Smelly feet usually can be attributed to one thing: sweat. A foot has more than 250,000 sweat glands, says Los Angeles podiatrist Joshua Kaye. When that sweat interacts with the normal bacteria on the skin, in the enclosed environment of socks and shoes, foot odor is often the result. Keeping feet clean and dry lowers the chance of smelly feet and possible infection.
Bacteria
Bacteria flourish in dark, damp places, such as on sweaty feet inside shoes and socks. When bacteria ingest dead skin cells, they produce various acids, depending on the type of bacteria, and it is the acid that causes the smell. For instance, the acids produced by Brevibacteria and Proprionibacteria cause a "cheesy" foot odor. These bacteria are also found on cheeses and give cheeses like limburger and Muenster their pungent smell.
Fungi
Fungi can also cause foot odor, and like their bacterial cohorts, they thrive on dead skin, in the dark and the damp. A common fungal infection that causes foot odor is Tinea pedis, otherwise known as athlete's foot. In the case of athlete's foot, the fungi also survive on the floors of locker rooms and public bathrooms, making it easily transmissible. Athlete's foot is the most common fungal infection in North America, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions may make you more susceptible to the bacteria and fungi that cause foot odor, in addition to other infection-causing organisms that can do the same. Diabetes and circulatory diseases can make cracked skin, foot sores or athlete's foot a catastrophic condition that could eventually lead to cellulitis, gangrene and foot amputation.
Other Causes
Smelly feet can also be caused by fashion and hygiene issues. Ill-fitting shoes that do not allow for ventilation of the feet and nylon socks that do not allow for evaporation of moisture will give bacteria the moist, dark environment they need to cause foot odor. Not washing your feet every day, wearing socks more than one day and even wearing shoes without allowing them to dry out can make your feet smell. If you do not thoroughly dry your feet after washing, including drying between your toes, you will also give odor-causing bacteria a place to thrive.
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