Foot odor or smelly feet is a common problem faced by almost everyone around the world. The unpleasant odor can make you self-conscious and even disrupt your day-to-day interactions with others. Sweat alone doesn’t have a scent; it is the bacteria that eat the sweat which produces a strong and pungent-smelling odor.

Here are some of the key factors that may contribute to having smelly feet:

1. Stress/Anxiety: During high anxiety and stressful situations, our body tends to produce sweat from the apocrine glands which are usually found in your armpit or genital region. These glands secrete a much thicker sweat that has a high concentration of lipids, proteins, and fat. This provides good feed for bacteria, yet terrible news for the person sitting alongside you.
2. Infections: Fungal infections and their poor monitoring can contribute to bad foot odor.
3. Shoes: The sweat from your foot usually gets trapped inside your shoes. The bacteria feast on the sweat accumulation on your feet, causing smelly feet. Shoes made with synthetic materials can easily trap the sweat, not allowing it to evaporate. Switch your shoes from time to time, especially athletic shoes, allowing them to air out properly before you slide them back on.
4. Hyperhidrosis: This is a skin condition where you sweat profusely. The accumulation of sweat or moisture on your feet fuels fungal and bacterial infections. The bacteria upon consuming the sweat create bad odors.
5. Poor hygiene: Poor podiatric hygiene is often the culprit for smelly feet. A good foot care routine helps you part ways with bacteria and sweat.

If you have a severe case of smelly feet, you might want to talk with your podiatrist about the next level of care.

If you are suffering from an unpleasant foot odor or think that one of the above factors is affecting your foot health, come to Joseph Stuto, DPM in Brooklyn, NY. Dr. Joseph Stuto, our board-certified podiatrist, specializes in all sorts of foot-related problems such as arthritis, toe deformities, skin disorders, and crush injuries. For more information on foot odor and foot health, call (718) 567 1403 or browse through our extensive patient library online.