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what causes feet to smell so bad

by Richard Purdy Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Causes of Stinky Feet
There are many kinds of bacteria on the bottom of your feet. These bacteria live off the sweat that your feet are constantly producing. When they feed on the sweat, the bacteria create an acid that causes foot odor. Besides bacteria, fungus may also cause you to have smelly feet.
Nov 27, 2021

What should you do if your feet smell bad?

Why Your Feet Smell So Bad — And What to Do About It

  • Foot Hygiene Rules to Follow. To keep bacteria in check, nothing beats bathing your feet — and the rest of you — thoroughly with soap and warm water.
  • Switch Out Your Shoes. Wearing shoes multiple days in a row can retain moisture. ...
  • Check Your Shoe Storage. ...
  • Plan a Tea Party for Your Tootsies. ...
  • Enjoy a Salt Soak. ...
  • Calm Your Nerves to Stop Sweat. ...

Why do my feet smell bad all of a sudden?

You may also notice that your feet get sweatier and smellier if you:

  • Wear shoes that are too small or too tight
  • Stand on your feet for long periods of time
  • Are under a large amount of stress

How do you stop feet from smelling?

Treating Foot Odor

  • Soak your feet. If your foot odor is noticeable, you can try soaking your feet to give them a deep cleaning. ...
  • Keep your feet dry. Bacteria live in moist areas, so keeping your feet dry will help to cut back on foot odor. ...
  • Practice good hygiene. If you have stinky feet, you should wash your feet every day. ...
  • Take care of your footwear. ...

How to get rid of smelly feet?

  • Keep your feet clean by washing them every day with soap and water. ...
  • Drying your feet after washing is just as important as the cleansing routine. ...
  • Another essential step for proper foot hygiene is to wear fresh, clean, and dry socks every day. ...

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How do you cure stinky feet?

What Can You Do?Be clean. Wash your feet every day. ... Wear the right socks. Cotton, some wools, and special knits made for athletes will absorb sweat and allow your feet to breathe. ... Make sure your shoes aren't too tight. ... Switch shoes. ... Kill those germs. ... Wash shoes or insoles. ... Avoid shoes made of plastic. ... Go barefoot.More items...

Why do my feet smell so bad even after I wash them?

So, if the bacteria on your foot isn't what causes foot odor, fungus might be the culprit. Many people know the fungus as athlete's foot, and it can also cause the foot to smell unpleasant. Dr. Antonopoulos says other foot odor causes include poor hygiene, wearing the same shoes every day and some disease processes.

What is a natural remedy for stinky feet?

You can neutralize your foot odor with a warm water foot soak. Simply fill up a foot basin with warm or cold water, add in 1/3 a cup of apple cider vinegar and soak your feet for 15 minutes. You can perform this foot soak multiple times per day if necessary.

What is the best product for stinky feet?

'I'm a Podiatrist, And These Are the 5 Products I Recommend for Stinky Summer Feet'Tea Tree Oil Foot Soak.FunkAway Aerospray.SteriShoe Essential Ultraviolet Shoe Sanitizer.Gold Bond No Mess Foot Powder Spray.Carpe Antiperspirant Lotion.

Are Stinky feet normal?

Most of the time, foot odor isn't a sign of underlying illness. However, severe sweating and foot odor in every season — not just when it's hot during the summer — could be a sign of hyperhidrosis. Hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating even if you aren't overheated.

How do I permanently get rid of stinky feet Reddit?

Anytime you remove your shoes, wash your feet....Army medic veteran here, my advice:Get rid of your current problem: Bleach all your socks and shoes on the same day. If the color does not allow bleach, use rubbing alcohol. Soak them in a bucket for a few hours. ... Never use socks for a 2nd day.Every. Single. Day.

Why do my shoes smell after washing?

Once the wash cycle is complete you should promptly dry your shoes using a hair dryer or by setting them outside in the sun. Leaving your shoes wet for prolonged periods of time can actually be the cause of a stinky odor, since bacteria and mold (which often smell) like to grow in dark damp places.

