Dear Doctor,

I have had a problem with my feet for a while because they smell a lot. What causes the feet to smell and how can I get help?

Nziza

Dear Nziza,

The most common cause of smelly feet is sweating of feet. The feet contain more than 250,000 sweat glands.

When one wears shoes and socks throughout the day, sweat produced does not get any place to evaporate.

Bacteria present on the skin tend to eat the sweat, producing acid, which tends to produce the bad odor.

Dampness is also created inside the shoes due to the sweat. One may put on the same shoes the next day maybe with a fresh pair of socks but the moisture inside the shoes is augmented when they are used again. Thus the feet become smelly at the end of the day.

Dampness also gives rise to fungal infections. This causes a bad smell as well as itching of the sole, in between toes or over the feet. People with reduced resistance to infections like those with diabetes and HIV infection are more prone to fungal infections early and in more severe form.

Some people just have the tendency for excess sweating, which aggravates dampness in moist body parts, thus causing smelly feet. Mental stress also aggravates sweating. Smelly feet also occur due to poor hygiene.

Prevention of smelly feet lies in always keeping the feet clean and dry. After a shower or washing the feet, they should be wiped dry before wearing shoes. If possible, same pair of shoes should not be repeated the next day.

Shoes should be given enough time to dry before being used. If possible, one can remove shoes and socks for a short while during the day to allow feet to breathe, In hot weather, heavy shoes and socks should be avoided.

Shoes should be of leather, cloth, but nylon ones should be avoided. Similarly one needs to use socks of cotton or wool, but avoid nylon socks. Nylon does not allow any ventilation and augments dampness. Thus it also increases susceptibility to fungal infections.

Good personal hygiene and adequate rest are useful in preventing smelling feet as well.

Dr Rachna Pande  is a specialist in internal medicine at Ruhengeri Hospital