Understanding Stinky Feet: Why Does It Happen?

The medical term for stinky feet is called bromhidrosis, affecting around 16% of people.

The unpleasant smell comes from bacterial and fungal byproducts thriving in the sweat on your feet. 

Shoes and socks create a dark, moist environment, perfect for these organisms to multiply.

Normally, as one sweats, the sweat will evaporate off your skin before it has a chance to cause bacteria to grow.

There are 250,000 sweat glands in your feet, and while most of the sweat evaporates, extra sweaty feet provide the perfect environment for bacteria and fungi to flourish. When these organisms stick to your socks, shoes, and skin, they produce chemicals that lead to that familiar stinky odor.

What Causes Excessive Sweating?

Excessive sweating, medically known as hyperhidrosis, can be genetic, where your sweat glands are overstimulated by your nervous system.

Excessive sweating can also be linked to conditions like an overactive thyroid, hormonal changes (like during puberty or menopause), certain medications, and diabetes.

Pitted Keratolysis

Some people suffer from a condition called pitted keratolysis, where bacteria grow in the calluses of your feet.

This bacteria produces enzymes that eat away at the callus, causing small pits. This condition is common in those living in warm climates, athletes, or people who frequently wear occlusive footwear. Topical antibiotics, alongside good foot care, can treat this condition.

How to Treat and Prevent Smelly Feet

Treatment can be broken down into at-home care and more advanced medical options. 

7 At-Home Care Tools for Sweaty and Smelly Feet

1. Good Foot Hygiene: Wash your feet daily with a deodorizing soap, making sure to dry well between your toes.
2. Use Foot Antiperspirants: Products like Certain Dri, Kleinert’s Antiperspirant, or Drysol contain aluminum chloride, which blocks sweat glands. Start with the lowest percentage. .    Your regular underarm deodorant used on your foot may work as well. I recommend this to my patients to start.  
3. Reduce Calluses on Feet: Use an emery board or pumice stone weekly to gently reduce calluses and decrease odor-causing bacteria.
4. Sanitize Your Shoes: Use a UV shoe sanitizer or place shoes in sunlight. Sprays like Lysol or essential oil blends ( purification essential oil) can help. Shoe Sanitizer 

 

5.Wear Clean Moisture-Wicking Socks: Avoid cotton. Use socks made from Drymax,Coolmax, acrylic, or copper-infused fibers. Wash socks in hot water.

6. Treat Athlete’s Foot if Present: Over-the-counter sprays like Lamisil or Lotrimin are effective. Lamisil is preferred as it’s fungicidal.

7. Air Out Your Feet: Let your feet breathe when possible by removing shoes regularly.

Natural Home Remedies for Sweaty Feet

If you prefer not to use pharmaceuticals, try these natural remedies:

Black Tea Soaks: Black tea contains tannic acid, which shrinks sweat ducts and kills surface bacteria. Brew 2 tea bags in 1 quart of water, cool, and soak your feet for 10 minutes.

Vinegar Soaks: White vinegar (1 part) and water (2 parts) in a basin can help contract sweat ducts and kill microbes. Soak for 20 minutes.

Do these 7 at-home treatments for at least four weeks. If there’s no improvement, it may be time to explore more advanced options.

Advanced Treatments for Severe Cases

1. Prescription Antiperspirants: Stronger options can be prescribed by your doctor.
2. Iontophoresis: A galvanic unit sends a mild current through water, blocking sweat ducts. Has ~80% success rate.
3. Botox Injections: Effective but costly, painful, and must be repeated every few months.
4. Sympathectomy: A nerve surgery done in rare cases. More effective for hand sweating than feet.

Final Thoughts

By following these at-home care tips and consulting your doctor if necessary, you can finally get rid of stinky feet and feel confident taking off your shoes in any situation. Start with the basics and move on to more advanced treatments if needed. 

See my YouTube Episode on this subject.

Here’s to your best foot forward!

Thanks for reading,

Dr. Melissa Gaffney

(As an Amazon and Pedifix affiliate, I earn a small amount on qualified purchases.)

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