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Foot Odor
 
Symptoms: Do You Need a Foot Odor Remedy?
 
Smelly feet? Perspiration is normal and healthy, but when it becomes excessive, it can leave a foul foot odor lingering on feet and in your shoes that’s especially noticeable when you take them off. While most people’s feet likely perspire during exercise or in warm weather, those with smelly feet, a condition called bromhidrosis, will notice excessive sweating and foot odor year round, even when not engaged in strenuous activity.

The good news is that excessive foot odor is not dangerous to your health, though it does create an environment for the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria and fungus. Infections such as athlete’s foot or toenail fungus may soon follow, so take steps to keep foot odor at bay.

 
What Causes Annoying Foot Odor?
 
One of the top causes of foot odor is excessive perspiration (hyperhidrosis) and moisture, which provides a breeding ground for bacteria and yeast. When sweat and cellular debris from the bacteria and yeast begin to break down, you’ll notice a fetid foot odor emanating from the direction of your feet.

Additional common causes of foot odor include:
  • Excessive anxiety
  • Various skin conditions

If a particular health condition is causing your excessive sweating, you may also notice that you have sweaty palms, excessive perspiration under your arms and in your groin area.

In turn, excessive sweating can indicate the presence of other health conditions more serious than foot odor, so it is always good to discuss the problem with your physician.

 
Relieve and Prevent Foot Odor
 
The most important way to relieve foot odor is to keep your feet clean and dry.
  • Shower regularly with anti-bacterial soap.
  • Use foot powders and sprays specifically designed to keep feet dry.
  • One Foot Odor is to change your shoes and socks often.
  • Rotate your shoes (especially athletic shoes).
  • Use insoles that can be changed frequently to prevent the odor from staying in your shoe.
  • Another Foot Odor is to wear sandals during warm weather.
  • Launder, disinfect or discard foul smelling shoes.

If foot odor persists, and excessive sweating also becomes a problem in other areas of your body, please consult a physician.

Information on foot, leg and lower body health conditions provided by The Podiatry Institute, dedicated to advancing the standard of care in podiatric medicine and its effects on muscoskeletal health.
 
 

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