, or sores on the feet can go unnoticed.
- Impaired healing:
Wounds may heal slowly or become infected due to reduced blood flow from peripheral artery disease.
- Increased risk of infection:
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) and peripheral neuropathy are not the same condition, but they can sometimes occur together in people with diabetes.
PAD reduces blood flow to the feet, which can make it harder for the body to fight infection.
Neuropathy can also cause a loss of sensation, making it difficult to notice small injuries that can become infected.
Infections thrive in these festering wounds, often leading to a strong, unpleasant odour.
A strong odour could be a sign of a wound or ulcer, which needs immediate medical attention to avoid serious complications.
3 Ways to Get Rid of Foot Odour
Smelly feet solutions rely on a combination of good hygiene, home remedies, and medical treatments if necessary.
Here are the various solutions you can employ to tackle this common issue:
1. Home Remedies
Good hygiene is the simplest and easiest way to fix smelly feet.
Not only is it the most natural smelly feet treatment, but it also prevents you from getting fungal and skin issues that can make foul-smelling feet more difficult to get rid of.
To observe good feet hygiene, experts recommend:
- Drying Your Feet Thoroughly:
As moisture encourages bacterial growth, ensure your feet are dry, especially between the toes.
- Foot Soaking:
Regular soaks in warm water mixed with vinegar or Epsom salts can help reduce odour.
- Changing Socks Regularly:
Opt for moisture-wicking materials and change them daily.
- Wearing Breathable Footwear:
Wear shoes made of materials that allow feet to breathe, reducing sweat accumulation.
If you already have smelly feet due to sweaty feet and wearing shoes all day, here are 3 home remedies to try:
Tea Tree Oil Foot Soaks
- How it helps:
Tea tree oil has natural antiseptic and antifungal properties, making it a potential weapon against bacteria and some fungal infections that can worsen foot odour.
- How to use it:
Add a few drops of tea tree oil to a basin of warm water and soak your feet for 15-20 minutes. Do it twice per day.
- When it works best:
This is a good option for mild to moderate foot odour. It can be particularly helpful if you suspect Athlete’s foot might be contributing to the problem.
- Caution:
Always dilute tea tree oil; direct application can irritate the skin. For very sensitive skin or open wounds, it’s wise to skip this remedy.
Baking Soda Solutions
- How it helps:
Baking soda helps neutralise odours and creates an alkaline environment that’s less hospitable to bacteria.
- How to use it:
Soak your feet in a basin of warm water with a few tablespoons of baking soda for 15 minutes daily. You may also scrub your feet with a washcloth after the soak.
- When it works best:
Best for mild odour and reducing overall moisture on the feet.
- Caution:
Baking soda can sometimes be drying to the skin, so prolonged soaks or daily use might not be suitable for everyone.
Vinegar
- How it helps:
Vinegar’s acidity alters the pH level of your skin, making it more difficult for odour-causing bacteria to thrive.
It is a recommended remedy if you have fungal infection like athlete’s foot or toenail fungus.
- How to use it:
Create a diluted vinegar soak (1 part vinegar to 2 parts water) and soak your feet for 10-15 minutes daily until the infection or odour subsides.
- When it works best:
Vinegar soaks can be helpful for managing odour, but they are not a cure-all for underlying conditions
- Caution:
If you have any cuts, sores, or very sensitive skin, the acidity of vinegar can be irritating.
Home remedies can be helpful, but they may not fully resolve persistent or severe foot odour.
If you find your foot odour doesn’t improve after trying these solutions, or you have any concerns about skin irritation or underlying conditions, it’s a good idea to check with a doctor or podiatrist.
2. Over-the-Counter Solutions
For more serious foot odour or treatable conditions, over-the-counter (OTC) products can be effective.
These range from specialised foot deodorants and antifungal treatments, to insoles designed to absorb moisture and odour.
Consider these options if home remedies haven’t been successful. :
- Antifungal Treatments:
OTC antifungal creams and sprays can address fungal infections that contribute to bad odour.
- Foot Deodorants and Powders:
Available at most pharmacies, these can keep the feet dry and smell normal.
- Insoles:
Consider odour-neutralising insoles that can absorb sweat and odour in your shoes.
3. Medical Check-Up
As mentioned, in some cases, persistent foot odour might be a sign of an underlying condition. To get rid of smelly feet, you have to get rid of the root cause of the problem.
If home remedies and over-the-counter options don’t help, or if you have any of these symptoms, it’s wise to see a doctor or podiatrist:
- Changes in skin colour or texture on your feet.
- Swelling, redness, or pain.
- Sores that don’t seem to heal.
- Strong odour accompanied by discharge from these sores or wounds.
A professional can diagnose the root cause and recommend the best treatment plan.
Conclusion
Foot odour might seem like a harmless embarrassment at first, but don’t ignore it completely.
While it can be a typical result of the interaction between sweat and bacteria, sometimes it can signal a more serious problem that could affect your self-esteem or even your overall health.
If foot odour persists despite your efforts, or if you have other foot issues that might be contributing to the problem, The Footwork Clinic is here to help.
Our sports podiatrists in Chatswood, Sydney, specialise in getting to the root of foot problems.
Visit The Footwork Clinic today for a proper assessment. Find out what’s causing that foot odour and get the right treatment, so you can regain your foot health and confidence.
