What causes smelly feet?
The medical word for smelly feet is “Bromodosis”. It can happen to absolutely anyone. There are several causes of smelly feet. Three of the commonest causes of smelly feet are:
- Excessive sweating (Hyperhidrosis)
- Pitted keratolysis – this is commoner in men. Bacteria causes the skin to become soft, damp, dimpled and stinky. It can usually be treated with antibacterial ointment
- Athlete’s foot (tinea)- this is a fungal infection that gets into the skin, usually via cracks in the skin between the toes. Athlete’s foot can usually be treated with antifungal cream
Are smelly feet more common in men or women?
- It’s actually more common in teenagers and in pregnant women because of hormonal changes
- It’s also more common in people whose feet sweat a lot
- If you’re working on your feet all day
- If you’re wearing shoes that are too tight
- If you’re in a hot environment
- If you suffer from hyperhidrosis
The 10 commandments for treatment of smelly feet
- Make sure your shoes fully dry out before you put them on again
- Don ‘t wear the same shoes on consecutive days
- Don’t wear plastic shoes – leather or fabric shoes are better
- Don’t ever wear shoes without socks
- Change your socks at least daily
- You could also try specialised socks for smelly feet (which have antibacterial properties)
- Use antibacterial soap to wash your feet – or ask your GP if antibacterial ointment may help
- Dry your feet thoroughly after washing them
- File off any thickened skin on your feet & clip your toenails regularly
- Wear antiperspirant deodorant spray on your feet
- You could also try deodorant insoles
- Use foot powder to absorb sweat (available at pharmacies)
What if these measures don’t work ?
- See your GP or a local podiatrist
- There may be a skin condition they could help you with
- Your doctor may discuss other approaches such as:
- A prescription deodorant
- Electric current therapy
- Injections for hyperhidrosis
Further patient resources
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Clinical review & governance
Medically reviewed by Dr Davinder Nagah
Dr. Davinder Nagah MB BS, MRCGP, FRACGP Dr Davinder Nagah is a UK medical graduate. He studied medicine at Imperial College London and subsequently gained extensive experience in Primary Care, Geriatrics and Emergency Medicine. Having made the move…
This health information has been clinically reviewed by an Australian doctor. Qoctor health pages are reviewed to support clear, evidence-informed guidance; they do not replace individual medical advice.
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