Search

Why Do I Have Smelly Feet?

[:en]Smelly feet is a common problem, usually caused by sweating and the growth of bacteria on the feet. Each foot has around 25,000 sweat glands and produces about 500ml of sweat daily. This combined with bacteria, can cause offensive foot odour. Measure to eliminate foot odour revolve around minimizing sweaty warm conditions around the foot. Such measures include;

  • Wear shoes that allow good air circulation
  • Moisture wicking socks, or take an extra pair to school or work to change over
  • Change your shoes regularly to allow them to air and dry
  • Washing your feet daily with mild antiseptic solutions or soaps

 

Smelly feet

 

In more severe cases, topical or oral antibiotics may be prescribed to kill off the bacteria.

However, not all foot odours are caused by bacteria. A good proportion of foot odour is caused by fungal infection. Fungus likes to grow in dark moist environments. A sweaty foot in a shoe is literally a perfect environment for fungal elements to grow.  Fungal infection of the feet, also known as tinea pedis, usually presents as a rash on the feet that involves the web spaces.  Treatment of tinea pedis requires the use of anti-fungal medications. Topical preparations may be used for localized infections. For fungal infections that are wide spread, oral medications may have to be used.

Foot odour is a common problem. Simple measures mentioned above may be sufficient to eliminate the odour. However, if those treatments fail, seek help from your doctor![:]

Share this post:

Leave a Reply

Healthsprings Telemedicine App
Consult with our doctors online and get medications delivered to your doorstep.

Sign up now for the latest health tips

Newsletter

HEALTHSPRINGS MEDICAL @ ORCHARD

Address: 541 Orchard Road #10-02, Liat Towers Singapore 238881

Contact: 9728 7793 / 6734 5260

HEALTHSPRINGS MEDICAL @ BIDADARI

Address: 105A Bidadari Park Drive #01-09 Singapore 341105

Contact: 8616 6166 / 6970 7933

HEALTHSPRINGS MEDICAL @ BUKIT PANJANG

Address: 524A, Greenridge Shopping Mall Centre, #02-01, Jelapang Road, Singapore 671524

Contact: 8799 8936 / 6892 6681

Related Articles

Hi there 👋 Thank you for contacting us at Healthsprings, do share with us more details so we can assist!