6 Causes of Foot Odor
In the Arizona heat, foot odor is a common complaint for us here at Desert Podiatric Medical Specialists. It’s rarely a sign of outright poor hygiene alone, but rather a complex chemical reaction that we sometimes can’t avoid. If you’ve ever wondered why your feet seem to have a scent all their own, you’re not alone. Let’s break down what truly causes that distinct foot smell.
Sweat
Our feet are equipped with an abundance of sweat glands. In fact, each foot has over 250,000 sweat glands, which is a higher concentration than almost any other part of the body. And although the sweat itself is largely odorless, the problem begins when it meets other parts of your feet.
Bacteria
Here’s where the real odor producers come in: bacteria. Our skin is naturally home to millions of bacteria. When your feet sweat, this moisture provides a warm, damp, and nutrient-rich environment for these bacteria to thrive. As they consume the sweat and dead skin cells on your feet, they break down the sweat into various chemical compounds that we then smell.
Fungi
Fungal infections like athlete’s foot can significantly worsen foot odor. Fungi love the same environments as bacteria do, and their presence can create additional moisture and skin breakdown. Sometimes, the fungi themselves can produce a distinct, musty smell. If you have itching, redness, or peeling skin between your toes or on your soles, along with odor, a fungal infection might be contributing to the problem.
Footwear and Socks
What you put on your feet plays a huge role. Non-breathable materials common in many synthetic shoes trap moisture and heat and create a miniature greenhouse around your feet. Wearing the same pair of shoes day after day without allowing them to fully dry out between wears can also perpetuate the problem, as the shoes themselves become saturated with sweat and bacteria.
Poor Hygiene
While not the sole cause, inadequate foot hygiene certainly contributes. Infrequent washing of the feet, or more commonly, not drying them thoroughly, especially between the toes, allows bacteria and fungi to linger and multiply. Leaving even a little moisture can turn your socks and shoes into a breeding ground.
Diet and Stress
Less commonly, certain dietary choices can play a minor role. Metabolites from strong spices, garlic, onions, or even alcohol can sometimes be excreted through sweat and potentially contribute to foot odor. Additionally, stress can increase overall sweat production (stress sweat often contains different compounds that bacteria react to) and indirectly worsen foot odor for some people.
If you’re experiencing foot pain, discomfort, or changes in how you walk, come see the expert team at Desert Podiatric Medical Specialists. With locations in Tucson and Oro Valley areas of Pima County, Arizona, Bradley A. Whitaker, D.P.M., FACFAS, Peter C. Merrill, D.P.M., AACFAS, and Zeno Pfau, D.P.M., are here for you. Call us at (520) 575-0800 or contact us online!
