Your feet can produce 1 cup of sweat in a 24 hour period. This amount of sweat is like an all you can eat buffet for bacteria that normally live on your skin, socks, and shoes. When certain forms of bacteria use sweat as part of their diet a stinky result is produced. Although this explanation is generalized it is applicable to the majority of the causes of stinky feet.
It is easy to see that controlling and eliminating the sweat or bacteria will limit how much odor is produced. In addition to washing feet thoroughly anyone with stinky feet can easily try changing their socks more often, allow their shoes to dry between uses, and wear breathable shoes. Anti-perspirants/deodorants found at any drug store in the form of powders and sprays can also be an easy option. When these and other simple methods don’t work, consider visiting Sole Foot and Ankle Specialists.
Reasons why these at home methods wouldn’t work usually mean a more severe cause of sweating and or bacterial presence. Some patients have a genetic predisposition to over-active sweat glands (hyperhidrosis) or a particular bacterial colonization. Excessive sweating has also been linked to high carbohydrate diets, psychological anxiety, and a number of other well known diseases. Advanced treatment options that would be discussed with your doctor include, topical antibiotics, nervous system manipulation through Iontophoresis, Botox Injections, or various forms of surgery.
If you have trouble with foot odor and have tried all options, schedule an appointment with Dr. Jay Larson at Sole Foot and Ankle Specialists. We can discuss all the options that may be available, especially for your individual needs.