Why do my feet stink?

Some other factors that could cause stinky feet include: 1 Poor hygiene 2 Wearing the same shoes every day or not changing your shoes frequently enough 3 Certain diseases

Why do my feet smell like fungus?

When they feed on the sweat, the bacteria create an acid that causes foot odor. Besides bacteria, fungus may also cause you to have smelly feet. Fungus grows and thrives in warm, moist areas. When your feet sweat inside your shoes and socks, this creates an environment where fungus can grow.

How to get rid of a smelly foot?

Here are a few things that you can try to reduce foot sweat and odor. Soak your feet. If your foot odor is noticeable, you can try soaking your feet to give them a deep cleaning. To do so, mix half a cup of Epsom salt in warm water.

How to get rid of bacteria on feet?

If you don’t have Epsom salt, you can mix two parts of warm water with one part white or apple cider vinegar. ‌. Let your feet soak for up to 20 minutes once a week. Epsom salt helps to remove moisture from your skin, so bacteria are less likely to hang around. Vinegar also helps to remove bacteria from your feet.

How to stop sweating on feet?

While at home, allow your feet to get some fresh air by removing shoes and socks. Try to wear sandals when you can to reduce sweat. If you need to wear close-toed shoes, make sure that you wear shoes that fit properly.

Can you soak your feet?

You shouldn’t soak your feet if you have any open wounds or sores. Keep your feet dry. Bacteria live in moist areas, so keeping your feet dry will help to cut back on foot odor. You can apply talcum powder to your feet to soak up any wetness or sweat.

Why do my feet smell so bad?

1. You sweat a lot. Sweating is the most common cause of the smell. Our soles have endless sweat glands, so if you tend to sweat profusely then there are high chances of bacteria overgrowth on your feet which will ultimately lead to bad odour. There is a reason why your feet smell so much. Image courtesy: Shutterstock.

Why do my feet stink?

Here is everything you need to know about the condition. Even hormonal fluctuations can cause smelly feet.

How to get rid of stinky feet?

“Just follow basic hygiene like cleaning your feet twice a day, using medicated soaps if need be, drying them, clipping your toenails, and changing your socks twice a day to get rid of stinky feet,” concludes Dr Kalaskar.

Can you get athlete's foot from itching?

Image courtesy: Shutterstock. 2. You might have athlete’s foot. If your feet are always packed in tightly-fitted shoes then you could have the case of athlete’s foot. In this situation, your feet sweat a lot and thanks to furious itching you get major rashes which can lead to infections.

Why do my feet smell?

Advertisement. "The odor in feet is caused by sweat or moisture 'fermenting ,'" Jacqueline Sutera, DPM, board-certified podiatrist and foot surgeon in New York City and New Jersey, tells LIVESTRONG.com. Stink is the result of "any combination of bacteria, fungus, mold and/or yeast," she says. Here's how to ID the cause and gain control ...

Why do my feet smell like cheese?

It makes your feet smell like cheese. As another type of bacteria, called Propionibacterium, feeds on your sweat, you get that sour smell, according to the American Chemical Society. (Hence why you might think your feet smell like vinegar.)

How to get rid of stinky shoes?

If your shoes still stink, spray the inside with Lysol or put them in a Ziplock baggie and freeze them overnight to annihilate smelly bacteria.

How to stop feet from sweating?

If that's not enough, look for an antiperspirant for your feet, which is available over-the-counter or prescription-strength. 4. Try a Tea Soak. For sweaty feet, soak them with black tea nightly. "The tannic acid in the tea helps to prevent feet from sweating and causing odor," Dr. Sutera says.

How to stop stinky feet?

How to Prevent Smelly Feet. In addition to the fixes mentioned above, there are some things you can try to prevent future stinky feet, Dr. Sutera says: 1. Wash Feet Daily. "Letting water and soap from your shower fall on your feet is not enough," Dr. Sutera says. Lather up those tootsies, getting in between each toe.

