Almost everyone gets stinky feet at some point, and some people experience foot odor on a regular basis. While foot odor is typically harmless, it may be embarrassing for the person experiencing it, especially when others make comments about smelly feet. People whose feet sweat a lot tend to have more problems with foot odor.
Biology
Foot odor stems from the bacteria that live on feet, which feed on sweat and dead skin cells, explains the Nemours Foundation. As these bacteria eat and multiply, they produce the characteristic odor of smelly feet. Since socks and shoes create a warm, moist environment perfect for bacterial growth, these tiny organisms take advantage of their habitat and produce plenty of the organic compounds that make up that recognizable bad smell.
Some bacteria are even worse scent-producers and people with these bacteria, called Micrococcus sedentarius, have feet that give off a smell like rotten eggs when the bacteria encounter sweat. Micrococcus sedentarius bacteria tend to take advantage of people who have excessively sweaty feet.
Contributing Factors
Excessive sweating can lead to an overgrowth of the bacteria that cause stinky feet. High levels of activity, stress, nervousness and hot weather can all lead to sweating, which in turn can cause foot odor. Wearing shoes and socks for long periods of time, especially during activities that cause heavy sweating, can contribute to stinky feet because the sweat cannot evaporate off the feet as it can from other areas of the body. Shoes and socks made of synthetic materials tend to aid in the development of the bacteria causing stinky feet.
Other Causes
There may be other reasons for excessively smelly feet in some individuals. Fungal infections such as athletes foot will often produce an odor if left untreated. Sometimes other medical conditions, such as anemia or hyperthyroidism, can cause feet to stink as well, according to Footcaredirect.com.
Prevention
Preventing stinky feet mainly centers around controlling the levels of sweat and bacteria on the feet. Bathing the feet daily and drying them thoroughly afterward is the first line of defense against foot odor. Shoes should fit well, and if they become damp, they should be allowed to dry out before being worn again. Shoes should be washed on a regular basis, especially when they have become sweaty or smelly. People concerned about foot odor may want to choose cotton or wool socks over synthetics.
Treatment
Foot powders that kill the bacteria responsible for foot odor can be bought over the counter at most drugstores and pharmacies. For persistent foot odor, a doctor can prescribe a medication containing 20 percent aluminum chloride hexahydrate, explains epodiatry.com. Other methods for treating smelly feet include special insoles to place in the shoes to reduce sweating, surgery to cut the nerve responsible for sweating and sending an electric current into the skin to halt sweating.
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