By Dan Wilson DPM

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Have you ever wondered why your feet smell so bad? You may think it’s because of poor hygiene, sweaty socks, or fungal infections. While these factors can contribute to foot odor, the truth is that your feet are designed to stink. Here’s why.

Your feet have more sweat glands than any other part of your body

The bottom of your feet have more sweat glands than any other area of your body⁴. Sweat and bacteria are the main causes of smelly feet. Your feet produce sweat every day, no matter what the temperature is. This is because sweating helps to regulate your body temperature and keep you cool.

However, when sweat gets trapped in your shoes or socks, it creates a moist and warm environment that bacteria love. Bacteria feed on the sweat and produce acids that cause the unpleasant odor. This is known as bromodosis, or smelly feet².

Your feet host a special kind of bacteria that makes sulfuric compounds

Not all bacteria are created equal. Some bacteria are more likely to cause foot odor than others. One of them is called Kyetococcus sedentarius. This bacteria lives on the bottom of your feet and creates sulfuric compounds when it feeds on sweat. These compounds can make your sweat smell like rotten eggs².

Kyetococcus sedentarius is not harmful, but it can be annoying if you have smelly feet. It’s estimated that 10% to 15% of all people have feet that are smellier than average because they host this bacteria².

Your feet can get infected by fungi that cause athlete’s foot and toenail fungus

Another reason why your feet are designed to stink is because they are prone to fungal infections. Fungi are microscopic organisms that grow and thrive in warm and moist areas. Your feet provide the perfect conditions for fungi to multiply and cause problems.

Some common fungal infections that affect your feet are athlete’s foot and toenail fungus³. Athlete’s foot is a skin infection that causes itching, burning, cracking, and peeling of the skin between your toes. Toenail fungus is an infection that causes your toenails to become thick, brittle, discolored, and smelly.

Both of these infections can cause your feet to stink because they produce foul-smelling substances that mix with sweat and bacteria.

How to prevent and treat smelly feet

Now that you know why your feet are designed to stink, you may wonder what you can do to prevent and treat foot odor. Here are some tips:

• Wash your feet daily with soap and water, especially between your toes.
• Dry your feet thoroughly after washing them.
• Change your socks at least once a day, or more often if they get wet or sweaty.
• Wear socks made of natural fibers like cotton or wool, which absorb moisture better than synthetic ones.
• Avoid wearing the same shoes every day. Rotate them and let them air out between uses.
• Choose shoes made of breathable materials like leather or canvas, which allow air circulation and prevent moisture buildup.
• Use antiperspirant or deodorant on your feet to reduce sweating and odor.
• Sprinkle baking soda or talcum powder on your feet or in your shoes to absorb moisture and neutralize odor.
• Soak your feet in warm water with Epsom salt or vinegar once a week to remove bacteria and fungi².
• Apply over-the-counter antifungal creams or sprays on your feet if you have athlete’s foot or toenail fungus³.
• See a doctor if you have severe or persistent foot odor, signs of infection, or a medical condition that causes excessive sweating.

Conclusion

Your feet are designed to stink because they have more sweat glands than any other part of your body, host a special kind of bacteria that makes sulfuric compounds, and can get infected by fungi that cause athlete’s foot and toenail fungus. However, you can prevent and treat smelly feet by following good hygiene practices, wearing appropriate socks and shoes, using products that reduce sweating and odor, soaking your feet in water with Epsom salt or vinegar, applying antifungal treatments, and seeing a doctor if needed.

Don’t let smelly feet ruin your confidence or comfort. Take care of your feet and enjoy their benefits without the stink!