Do you ask why your feet give off an unpleasant smell? Discover the most common causes of bad feet smell and find effective solutions.

The bad smell of feet, also known as the smell of feet or bromodosis, is a common condition that can be embarrassing and uncomfortable. It occurs when skin bacteria break down the sweat of the sweat glands of the feet, which causes a strong smell. Several factors can contribute to the development of smelly feet.

1. 1. Bad hygiene: neglect the adequate hygiene of the feet, such as not washing them regularly or not drying them well, it can create a conducive environment to prolve bacteria. Bacteria feed on sweat and dead skin cells, giving rise to the unpleasant smell.

2. Excessive sweating: people suffering from hyperhidrosis, a disease characterized by excessive sweating, are more likely to have smelly feet. Excessive sweat provides an adequate environment for bacteria to grow, which leads to the bad smell of feet.

3. Synthetic footwear: Wearing footwear of synthetic materials, such as rubber or plastic, can make your feet sweat more. These materials do not allow the feet to breathe, so they catch moisture and increase the probability of proliferation of bacteria.

In addition, some individuals are more likely to have smelly feet due to their genetic predisposition. People with a particular type of sweat glands, called echrine glands, can produce more sweat, which makes the smell of feet more frequent. In addition, hormonal changes, stress and the use of the same footwear for a prolonged period can contribute to the development of bad feet.

What Causes Smelly Feet

Causes of bad smell of feet:

1. Inadequate feet hygiene: poor feet hygiene is one of the main causes of bad feet smell. Do not wash your feet regularly, especially after performing physical activities or wearing closed shoes for prolonged periods, it can cause an accumulation of sweat and bacteria.
2. Excessive sweating: some people have feet that sweat excessively, what is known as hyperhidrosis. When sweat production is high, an ideal environment is created for bacteria to proliferate, which causes a bad smell.
3. Choice of footwear: The use of synthetic materials shoes that do not allow the feet to breathe can contribute to the bad smell of feet. These materials catch moisture, providing a breeding ground for bacteria. In addition, not carrying socks or using the same pair of shoes every day can aggravate the problem.

The bad smell of feet can also be a symptom of certain medical conditions, such as fungal infections (athlete foot) or bacterial. These infections can cause the decomposition of the skin, giving rise to an unpleasant smell. It is essential to seek medical attention if the smell persists despite good hygiene practices.

To fight smelly feet, it is essential to maintain adequate hygiene. Washing your feet with antibacterial soap, drying them well and changing socks daily can help reduce the smell. In addition, opting for breathable materials and avoiding tight footwear can also minimize the problem. If home remedies do not relieve the problem, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional to treat underlying medical causes.

Understanding Foot Odor: Causes and Factors

Causes of bad smell of feet:

1. Bad hygiene of the feet: inappropriate cleaning of the feet facilitates the proliferation of bacteria, which causes unpleasant odors. Adequate and regular cleaning of the feet is essential to avoid the accumulation of sweat and bacteria.
2. Excessive sweating: hyperhidrosis, a disease characterized by excessive sweating, can contribute to the development of bad smell of feet. Humidity produced by sweating creates an ideal environment for bacteria to proliferate, which gives rise to smelly feet.
3. Fungal infections: fungi such as dermatophytes can infect the skin of the feet, causing conditions such as athlete’s foot. These infections not only cause itching and discomfort, but also contribute to the production of poor smell of feet.

Adequate feet hygiene is crucial to prevent bad smell. Wash your feet regularly with soap and water, make sure the areas between the fingers are very clean and dry your feet after washing them are essential steps to maintain feet hygiene.

It is important to keep in mind that the smell of feet can vary in intensity and persistence depending on hygiene practices, lifestyle and underlying health problems of each person. If the causes are identified and the factors that contribute are understood, people can take proactive measures to prevent and control the bad smell of feet and, ultimately, improve their general health and daily comfort.

The Role of Bacteria in Smelly Feet

Bacteria responsible for bad feet smell

1. Staphylococcus epidermidis: This bacterium is usually found in the skin and is known for producing a characteristic penetrating smell.
2. Brevibacterium: These bacteria are naturally present in the skin and are responsible for the strong smell of cheese that usually associates with bad smell of feet.
3. Corynebacteria: Like brevibacterium, Corynebacteria also contribute to the characteristic smell of the feet when decomposing sweat and release volatile compounds.

“Sweat itself is toilet; however, when skin bacteria decompose sweat, it results in the production of various compounds, including organic acids and sulfur compounds. These compounds are responsible for the unpleasant smell associated with bad smellOn foot”.

The relationship between sweat and bacteria

When our feet sweat, moisture provides an ideal environment for bacteria to proliferate. Sweat contains various organic compounds, such as proteins and fatty acids, which act as nutrients for bacteria. As bacteria consume these compounds, they metabolize and release volatile substances that produce the unpleasant smell. In addition, heat and confinement conditions inside the shoes create a perfect habitat for bacteria to multiply quickly, exacerbating the smell.

It is important to note that some people may have a greater concentration of these bacteria producing smell on their feet, which makes them more likely to have smelly feet. In addition, certain medical conditions such as hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) and fungal infections can further exacerbate the appearance of bad feet.

Sweat: The Main Culprit Behind Foot Odor

1. Sudoriparous glands

1. The sweat glands, particularly the Ecrine sweat glands, are responsible for producing sweat in response to heat, physical activity, stress or emotional triggers.
2. These glands are distributed throughout the body, including the soles of the feet, where they produce sweat composed mainly of water and electrolytes.
3. However, the odor associated with sweaty feet is not caused solely by the sweat itself, but rather by the interaction of sweat with bacteria on the surface of the skin.