What to do if your feet smell like socks?

If your feet come out of your socks or shoes smelly, sprinkle feet with foot powder or cornstarch before putting on your footwear.

What to do for sweaty feet?

For sweaty feet, soak them with black tea nightly.

Why do my feet smell so bad?

Bromodosis, or smelly feet, is a very common medical condition. It’s due to a buildup of sweat, which results bacteria growth on the skin. These bacteria cause bad odors. Fungal infections like athlete’s foot can also lead to bromodosis.

Why do my feet smell like they are getting bromodosis?

Poor hygiene can also play a role in causing bromodosis. Infrequent foot washing or not changing your socks at least once a day can allow extra bacteria to begin to grow on your feet. This can cause foot odor to worsen.

How long does it take for foot odor to go away?

The good news is that bromodosis is quite simple to treat. With daily attention, you should be able to reduce or eliminate your foot odor within a week.

How to dry out shoes?

Have two pairs of shoes that you alternate wearing every other day. This allows each pair to thoroughly dry out from sweat or moisture for a full day before being worn again. You can remove the insoles in your shoes to help them dry again. Wet shoes allow bacteria to grow on your feet more quickly.

Why do my feet sweat?

Everyone’s feet sweat, but teenagers and pregnant women are most prone to very sweaty feet because their bodies produce hormones that make them sweat more.

How to remove dead skin from feet?

Remove the hard, dead skin from your feet with a foot file. Hard skin gets soggy and soft when it’s wet, creating a place where bacteria like to live.

How to keep your feet clean?

Keep your feet clean and neat. Use a mild soap and scrub brush to wash your feet at least once a day. The best time to do this is during your morning or evening shower. It’s important to dry your feet completely after washing. Pay special attention between your toes, where any wetness can easily cause bacteria to grow.

Where does foot odor come from?

Foot odor doesn’t come from feet, but from the bacteria that live on them.

Why do my feet sweat so much?

If your feet are also unusually sweaty, it may be plantar hyperhidrosis. This excessive foot sweating may interfere with daily activities.

How Do I Get My Feet to Stop Stinking?

There are a variety of things you can do to help keep your feet clean, dry, and odor-free.

How to keep bacteria off your feet?

So if you keep your feet dry, bacteria won’t feel welcome there. Try these tips: Change your socks if they get wet or sweaty. Wear socks and shoes that let your feet breathe.

What to wear when you have a swollen foot?

Wear socks and shoes that let your feet breathe. Use athletic socks with moisture-wicking technology. As for shoes, mesh athletic shoes or real leather are safe bets. Avoid shoes made of synthetic materials.

What to use to get rid of foot odor?

Use powder or cornstarch in your shoes. Some foot-odor powders are deodorants; others absorb sweat.

Is it bad to smell your feet?

It may not be any consolation, but foot odor is rarely a sign of a health problem. It’s still unpleasant and embarrassing. Thankfully, there are ways to get rid of the germs and that awful smell. In fact, anything that stops your feet and shoes from becoming breeding grounds for bacteria will help.

Why do my feet smell like vinegar?

Many people describe it as a cheesy or vinegary smell that sticks to their feet, socks, and shoes. Foot odor is caused by sweat mixed with bacteria from your skin. Most people have over 250,000 sweat glands in our feet that produce a pint of moisture every day. Others have more than the average number of sweat glands, and sweat excessively.

How to get rid of a smelly foot?

There are a variety of home remedies to help you rid yourself of your odorous feet. Soaking your feet, believe it or not, can help to eliminate an embarrassing odor.

Why do shoes smell?

Shoes and socks are the perfect environment for sweat and bacteria to mingle, which is why it’s critical to maintain proper hygiene. You may not at first notice the odor, which may only be in your shoes. Eventually, however, the odor will become hard for you and everyone else to ignore.

How to get rid of foot odor?

