Smelly feet (bromodosis)
Smelly feet, medically called bromhidrosis or bromodosis, happen when sweat on the skin is broken down by naturally occurring bacteria and yeast, producing a noticeable odour. Daily foot care, proper footwear and treatment of dead skin can reduce the smell. Fiona assesses smelly feet in an initial consultation from $100.
What smelly feet are
Smelly feet are a common condition with the medical name bromhidrosis, sometimes called bromodosis. Sweat itself does not have an odour. When sweat combines with bacteria and yeast that live naturally on the skin, these organisms break the sweat down and release a noticeable smell. The condition can be embarrassing, but it can be managed with treatment and good daily habits. Podiatrists treat this condition regularly.
Symptoms
The main sign is a strong, unpleasant odour coming from the feet or shoes. Other signs you may notice include:
- Small holes or craters on the soles and around the heels, where bacteria have consumed areas of skin
- Skin that stays moist or sweaty
- Smell that lingers in shoes after they are removed
Causes and risk factors
Foot odour is caused by sweat being broken down by bacteria and yeast on the skin. People who perspire heavily tend to notice it more. Certain groups are more likely to have smelly feet. These include teenagers with sweaty feet, people who wear shoes for long periods, people who work in wet environments, smokers, and people with high levels of stress.
Treatment at the clinic
She examines the skin of your feet, including any pitted areas on the soles and heels, and removes dead skin and callus that bacteria feed on. Treatment may include skin care, nail care, corns and callus removal, footwear advice, and a daily care plan for you to follow to reduce bacteria on the skin.
Looking after it at home
Wash and dry your feet each day, especially between the toes. Change socks daily and alternate shoes so each pair can dry out completely. Shoes worn for long periods hold moisture and give bacteria more to feed on. Removing dead skin from the soles lessens the amount of bacteria on the skin. Following the daily care plan Fiona gives you reduces the bacteria and the odour they produce.
When to see a podiatrist
See a podiatrist when the smell persists despite daily washing and changing socks, or when you notice pitting or small holes in the skin of your soles or heels. Fiona can assess the skin, remove build up and set a care plan for you. See a GP instead of, or as well as, a podiatrist when the skin is broken, red, painful, swollen or weeping, as these signs may point to infection needing medical care.
Questions
Why do my feet smell so bad?
Sweat itself has no odour. Bacteria and yeast living naturally on your skin break the sweat down, and this process releases the smell you notice.
Can podiatrists treat smelly feet?
Yes. Podiatrists treat smelly feet regularly. Fiona can remove dead skin and callus, treat the skin, give footwear advice and set you up with a daily care plan.
Is smelly feet a sign of something serious?
It is usually not serious. See a GP when the skin becomes broken, red, painful, swollen or weeping, because these signs can point to an infection.