Feet sweat more than most any other part of the body and contain approximately 250,000 sweat glands. This, combined with closed shoes, creates an environment that traps warm moisture which can allow bacteria such as Brevibacterium and fungus to thrive much like growing plants in a greenhouse. This allows the organisms to feed on skin cells producing unpleasant odors..png)
This combined with poor hygiene, wearing the same shoes every day, shoes made of non-breathable materials and certain medical conditions like hyperhidrosis (overproduction of sweat) can add to the worsening foot odor.
What can we do?
- Keeping the feet clean by washing them on a daily basis is probably the best start. Antimicrobial soaps for bathing helps to reduce the bacteria on the skin that can eventually grow within the shoes. Soaking the feet in Epsom salt helps reduce bacteria as well reducing the amount of bacteria that may grow in the shoes.
- Rotating shoes daily allows shoes to dry out. After a day of heavy activities, feet tend to sweat. Shoes rarely get the attention of trying to dry them out. Rotating shoes every other day helps allow enough time to dry out between use. Make sure the shoes are in a well ventilated area to allow them to dry.
- Wear shoes that are made of breathable material such as mesh, loose weave or have some type of ventilating perforations.
- Wear socks with shoes. This allows a barrier that can be washed more easily, and this also creates a wicking barrier to get moisture away from the feet. Materials that are blends are more efficient for wicking moisture away from the feet such as wool, fleece, or acrylic blends. 100% cotton socks tend to have poor wicking capabilities allowing humidity to stay directly on the skin.
- Use of foot powders or antiperspirants can help reduce the production of sweat on the feet, reducing humidity and bacterial growth as well as fungus.
- Make sure to dry your feet after bathing, soaking or swimming.
- Keep toenails well trimmed and clean as well as by removing excessive dry flaky skin with skin files or exfoliating creams.
- Disinfect your shoes by using disinfectant sprays and replacing the insoles if possible on a regular basis.
- Allow your feet to breathe by wearing open supportive sandals to offset the closed cramped shoes and socks.
In some cases, persistent foot odor may be a sign of an underlying health issue, such as diabetes, which can increase the risk of skin infections. Certain medications—like antibiotics—may also disrupt the natural balance of bacteria on the skin, leading to odor or infection. Conditions that weaken the immune system can further contribute to these concerns. Eating the right foods, particularly foods formulated with high nutritional value may also stop your child's feet from smelling badly. If you've tried home care solutions without success, it's important to consult with a medical professional. At Rocky Mountain Foot and Ankle, we're here to help you live a happy, healthy life—from the ground up. Don’t hesitate to reach out; your comfort and well-being are our top priority.
