Bromodosis, the medical term for foot odor, is caused by a buildup of sweat and germs on the skin. While it's often amusing to laugh about, stinky feet can be a humiliating foot problem.
Smelly feet may not be a significant problem, but in order to effectively address the odor, you must first identify the source of the problem.
It's important to note that sweaty, stinky, or itching feet can be caused by a variety of factors. Appropriate diagnosis is essential for successful treatment.
Here's what you need to know about smelly feet.
Reasons for foot odor
1. Athlete’s foot
An athlete's foot is a fungal ailment that is frequently found in gym locker rooms. Trichophyton, the fungus that causes the infection, can be found on floors and clothing. It prefers warm, damp places, such as public showers and swimming pools.
The fungus attacks the top layer of the foot, causing an unpleasant odor. It flourishes in hot, humid environments, such as on a sweaty foot in a heated shoe.
When wandering around the pool this summer and showering in a common locker room, use shoes like rubber sandals to avoid acquiring an athlete's foot. If you already have an athlete’s foot, contact your foot doctor for proper treatment.
2. Bacterial buildup
Bacterial growth might be caused by excessive perspiration and inadequate hygiene. It's possible that this contributes to stinky feet.
3. Excessive coffee drinking and alcohol drinking
You may enjoy your coffee or a glass of wine after work, but too much of either can lead to excessive sweating. You might find that merely reducing your spending can help to alleviate the problem.
4. Excessive sweating
Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, is one of the most prevalent reasons for smelly feet. Simply put, when your feet sweat, bacteria proliferate and create foul odors. This problem is exacerbated as we approach summer and our feet are pent up in professional shoes and socks, which exacerbates the problem.
5. Hyperthyroidism
Sweaty, stinky feet could indicate hyperthyroidism or an overworked thyroid. If you've tried everything and still haven't gotten the results you want, see your doctor to rule out any other underlying problems.
6. Stress and anxiety
"Don't sweat the small stuff," as the saying goes. You undoubtedly grasp the definition of stress if it makes you sweaty. Sweating can occur as a result of both tension and worry, and it can even spread to your feet. This, in turn, adds to the development of foot odor.
7. Mercury poisoning
When attempting to figure out what's causing your stinky feet, this is probably not the first thing that comes to mind. However, if you're experiencing symptoms like reduced motor skills, dizziness, or double vision, you should consult your doctor to rule out mercury poisoning.
8. Diabetes
You won't necessarily have stinkier feet if you have diabetes. However, certain diabetes complications can cause foot odor. Chronically high blood sugar damages the nerves in your feet over time, leading you to lose feeling in them. Cuts, lesions, and blisters may go unnoticed due to a loss of sensation.
That is a significant issue. You can't treat them if you don't know they're there. Foot sores that go untreated can soon become infected. Foot odor is a side effect.
Diabetes can cause a reduction in blood flow to the foot, making infection healing more difficult. This could result in gangrene or dead tissue. This can lead to amputation of the foot if not treated properly.
9. Perimenopause and menopause
Hot flashes and heavy sweating are common during perimenopause (the transition to menopause) and menopause, which are caused by hormonal changes. Unsurprisingly, you may find yourself with sweaty feet on a regular basis. Foot odor can be kept at bay by using a decent antiperspirant and maintaining appropriate foot hygiene.
10. Poor hygiene
Smelly feet shouldn't be a surprise if you wait too long between showering or changing your sweaty socks. Fortunately, improper hygiene habits can be corrected. Showering more frequently should assist to alleviate the problem.