Smelly feet, or foot odor, can be embarrassing. A combination of 250,000 sweat glands; damp, dark shoes; and bacteria is the most common culprit, explains Dr. Andrew Weil. According to MayoClinic.com, home treatments can usually manage foot odor successfully. If foot odor is accompanied by a rash, peeling skin or an open cut or sore, a consultation with a doctor is needed to rule out a serious condition.
Causes
Normal sweating of the feet that is unable to evaporate due to closed shoes is then broken down by bacteria, which produce foot odor. For 10 to 15 percent of the population, the odor is severe. In this case, excessive sweat plus the bacteria Micrococcus sedentarius can be the cause. These bacteria produce sulfur compounds that worsen foot odor, explains Weil. Other causes include infections of the skin or of wounds, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Pitted Keratolysis, a skin condition characterized by small white patches and small superficial pits, has an odor that can be socially embarrassing.
Home Treatments
Home treatments are usually effective when foot odor is caused by sweat and bacteria in closed shoes. MayoClinic.com recommends going barefoot when possible and applying antiperspirant to the soles of the feet. The International Hyperhidrosis Society advises washing the feet with an antibacterial soap such as Dial, Zest or Safeguard.
Other Treatments
According to the International Hyperhidrosis Society, to control severe foot odor due to the bacteria Micrococcus sedentarius, it is necessary to control both bacteria and moisture. It recommends washing the feet with an antibacterial soap and discarding any damp and odorous socks or shoes. A physician may prescribe an antibiotic to apply to the skin or to take by mouth. Weil explains that a prescription-strength antiperspirant may be necessary to control excess sweating.
About Shoes and Socks
Choosing the right shoes can help. Plastic shoes should be avoided. Washable sneakers that can be laundered regularly to remove bacteria and odor are advised. According to MayoClinic.com, wearing cotton, wool or moisture-wicking socks and changing them often, throwing away rotting shoes and not wearing the same shoes on two consecutive days can help.
Prevention
Once odor is under control, steps to prevent foot odor can be taken. Home treatments, such as washing with antibacterial soap, wearing cotton socks, applying antiperspirant to the soles of the feet and choosing the right shoes should be continued as preventive measures.
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