2. Bacterial activity

When sweat comes into contact with bacteria on the skin, it forms an ideal breeding ground for microbial activity. Bacteria break down sweat components, leading to the production of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These compounds are responsible for the characteristic odor associated with bad foot odor.

3. Environmental factors

• Poor ventilation, tight footwear, and the use of synthetic materials can create an environment conducive to excessive perspiration, thus exacerbating foot odor.
• Additionally, certain medical conditions such as hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) or bromhidrosis (smelly sweat) can increase the likelihood of developing smelly feet.
• Additionally, people who engage in physical activities or have jobs that require standing for long periods or wearing closed-toed shoes are also more prone to foot odor.

Poor Hygiene Habits and Smelly Feet

One of the main reasons for foot odor is improper washing and drying of feet. Neglecting proper foot hygiene can cause bacteria and sweat to build up, contributing to bad odor. It is essential to clean your feet thoroughly with soap and water, paying special attention to the spaces between your toes. After washing, it is crucial to dry your feet completely, as moisture provides an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive.

Key points:

1. Poor hygiene habits, such as improper washing and drying of feet, can lead to smelly feet.
2. The accumulation of sweat, bacteria and dead skin cells on the inside of shoes and socks creates an environment for odor-causing bacteria to proliferate.
3. Proper foot hygiene involves washing your feet thoroughly with soap and water, paying attention to the spaces between your toes, and making sure your feet are completely dry.

The Connection Between Fungal Infections and Foot Odor

Fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot or toenail fungus, result from overgrowth of fungus on the skin or nails. These infections can cause various symptoms, such as itching, redness, and unpleasant odors. When it comes to foot odor, fungal infections are especially relevant, as they create an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive, intensifying the unpleasant odor.

One of the main reasons why fungal infections contribute to bad feet smell is its impact on sweat glands. Fungi can interfere with the normal functioning of the sweat glands, altering their ability to effectively control sweat production. As a result, excess moisture accumulates in the skin, creating the perfect breeding ground for bacteria that causes bad smell.

In addition to affecting sweat glands, fungal infections can also alter the skin’s pH balance. Excessive fungus growth can increase the acidity of the skin, creating a favorable environment for the growth of bacteria causing bad smell. In addition, fungal infections can cause the decomposition of keratin, a protein that is found in the skin and nails. This decomposition produces bad smell, which contributes even more to the bad smell of feet.

• Fungal infections alter the functioning of sweat glands
• Fungal infections increase the acidity of the skin
• Fungal infections cause the decomposition of keratin

To effectively combat the bad smell of feet, it is essential to treat fungal infections promptly. Finding medical attention and following proper treatment, such as antimicotic medications and maintaining good hygiene practices, can help eradicate infection and relieve bad smell of feet.

Shoes: Potential Contributors to Smelly Feet

Choice of footwear: The type of footwear you wear can greatly influence the smell of your feet. Closed shoes made of synthetic materials, such as plastic or rubber, are more likely to catch heat and humidity, creating an ideal environment for bacteria. This can lead to a strong unpleasant smell that emanates from the feet.

In addition, poor shoe ventilation can aggravate the problem. When the feet are locked in tight or poorly ventilated shoes, the accumulation of sweat becomes inevitable. Sweat consists of water and various waste products, such as ammonia and fatty acids. When these substances come into contact with the bacteria of the skin surface, they decompose and produce an unpleasant smell.

1. Inappropriate footwear: wearing shoes that do not adjust well can contribute to the appearance of smelly feet. Shoes tight or narrow toe can excess excessive pressure on the fingers, which increases sweating. In addition, too baggy shoes can create friction between the foot and the shoe, which causes calluses and blisters prone to bacterial growth and the formation of bad odors.
2. Bad footwear hygiene: neglecting the cleaning and regular maintenance of footwear can contribute to the bad smell of the feet. Over time, bacteria, fungi and dirt can accumulate inside the shoes, creating an environment conducive to the bad smell of feet. Cleaning and drying the shoes regularly, as well as disinfecting them, can help prevent the accumulation of microorganisms causing bad smell.

In summary, although excessive sweating is the main cause of the bad smell of feet, the footwear also plays an important role in contributing to this unpleasant condition. Choosing proper footwear, guaranteeing appropriate ventilation and maintaining good footwear hygiene are crucial measures to prevent and control the bad smell of feet.

Effective Ways to Prevent and Treat Smelly Feet

Prevention of bad smell of feet:

1. Practice good feet hygiene: washing your feet daily with antibacterial soap and drying them may well help prevent the accumulation of bacteria that contribute to the bad smell of feet.
2. Change from socks frequently: carrying clean socks and that absorb moisture can reduce the possibilities of proliferating bacteria and feet fungi. Opt for natural material socks such as cotton or wool.
3. Avoid tight shoes: the use of footwear that allows a correct circulation of the air can help prevent excessive sweating and reduce the proliferation of bacteria that cause bad smell. Opt for shoes made of breathable materials, such as leather or canvas.
4. Use feet or ant i-transpirants dusts: Applying powders for feet or antitranspirant sprays can help keep your feet dry and minimize sweat production, thus reducing the smell.

Tip: It is also useful to rotate the shoes so that they are completely air between each use. This can help avoid the accumulation of moisture and bacteria that cause bad smell.

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Author of the article

Dr.Greenblatt M.

Medical oncologist at the Robert Larner College of Medicine, MD, at the University of Vermont