It can be hard to stomach when your child pulls off his shoes and his feet smell worse than those of some adults. "Frequently, children's feet will sweat more than adults' feet," says Dr. Rosario Labarbera, chief of podiatry at the General Hospital Center at Passaic and Saint Mary's Hospital in Passaic, New Jersey. When the smell of that sweat is particularly foul, it's known as bromhidrosis. Smelly feet in children don't have to be the end of olfactory peace in your home.
Cause
Most bromhidrosis is caused by fetid bacteria on the foot. These bacteria live on the dead skin cells and oils found on your child's foot. According to KidsHealth, 10 percent to 15 percent of people have bacteria called Micrococcus sedentarius on their feet, which produces sulfur compounds. These compounds are similar to the gases found in rotten eggs, which might explain the rancid smell.
Cleansing
One way to combat foot odor is to wash your child's feet thoroughly and regularly. MayoClinic.com recommends you ensure your child's feet are completely dry, as the bacteria will feed on any lingering moisture. You also can use a foot powder to help absorb any lingering moisture.
Socks
The type of socks you buy for your child might be contributing to her foot odor. MayoClinc.com suggests you purchase socks made of 100 percent natural fibers such as cotton or wool. These fabrics keep your child's feet dry by absorbing moisture.
Shoe Fabric
If possible, choose shoes for your child that are made from natural materials. Canvas and leather are two popular options in shoes, suggests Dr. Labarbera, and both allow your child's foot to breathe. Avoid shoes made of plastics and fake leathers, as these will keep the moisture in and promote bacterial growth.
Number of Shoes
One way many parents fail to combat foot odor is limiting the number of pairs of shoes they buy for their children. Shoes need time to completely dry after each wearing to help reduce moisture and bacteria, and there's no way for that to happen if your child only has one pair of shoes or wears the same shoes repeatedly. KidsHealth recommends you have your child let her shoes air out for a few days after wearing them if she has a foot odor problem.
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