Foot Odor is a Cause for Concern

Foot odor can cause significant embarrassment and be a cause for concern. Our podiatrist, Dr. Joel S. Segalman, DPM can treat this condition at the Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC. Please call or visit us at our Waterbury 203-755-0489 & Newtown 203-270-6724, Connecticut locations today.

Foot Odor is unfortunately a condition that affects many people, from children to adults. This condition is generally accompanied by feet that are also sweaty. Foot odor is created from bacteria or fungus that grow in shoes. Certain bacteria can produce an odor after penetrating the skin of the foot. When feet perspire and moisture is present in shoes, bacteria can breed much easier since they thrive in that type of environment. When the sweat and bacteria break down, foot odor emanates from feet in swift fashion. This environment additionally makes feet prone to developing infections such as athlete's foot or fungal toenails.

Prevention is best seen through proper hygiene, which is usually successful in avoiding smelly feet. To accomplish this, feet should be washed daily with soap and water. Only dry socks should be used. 

Causes of this condition include anxiety, skin conditions or health conditions that produce extreme perspiration. Moreover, this excessive sweating can be a sign of an underlying health condition that can be more serious than just having a bad foot odor.

Treatment for this condition includes:

• Showering daily and using anti-bacterial soap.
• Utilizing foot powders that help to keep feet dry.
• Changing socks frequently.
• Rotating shoes every other day to prevent the buildup of bacteria.
• Place insoles in shoes that are able to be changed so that they can air out and prevent odor from building up in shoes.
• Wearing open toe shoes such as sandals when the weather is warm.
• Cleaning shoes that are emitting a foul odor by disinfecting them.

As it can be seen, foot odor is preventable, but can be a cause for concern if not treated correctly. We therefore recommend that you please contact us as soon as you notice a foul odor to prevent it from developing into an infection.