The answer to that question is yes and no. With over 250,000 sweat glands in your feet producing as much as ½ a pint of perspiration a day it’s no wonder that sweaty and sometimes stinky feet would be occur. However, it’s not really the sweat that smells. It’s when the sweat meets up with bacteria that the bad smell results. At Long Island Foot & Ankle Group, PC we see patients who have an actual physical disorder known as Hyperhidrosis, which is a genetic condition that causes patients to over produce sweat. Other reasons that cause feet to perspire excessively include:
- Stress
- Certain medications
- Body changes
- Fluid consumption
Prevent the Stench
There are ways that you can help reduce foot odor and the circumstances that cause it:
- Bacteria thrive in warm, dark, damp places—like your shoes. Wear shoes that are clean and made of breathable materials that allow air to circulate.
- Do not wear the same pair of shoes on consecutive days. Alternating footwear will give shoes a chance to dry and air out.
- Choose socks made of cotton or other absorbent material. Change them more than once a day if they get damp with sweat.
- Don’t wear closed shoes without socks.
- Wash feet daily with warm, soapy water. Rinse and then dry completely, paying particular attention to the area between the toes.
- Use a foot powder to help soak up excess perspiration.
- Try a foot soak—Espsom salt, herbal or black tea and vinegar soaks are all known to help eliminate foot odor and kill the bacteria that causes it.
If the above tips do not work to reduce foot odor, make an appointment at our Valley Stream or Lake Success office. Our podiatrists, Dr. Russell Caprioli, Dr. Mary Ann Bilotti, Dr. John Haight or Dr. Marzana Mleczko will give you a complete podiatric examination and also get your medical history. This will help them to determine if you have a foot condition that is causing excessive foot odor. Don’t delay dealing with this embarrassing problem. Contact us today by calling: 518-825-4070 or 516-327-0074.