There are few things more embarrassing than taking your shoes off at someone’s house and realising that your feet have announced your arrival before you have.
It is a problem people often laugh about, but if you are the person dealing with it, smelly feet can be genuinely uncomfortable. You might wash your feet every day, change your socks and still find that your shoes smell by lunchtime.
So what is going on? And why does it happen to some people more than others?
The good news is that smelly feet, medically known as bromodosis, are usually manageable. The trick is understanding what causes the smell rather than simply trying to cover it up.
It’s not necessarily a hygiene problem
Our feet contain thousands of sweat glands. They can produce a surprising amount of moisture, particularly when we are exercising, standing for long periods or wearing shoes that do not allow air to circulate.
Sweat itself is not usually the main culprit. The familiar smell develops when bacteria on the skin break down sweat and other material, producing unpleasant-smelling substances.
Warm, damp shoes provide an ideal environment for this to happen. Wearing the same shoes day after day, especially when they have not dried properly, can make matters worse.
Hot weather, physical activity, hormonal changes and excessive sweating can all contribute. Some medicines, including certain antidepressants, may increase sweating too. (NHS – Smelly feet)
So if your feet smell despite regular washing, it does not automatically mean you are not keeping them clean.
Could it be athlete’s foot?
This is one of the first things worth checking.
Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that often develops between the toes, although it can affect the soles and sides of the feet as well.
Look for itchy skin, peeling, cracking, redness or areas of white, soggy skin between the toes. Sometimes the main complaint is an unpleasant, musty smell.
The infection thrives in warm, moist environments, which is why sweaty feet and damp footwear can increase the risk. Communal showers, changing rooms and swimming pool areas are also places where the fungus can spread. (Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust – Athlete’s foot)
If the symptoms fit, a pharmacist can recommend a suitable antifungal cream, spray or other preparation. Follow the product instructions carefully and complete the recommended course, even if the skin begins to look better.
But do not assume every smelly foot is infected with fungus. If there is no itching, peeling or rash, excessive sweating and bacterial activity may be more likely explanations.
What actually helps?
At the pharmacy counter, I would start with the basics, because small changes to daily habits can make a real difference.
Wash your feet and dry them properly. Wash at least once daily, paying particular attention to the spaces between your toes. Dry them thoroughly afterwards. Leaving moisture trapped between the toes defeats the purpose of washing.
Change your socks every day, or more often if necessary. If your feet become very sweaty, carrying a spare pair and changing them during the day may help. Choose socks that manage moisture comfortably.
Give your shoes time to dry. Try alternating between two pairs rather than wearing the same pair every day. Remove insoles if appropriate and allow the shoes to air thoroughly before wearing them again.
Choose breathable footwear. Shoes that are excessively tight or trap heat can make sweating and odour worse. Where practical, choose footwear that allows better ventilation.
Consider a foot powder or antiperspirant. A pharmacist can help you choose an appropriate product. A deodorant mainly masks or reduces odour, whereas an antiperspirant helps reduce sweat production. They are not quite the same thing.
These measures are consistent with NHS advice on managing smelly feet. (NHS – Smelly feet)
One extra point: if the skin between your toes is already cracked or irritated, avoid experimenting with strong products that may make the irritation worse.
When sweating is the real problem
Some people sweat far more than others, even when they are sitting still in a cool room.
This may be a condition called hyperhidrosis, in which sweating is excessive. It can affect the soles of the feet, palms of the hands, underarms and other areas.
When excessive sweating is the main issue, repeatedly washing your feet may not solve the problem. The moisture simply returns.
An antiperspirant may help, but persistent or severe sweating deserves assessment. A GP can consider whether it is primary hyperhidrosis or whether an underlying condition or medicine could be contributing. Some people may need stronger treatments or referral for specialist care. (NICE – Hyperhidrosis)
If you have noticed a sudden increase in sweating, particularly alongside other new symptoms, do not just assume it is something you have to live with.
A less obvious cause: tiny pits in the skin
There is another condition worth knowing about, particularly if the smell is unusually strong and the soles of the feet look damaged.
Pitted keratolysis is a bacterial skin condition that can develop on weight-bearing areas of the soles. It produces small, crater-like pits in the skin and can cause a pronounced unpleasant smell, especially when the feet are sweaty.
It is not the same as athlete’s foot, so antifungal treatment alone may not address the problem.
If you notice little pits in the soles, persistent soggy skin or an odour that does not improve despite good foot hygiene, ask a pharmacist or GP to assess it. The right treatment depends on identifying the cause.
When should you seek advice?
Most cases can be managed with self-care and pharmacy products. However, see your GP if the smell does not improve despite trying these measures, if it is affecting your daily life, or if the amount you sweat has changed noticeably. (NHS – Smelly feet)
Seek prompt medical advice if you develop a foot wound, increasing redness, warmth, swelling or significant pain, particularly if you have diabetes or poor circulation. People with diabetes should take foot problems seriously because even a small injury may need careful assessment.
Don’t let embarrassment keep you from asking
Smelly feet are common, and there is no need to feel ashamed about discussing them.
The important thing is to work out whether the problem is mainly sweat, bacteria, a fungal infection or another skin condition. Each may need a slightly different approach.
If your feet smell despite washing them regularly, you may not need to wash harder. You may need to keep them drier, change your footwear routine or treat an underlying problem.
And if the usual measures do not work, your community pharmacist is a sensible first person to ask.
Until next time, look after yourself.
This article is for general health information and is not intended to replace individual medical advice.
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