Causes and Treatments for Smelly Feet and Foul Toenails

Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis)

Excessive sweating, especially on the feet, provides the perfect moist environment for bacteria to multiply and give off a bad odor. This condition, known as hyperhidrosis, may affect the entire body or be isolated just to the feet. Wearing moisture-wicking socks, using antibiotic powders and spraying feet with antiperspirants can help control sweating and odor.

Symptoms

• Very sweaty feet
• Wet footprints left on floor
• Soaked socks

Treatment

• Antiperspirants
• Moisture-wicking socks
• Avoiding tight shoes
• Medications that reduce sweating

Athlete's Foot (Tinea Pedis)

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that thrives in the warm, damp spaces between the toes. The scaling, peeling skin caused by athlete’s foot harbors odor-causing bacteria. Using antifungal sprays and powders can clear up the infection. Keeping feet dry and wearing breathable socks and shoes prevents recurrence.

Symptoms

• Itchy, burning feet
• Red, peeling skin between toes
• Cracked, scaly skin

Treatment

• Over-the-counter antifungal sprays
• Prescription antifungal pills
• Rotate pairs of shoes
• Wear moisture-wicking socks

Bromodosis

Bromodosis, clinically known as foot odor, produces a particularly pungent stench from feet. Profuse sweating combined with bacteria on the skin results in the release of isovaleric acid, causing a cheese-like smell. Bromodosis can be controlled through meticulous foot hygiene, absorbing powders, antimicrobial soaps and avoiding tight shoes.

Symptoms

• Very strong foot odor
• Cheese-like smell
• Odor worsens with activity

Treatment

• Washing feet with antibacterial soap
• Applying deodorant powders
• Wearing moisture-wicking socks
• Rotate different pairs of shoes

Poor Hygiene

Simple day-to-day foot hygiene plays a major role in preventing foot odor. Bacteria, dead skin cells and sweat left on the feet leads to an unpleasant smell. A daily foot washing ritual, using antibacterial soaps, exfoliating dead skin and drying carefully between the toes can banish odors.

Symptoms

• Unpleasant foot odor
• Skin debris between the toes

Treatment

• Wash feet daily
• Exfoliate dead skin
• Dry carefully between toes
• Rotate pairs of shoes
• Wear clean socks

Toenail Fungal Infection

A fungal infection under and around the toenails can cause a foul, almost rotten smell. As the fungus multiplies, the toenail thickens and debris builds up, making the perfect home for smelly microbes. Oral and topical anti-fungal medications can clear up the infection. Removing the infected part of the nail may be necessary.

Symptoms

• Thickened, discolored nails
• Debris under nail
• Rotten, stale odor

Treatment

• Prescription oral antifungals
• Topical antifungal nail polish
• Removing infected nail
• Preventing nail trauma

Diabetes

People with diabetes often notice their foot odor seems more potent. High blood sugar provides an optimal environment for bacteria and fungi to grow, increasing foot odor. Keeping blood sugar levels under control, meticulous foot hygiene, moisture-wicking socks and foot inspection for cuts and wounds can reduce odors.

Symptoms

• Very smelly feet
• Infected cuts on feet

Treatment

• Control blood sugar levels
• Check feet daily
• Clean and cover cuts
• Use antibiotic and antifungal powders

Socks and Shoes

Wearing the same sweaty shoes and socks day after day can lead to seriously stinky feet. The fibers and materials certain socks are made of also encourage odor growth. Wearing moisture-wicking, natural fiber socks and rotating between different pairs of quality leather or mesh shoes allows feet to breath and stay dry.

Symptoms

• Smelly shoes and socks
• Feet odor worsens by end of day

Treatment

• Rotate shoes to fully air out
• Wear moisture-wicking socks
• Choose natural fabric socks
• Replace old shoes

Hormonal Changes

Hormonal fluctuations during adolescence, menstruation and pregnancy can dramatically increase sweating and change body odor. The smell tends to resolve once hormone levels stabilize post-partum and in maturity. Extra foot hygiene, antiperspirants and absorbing foot powders can temporarily curb odor.

Symptoms

• Increased foot sweating
• More pungent foot odor

Treatment

• Wash feet more frequently
• Use prescription antiperspirants
• Apply antibiotic foot powders
• Change socks regularly

Stress and Anxiety

When the body is under psychological stress, sweat glands kick into high gear, especially on the feet. This stress sweat interacts with bacteria to make feet smellier. Managing stress through exercise, meditation, therapy and self-care can help normalize sweat production and odor.

Symptoms

• Excessive foot sweating
• Increase in odor during times of stress

Treatment

• Relaxation techniques
• Counseling and therapy
• Stress management strategies
• Antiperspirants

Improperly Fitting Footwear

Wearing excessively tight shoes that constrict feet or too loose shoes that allow chafing and friction leads to foot odor. A proper shoe fit allows space to wiggle toes while keeping the foot stable. Breathable leather or mesh shoes work best. Going barefoot when possible helps aerate feet.

Symptoms

• Shoes feel too tight or loose
• Noticeable odor increase while wearing shoes
• Better odor when barefoot

Treatment

• Only wear properly fitted shoes
• Choose leather or mesh shoes
• Remove shoes and socks at home
• Buy shoes at end of day when feet are largest

Conclusion

If simple hygiene does not resolve smelly feet or toenails, it is important to consult a podiatrist. A foot doctor can diagnose any underlying medical conditions contributing to odor. Treatments like prescription strength antiperspirants, antifungals, antibiotics or probiotics may be needed to get rid of unpleasant foot smells.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.