Foot odour is an embarrassing problem that can be very frustrating to live with but don’t despair, there are plenty of good solutions you can try. At Foot Solutions, our experienced team understand how important it is to take care of your feet and we will always be happy to discuss any foot problem with you and help you to find the best options for you and your lifestyle.
Here, we will take a look at the causes of foot odour and the best ways to address these, sharing our top tips and considering how to prevent the problem. If you are experiencing foot pain, disease or discomfort, it’s a good idea to get it checked out as soon as possible and you can seek help from your doctor or podiatrist, or from a member of our friendly team.
Foot Health can indicate health problems
Foot odour is also known as bromodosis, and it is a common condition that is often caused by the buildup of bacteria and sweat on the feet. It may also be the result of taking certain medications, such as antidepressants, or the hormonal changes that take place during puberty, pregnancy and the menopause. If you are living with smelly feet and do not think there is an underlying medical cause, you can treat this problem at home and will usually find a simple solution that works for you.
If you have excess foot odour, you may find the the problem is worse in hot weather and after exercise, due to an increase in sweating. Being overweight can also exacerbate the problem, as can standing for long periods of time. Excessive sweating may be due to a condition known as hyperhidrosis, and this can be more complex to treat. Foot odour can also be caused by fungal infections such as Athlete’s Foot, and this should be treated with an anti-fungal treatment, from your doctor or pharmacy.
How to treat foot odour
If you or someone you live with has smelly feet, don’t despair, there are many ways to treat the problem. We recommend a good foot care protocol as your first step, and this includes the following:
- Wash your feet daily. For good foot hygiene, it’s important to wash your feet at least once a day, using soap or antibacterial wash. You may wish to wash them twice a day if foot odour persists. You should use warm water and be sure to clean between the toes, before patting dry and ensuring that the feet are not still damp when you put your socks on.
- File hard skin. It’s a good idea to use a good quality foot file to remove hard skin from the feet, especially around the heel and the big toe, where this tends to build up. You can use a file or pumice stone to gently work at problem areas and reveal the smooth skin underneath.
- Cut toenails correctly. You should cut your toenails straight across, to avoid ragged nails that may catch on things or become infected, and always use clean nail scissors. You may wish to do this weekly or as needed to keep them short and tidy.
- Moisturise your feet. After drying your feet, you may wish to rub in some moisturising cream and give it time to sink in before you put on your socks. This is a good opportunity to give your feet a quick massage and check them all over for any wounds or damage that could lead to infection.
- Use foot powder or antiperspirant. If your feet are prone to sweat or foot odour, your first port of call may well be over the counter products that aim to combat the problem. There are many foot powders and antiperspirants that are designed to absorb sweat and treat bacteria and these can resolve the problem of smelly feet successfully.
- Try medicated insoles. Medicated insoles are designed to provide a quick, simple solution to the problem of smelly feet, and you may find that these work well for you. Available over the counter, the medicated insoles can simply be inserted into your shoes and worn daily to treat the buildup of bacteria and sweat in the shoes and on the feet.
- Wear good shoes. The shoes you wear can help to reduce sweating and the buildup of bacteria, particularly if they are made of natural, breathable fabrics like cotton or leather. You should not wear the same shoes every day but try to alternate wherever possible to allow your shoes to air between wears. It’s also important to ensure that your shoes are not too tight, since this will crush the toes together and cause the feet to rub against the fabric of the shoes, leading to increased sweating and the risk of developing painful foot conditions such as calluses and bunions.
- Never wear wet shoes or socks. Wet socks and shoes can lead to serious health concerns such as trench foot, where the skin, blood vessels and nerves of the feet are damaged over a prolonged period of time. However, wearing wet shoes or socks can also cause problems in the short term, with a buildup of bacteria that can lead to foot odour. If your shoes or socks are wet, allow them to dry out completely before you wear them again.
- Change socks every day. You should always change your socks daily to ensure that your feet are healthy and to avoid a buildup of bacteria on the skin. If you are experiencing serious problems with foot odour, you could try changing your socks twice daily to see if this helps with the situation. It may be a good idea to try antibacterial socks, which contain compounds to reduce the buildup of bacteria on the feet, and these are available widely.
- Avoid going barefoot in public areas. Going barefoot in public areas such as swimming pools and gyms can put you at risk of several foot conditions, including fungal conditions like Athlete’s Foot. Flip flops may be a good choice for communal areas, although you should never walk for long distances in these or wear them for long periods of time.
If you have tried all of the above suggestions and you are still experiencing foot odour, you should seek medical advice in case there is an underlying medical cause.
Finding the right shoes
Did you know that the shoes you wear will have a big impact on the health of your feet? Good shoes will keep your feet comfortable and well supported and give the toes plenty of room to spread so that you do not risk crushing the bones together, which can lead to bunions or hammertoes. However, good shoes will also reduce the risk of foot odour, since the feet will be protected by breathable fabrics that allow bacteria and sweat to dissipate.
When you are choosing shoes, it’s important to remember that you should never be prepared to compromise comfort for style. Here at Foot Solutions, we have a great range of sandals, boots, trainers and more formal styles for work, and we will always be happy to help you find the best fit for your feet and your lifestyle. We recommend trying on shoes later in the day, when your feet have had time to expand, and having your feet measured by a professional so that you know they will be supported in all the right places. Never settle for shoes that are too tight or that feel painful on your feet, ankles or legs, and don’t be afraid to try options such as custom insoles to improve the fit of your shoes and protect your feet more effectively.
Visit Foot Solutions Today
Here at Foot Solutions, our team of expert fitters have many years of expertise that enable us to find shoes that will suit your feet and feel comfortable all day long. We know that your foot health is directly related to your general health, and we can help you to address any foot problems that you may be at risk of developing or already experiencing.
If you are living with bunions, Moreton’s Neuroma, unexplained foot or leg pain or any other condition that affects your feet, we can help you to find solutions to try and alleviate the problem. Many people are surprised at how much difference the right shoes can make, and we would love to help you discover this for yourself. Whether you need new shoes or you are experiencing foot pain or discomfort, you can pop in and visit us in store anytime to find out more about services such as custom orthotics and gait analysis and to find good shoes. Your feet work hard for you every day of your life and finding out how to look after them properly can ensure that they feel as good as they look!
