Foot odour: causes, athlete’s foot and treatment
Foot odour is a more common problem than one might think, and yet it is still rarely discussed. It is often automatically associated with poor hygiene. However, this explanation is far from complete or accurate.
In fact, foot odour may be linked to sweating, skin imbalances or even fungal infections such as athlete’s foot.
Therefore, rather than simply glossing over the problem, it is essential to understand its root cause.
Throughout this article, we explain the main causes of foot odour, how to distinguish between minor issues and possible infections, and what you can do to resolve the problem effectively and permanently.
Why do feet smell?
At first glance, the explanation seems simple: sweat. In fact, the feet have around 250,000 sweat glands, making them one of the areas of the body that produce the most sweat. But there is one key detail that many people are unaware of: sweat is odourless.
Odour occurs when sweat comes into contact with bacteria on the skin, which break down its components and release compounds responsible for the smell.
According to Harvard Medical School, this phenomenon — known as bromhidrosis — is the main cause of foot odour. In other words, the problem is not just perspiration — but rather the environment it creates.
In fact, foot odour may be linked to sweating, skin imbalances or even fungal infections such as athlete’s foot.
Therefore, rather than simply glossing over the problem, it is essential to understand its root cause.
Throughout this article, we explain the main causes of foot odour, how to distinguish between minor issues and possible infections, and what you can do to resolve the problem effectively and permanently.
Why do some people smell more than others?
If you’ve ever wondered why some people smell more than others, the answer isn’t just down to personal hygiene. In fact, there are several factors that play a part:
- Type of skin microbiota;
- Level of sweating (hyperhidrosis);
- Type of footwear worn;
- Sock material;
- Hygiene routines;
- Individual predisposition.
This means that foot odour is also a biological issue, not just a behavioural one.
The role of the environment: heat, humidity and closed shoes
Furthermore, there is one factor that significantly exacerbates the situation: the enclosed environment inside shoes. Throughout the day, feet are often subjected to conditions:
- Hot;
- Moist;
- Poorly ventilated.
This environment creates the ideal conditions for the proliferation of microorganisms. According to the Cleveland Clinic, these conditions encourage the growth of bacteria and fungi responsible for skin infections. It is precisely at this stage that the problem can develop from a one-off occurrence into a persistent condition.
Bad smell or infection? How can you tell the difference?
Not all bad smells come from the same source. And understanding the difference is essential for choosing the right approach.
When it is more closely linked to perspiration, the unpleasant odour:
- Arises after prolonged wear of footwear;
- It improves with good hygiene;
- There are no visible changes to the skin.
When it may indicate an infection (athlete’s foot):
- A strong, persistent odour;
- Itching or a burning sensation;
- Flaking or whitish skin;
- Cracks between the toes.
In such cases, the odour may be a sign of a fungal infection of the feet.
Athlete’s foot: what is it and why does it occur?
Athlete’s foot, or Tinea pedis, is a very common fungal infection. It is estimated that up to 70 per cent of people may develop this infection at some point in their lives.
This infection mainly develops in damp environments, such as:
- Changing rooms
- Swimming Pools
- Gyms
Furthermore, fungi feed on the keratin in the skin, which leads to:
- Flaking;
- Irritation;
- Weakening of the skin;
- Change in odour.
Therefore, when there is an infection, simply treating the odour does not solve the problem.
Symptoms of athlete’s foot
The most common signs include:
- Persistent itching;
- Flaky skin (especially between the toes);
- Cracks or minor cuts;
- Burning sensation or discomfort;
- A strong, unpleasant odour.
In more advanced stages, it can also affect the nails (onychomycosis).
Persistent bad odour: a sign you shouldn’t ignore!
It is common to dismiss these kinds of symptoms. However, there is an important difference: an occasional odour is normal, but a persistent odour is not!
If a bad odour develops quickly after washing your feet, does not improve with good hygiene, or is associated with changes in the skin, this may indicate an active infection.
How can you get rid of foot odour?
The approach depends on the cause, and there are effective measures that help in most cases.
Keep your feet dry:
- Dry yourself thoroughly after your bath;
- Pay particular attention to the spaces between your toes;
- Change your socks regularly.
Choosing the right footwear:
- Choose breathable materials;
- Switch between shoes;
- Avoid wearing the same pair for long periods.
Choose breathable socks:
- Opt for cotton;
- Avoid synthetic fabrics.
Control perspiration:
- Use specific products where necessary;
- Avoid excessively damp environments.
At Correia Rosa Pharmacies, we have solutions tailored to every situation, skin type and lifestyle. You can count on us!
Treatment for athlete’s foot
When an infection is present, specific treatment is required. This usually includes:
- Topical antifungals;
- Strict hygiene measures;
- Continuation of treatment for the recommended duration.
One of the most common mistakes is to stop treatment as soon as the symptoms improve, which can lead to a relapse.
How to prevent the problem from recurring
Even after it has been resolved, it is important to take preventative measures.
- Keep your feet dry;
- Avoid sharing towels or footwear;
- Wearing flip-flops in public changing rooms;
- Ensure your footwear is well ventilated.
Prevention is essential to avoid recurrence.
When should you seek help?
Although it is a common problem, it should not always be dealt with on your own.
If the unpleasant odour is persistent, strong or accompanied by changes to the skin, it is important to seek advice.
At Correia Rosa Pharmacies, you can find:
- Personalised advice;
- Assessment of the situation;
- Guidance on appropriate solutions (ranging from hygiene to antifungal treatment)
Rather than simply treating the symptom, the aim is to tackle the cause and prevent the problem from recurring.
In short, foot odour is common, but it should not be ignored. In most cases, identifying the cause allows the problem to be resolved effectively and prevents it from recurring.
At Correia Rosa Pharmacies, you can find personalised advice and tailored solutions, ranging from basic care to specific options for every situation.
FAQs – Frequently asked questions about foot odour
1. What causes foot odour?
2. How can you get rid of foot odour quickly?
3. Does athlete’s foot cause foot odour?
4. Does a bad smell from the feet always mean an infection?
5. Could the bad smell come back?
6. When should I seek help?