There are several things you can do to prevent or minimize foot odor: 1 Wash your feet daily with soap and water 2 Keep your toenails trimmed 3 Always wear fresh, synthetic socks 4 Use a disinfecting spray in your shoes, similar to what is used at a bowling alley 5 Keep your feet dry as much as possible 6 Change your footwear to ensure the material allows your feet to breathe 7 Don’t wear the same pair of shoes every day 8 Sprinkle baking soda in your shoes to kill bacteria 9 Apply a zinc and castor oil cream daily after washing the feet 10 Odor eaters and powders for your feet 11 Before washing your socks turn them inside out to allow the dead flakes of skin to wash away more easily

How to get rid of odor in socks?

Apply a zinc and castor oil cream daily after washing the feet. Odor eaters and powders for your feet. Before washing your socks turn them inside out to allow the dead flakes of skin to wash away more easily. If you have foot odor, you should consider seeing a podiatrist before attempting to cure the problem yourself.

How to get rid of dry feet?

Bleach: Use bleach with caution; it has the potential to over-dry your feet and skin. Add two tablespoons of bleach to a gallon of warm water and soak your feet in the solution for five to ten minutes a day for one week. If you find this solution dries your skin too much, try adding a little baby oil to it before soaking.

How to dry out your feet?

Tea: Tea contains tannic acid, which is good for drying out your feet. Experts say to soak your feet in tea for approximately 30 minutes a day for one week. Salt Water: Using ½ cup of kosher salt for every quart of water, soak your feet for approximately twenty minutes each day.

What Causes Smelly Feet in Children?

Many causes could potentially be making your child’s feet stink. Some of the most common reasons include:

Why do my kids' shoes smell?

They need to change their socks and shoes more regularly. Often , odor from feet is caused by bacteria or fungus that grows in the shoes or on the skin. This bacteria can be so powerful that it can eat through the skin on the foot. Make sure your child watches their feet with hot soapy water daily and wears clean socks. Also, some of the synthetic materials used in footwear are more prone to create bacteria when mixed with sweat.

What is it called when a child sweats?

They might have a condition called hyperhidrosis. Hyperhidrosis basically is just a fancy name for excessive sweating. This type of sweating happens throughout the year, regardless of external factors like temperature or the types of shoes your child wears. It has more to do with how your child’s glands work and other hereditary or physical factors.

How to get rid of foot smell in kids?

Helping your child change their socks and shoes every day can do wonders for their foot smell. Wear clean and dry socks. Making sure that your child’s socks are clean and dry socks helps make sure the bacteria from the previous day does not continue to grow on their feet. Clean feet thoroughly, daily.

Why do my kids sweat so much?

Anxiety can make your child sweat more. Some children’s feet sweat more when they feel anxious. Addressing the anxiety or nervousness may be a way to control sweating. They might have a condition called hyperhidrosis. Hyperhidrosis basically is just a fancy name for excessive sweating.

What to do if your child's foot smells?

If you've tried the common-sense steps, but you're still concerned about your child's foot odor, going to see the pediatrician will be helpful in some cases. They will be able to treat more advanced bacterias and figure out root causes more deeply. They can also prescribe medical-grade products to treat any infections.

Why do teenagers sweat?

Hormonal changes can make teens sweat more. Sometimes teenagers can produce more sweat generally because their bodies are releasing so many new hormones.

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1.Smelly Feet: Causes, Treatments, and Outlook - Verywell …

Url:https://www.verywellhealth.com/smelly-feet-5213643

5 hours ago  · Causes of Stinky Feet Trapped Sweat and Hyperhidrosis. You can get sweaty feet because it’s hot outside or you’re exercising vigorously. ... Bacteria. Bacteria can grow due to …

2.Smelly Feet: Tips for Preventing Foot Odor - WebMD

Url:https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/what-to-know-about-smelly-feet

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3.Why Do My Feet Smell So Bad? 10 Ways to Get Rid of …

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