What do smelly feet mean

Wearing socks of any kind helps reduce unpleasant smells because it soaks up the sweat and keeps it from permeating the shoe. Step one is to always wear socks when wearing closed-toed shoes. Wearing socks with sandals is neither necessary nor advisable from a purely fashion point of view.

Choose shoes designed for breathability. New styles have mesh portions that keep your feet cooler and increase airflow. You also may want to consider alternating different pairs of shoes. Wong said. These shoes, in particular, have a tendency to stink, and so rotating pairs may help kill off bacteria. Daily foot washing with special attention to the areas around and between the toes can help reduce the bacteria. Scrub to remove the dead skin, and then make sure your feet are completely dry before you put them in your socks and shoes.

You can follow that up with an antiperspirant the same you would use on your underarms to reduce feet sweat. Removable insoles also can be used, including those that are specially made to reduce foot odor. Plantar warts are common. Plantar warts are generally harmless, but you can take steps to protect your feet and reduce your risk.

Your bones are naturally strong, but bones lose density over the years. Learn your risk and how to avoid fractures. It could be an ulcer. These slow-healing wounds are common on feet and ankles — and they could put your health at risk.

Find out why professional wound care is so important to treat ulcers. Foot problems — from plantar fasciitis and tendonitis to bunions and arthritis — can stop you in your tracks. Plus, what starts as foot pain often spreads to your legs, hips, and back. Learn how orthotic shoe inserts work to improve your foot health. Ingrown toenails can happen to anyone, but what causes them?

Foot Odor: A Sign of Illness? You Might Also Enjoy But teenagers and pregnant women are more likely to get them because hormonal changes make them sweat more.

You're also more likely to have sweaty feet if you're on your feet all day, wear shoes that are too tight, are under a lot of stress, or have a medical condition called hyperhidrosis , which makes you sweat more than usual. Feet often become smelly if sweat soaks into your shoes and they don't dry before you wear them again.

The good news is that smelly feet are usually easy to treat by keeping your feet clean and dry, and changing your shoes regularly. Smelly feet are a harmless problem that generally clears up. Sometimes, however, it can be a sign of a medical condition. See your GP if simple measures to reduce your foot odour don't help, or if you're worried that your level of sweating is abnormally high.

Your doctor can offer you a strong prescription antiperspirant or refer you for a treatment called iontophoresis, which delivers a mild electric current through water to your feet to combat excessive sweating. Get more tips on how to look after your feet. Page last reviewed: 29 October Next review due: 29 October How to stop smelly feet - Healthy body Secondary navigation Body Bones Food for healthy bones Keep bones healthy over 65 Are you at risk of falling?