Foot odour: causes and what to do at home
- Bad odour comes from sweat meeting bacteria in a warm, damp environment.
- Poorly breathable socks and shoes make smelly feet worse.
- At home you can work on hygiene, drying and rotating your footwear.
- If the odour persists, the podiatrist can identify the cause.
Foot odour comes from sweat meeting bacteria: with a little daily care it can be managed, but if it persists it is worth having it assessed.
What are the causes?
Sweat itself is almost odourless: the smell appears when the bacteria on the skin break it down, especially inside closed, warm shoes worn for a long time. Heavy sweating (hyperhidrosis), synthetic socks and footwear that doesn’t breathe make the problem worse. Sometimes the bad odour, or bromhidrosis, goes hand in hand with other skin conditions.
What can you do at home?
- Wash your feet every day and dry them well, especially between the toes.
- Change your socks often and choose breathable materials.
- Rotate your shoes and let them air out between uses.
- Don’t walk for long in damp or wet footwear.
Frequently asked questions
Why do feet smell bad?
How can I reduce smelly feet at home?
When should I see a podiatrist about foot odour?
Read also why the skin peels between the toes and the difference between professional foot hygiene and a pedicure.
Concerned about your feet? Let’s talk
An assessment with a podiatrist catches the problem early and prevents complications. Prevention is better than cure: book in Osimo or Villa Musone di Loreto.