Your feet may stink because of sweat buildup there.
If you dont address your moist feet, this can lead to bacterial growth, causing an unpleasant odor.
Sometimes, though, stinky feet can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition.
Verywell / Theresa Chiechi
It can affect any area of the body, including the feet.
Typically, this happens because a cut, wound, oringrown toenailbecomes infected.
Left untreated, it can start to smell.
A festering wound that stinks is definitely a sign to seek medical attention.
An abrasion on your foot is unlikely to get infected and smelly if you take care of it.
Your feet are a favorite spot for fungi.
The moist crevices between your toes are the perfect home for fungi to hang out and thrive.
And fungal infections can be hard to get rid of, which means the smell can stick around.
Some fungal infections that can affect your feet include:
Both of these can cause your feet to stink.
Poor Hygiene
Unsurprisingly, not washing your feet can cause them to start to smell, too.
The same goes if youre regularly wearing unwashed socks or shoes.
Poor Shoe Care
Your foot odor may stem from wearing smelly shoes.
Sweat can soak into your footwear and cause bacterial growth that eventually leads to a nasty smell.
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal changes, like those that happen during pregnancy, can also cause stinky feet.
Its Treatable
Smelly feet are a common problem and nothing to be embarrassed about.
The issue is also very treatable.
Wear a bigger size if your shoes are too tight.
Opt for open-toed shoes, if possible.
Foot powders and antiperspirants can also help keep your feet dry and bacteria free.
In addition, you’ve got the option to find medicated insoles at most pharmacies.
Changing your socks every day and wearing socks made of materials that wick sweat can help prevent smelly feet.
Iontophoresis
Doctors prescribe this procedure to treat excessive sweating, particularly of the hands and feet.
You place your feet (or hands) in a basin of water and an electrical current is applied.
Research suggests that it can reduce sweating by up to 87%.
Results can occur within a few days after treatment and last several monthssometimes up to a year.
The biggest drawback is that injections to the feet tend to be quite painful.
Prescription Medication
A doctor may prescribe prescription drugs to treat excessive sweating.
These block sweating from occurring in the first place.
However, they can be dangerous because they stop your natural cooling-off mechanism.
Other side effects include:
Summary
Its not uncommon for feet to smell.
Your feet are a prime spot for bacteria and fungi to grow.
Footwear like shoes and socks can also cause odor.
Often, at-home hygiene efforts can help reduce or prevent foot odor.
However, youll sometimes need to see a doctor to treat an underlying condition causing the problem.
A Word From Verywell
Having smelly feet can be embarrassing.
Have you changed any habits recently?
Your new shoes could be trapping sweat, leading to a foul odor.
Soaking them in vinegar and water can help prevent bacterial growth.
AnEpsom salt soakcan also help dry out your feet.
NHS.How to stop smelly feet.
International Hyperhydrosis Society.Sweaty feet.
Mogilnicka I, et al.Microbiota and malodorEtiology and management.Int J Mol Sci.
2020;21(8):2886. doi:10.3390/ijms21082886
Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care.Athlete’s foot overview.
NHS.Common health problems in pregnancy.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hyperhidrosis: Diagnosis and treatment.
International Hyperhidrosis Society.OnabotulinumtoxinA injections (Botox).
ClevelandClinic.4 ways you’re able to avoid stinky feet.
