At Podiatry Station, we work with all types of feet, even the smelly sweaty ones! There is usually a reason for sweaty feet, which can be addressed very easily. Once the cause of the excessive sweating has been addressed, the smell often disappears by itself.
Book online todayAnyone can get sweaty feet, at any temperature or in any season during the year. Teenagers and pregnant women are more likely to experience this because hormonal changes make them sweat more. Athlete’s Foot can also result in smelly feet.
You are 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 the sweat absorbs into your shoes and they don’t dry properly 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.
To treat sweaty or smelly feet yourself, try to:
Sweaty and smelly feet are often caused by overactive sweat glands, leading to excessive moisture, which creates an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive. To prevent sweaty and smelly feet, practise good foot hygiene by washing your feet daily, keeping them dry, and changing socks regularly. Choose moisture-wicking socks and breathable footwear. Applying foot powder or antiperspirant can also help control moisture and odour.
Yes, non-breathable fabrics and tight footwear can contribute to sweaty and smelly feet by trapping moisture and promoting bacterial growth. Choose socks made from breathable materials like cotton or moisture-wicking synthetics. Opt for well-ventilated shoes made from natural materials, such as leather or canvas. It’s essential to ensure your shoes fit properly to allow air circulation and reduce moisture accumulation.
If home remedies and changes in footwear and hygiene practices do not improve your sweaty feet, or if you experience persistent foot odour accompanied by other symptoms like itching, redness, or skin changes, it’s advisable to seek medical advice. Excessive sweating could be a sign of a medical condition such as hyperhidrosis, and persistent odour may indicate an underlying fungal or bacterial infection. We can assess your situation and recommend appropriate treatments.
