Foot odour - causes and cures

Foot odour is a common problem, caused by excessive perspiration and the growth of bacteria on the feet. Even the most fastidiously clean people can suffer from foot odour. There is a range of simple treatments available to address this problem.

Feet are a breeding ground for bacteria

Each foot has 250,000 sweat glands and produces about a cup (500ml) of sweat daily. Excessive perspiration, combined with bacteria, can cause offensive foot odour. The bacteria that grow on the soles of feet actually produce gases similar to those released by bacteria used in producing cheese; hence the name ‘cheesy feet’.

Treating the condition

To reduce the growth of bacteria and to treat the problem, the sweaty warm conditions around the foot should be eliminated.

The following treatments may be useful, depending on the cause of the problem:

• Mild antiseptic solutions or soaps can be useful.
• Methylated spirits applied once or twice a day (especially between the toes) can help dry the skin.
• Avoid synthetic socks and wear shoes that allow good air circulation and allow the foot to breathe (leather is good).
• Moisture-wicking socks may help.
• Change your shoes regularly to allow them to dry and air.
• Topical (applied to the skin) or oral (by mouth) antibiotics may be prescribed, in severe cases, to kill off the bacteria.

If these treatments fail, contact a podiatrist.

Where to get help

• Local podiatrist
• Your doctor
• Community health centre
• Australian Podiatry Association (Vic) Tel. (03) 9826 1885

Things to remember

• Foot odour is a common problem.
• There are many simple treatments available.

You might also be interested in:

• Foot problems - treatments.
  

Want to know more?

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Fact sheet currently being reviewed.
Last reviewed: February 2010

Content on this website is provided for education and information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. Content has been prepared for Victorian residents and wider Australian audiences, and was accurate at the time of publication. Readers should note that, over time, currency and completeness of the information may change. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.

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<a href="http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Foot_odour_causes_and_cures?open">Foot odour - causes and cures - Better Health Channel</a><br/>
Foot odour is a common problem, caused by excessive perspiration and the growth of bacteria on the feet. Even the most fastidiously clean people can suffer from foot odour or smelly feet. A range of simple treatments can help including antiseptic soaps or solutions, natural fibre socks such as cotton or wool, moisture-wicking socks and topical or oral antibiotics. A podiatrist can help treat foot odour.

Content on this website is provided for education and information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your qualified health professional. Content has been prepared for Victorian residence and wider Australian audiences, and was accurate at the time of publication. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users are urged to always seek advice from a qualified health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.

For the latest updates and more information, visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au

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