Combat Common Causes of Foul Feet

Although you rely on your feet to get you from place to place, very few of us give them the TLC they need and deserve, resulting in some unpleasant consequences, such as: corns, bunions, fungus, and foul odor. Follow these tips to keep your feet clean and reek-free.

Cause 1: Corns and Bunions

Characterized by tough layers of skin that form a cone shape, corns' blister-like lesion is typically surrounded by inflamed skin and can be painful to the touch. Bunions, on the other hand, are red, calloused bumps alongside the inside edge of the big toe. In extreme cases, bunions will actually turn the big toe inward toward the other toes. Corns and bunions, though different in their symptoms, tend to have the same causes.

These toe terrors tend to be caused by: wearing shoes that are too tight or constricting (like high heels), going sockless, or being genetically inclined.

Prevent Corns and Bunions

Wearing properly sized shoes is essential to avoid friction and compression on your toes.

Cause 2: Athlete's Foot

Sprung from a mold-like fungus, athlete's foot can cause itchy, scaly lesions between the toes. It can also include a burning sensation and a foul odor. What's more, this foot fungus is easily spread to other parts of the foot and even to other people.

Prevent Athlete's Foot

1. Keep your feet clean and dry. Be sure you're washing between your toes regularly. And be sure to dry your feet thoroughly. Trapped moisture can result in seriously foul feet.

2. Protect your feet. Your everyday shoes should be light and well ventilated. Additionally, be sure to wear flip-flops or sandals when walking around public places like the beach, gym, pool, or water park.

3. Change is good. Make sure you're changing your socks and shoes regularly. Wearing the same socks and shoes back-to-back can trap moisture and help foster a fungus environment.

Cause 3: Foul Odor

Some odor is normal, especially if your shoe selection is limited. However, if your foot odor is an assault on the senses, there might be a more serious issue.

According to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, most foot odor is caused by common bacteria. Additionally, the American Academy of Family Physicians points out that some individuals are inclined to sweat more. Severe foot sweating creates an environment in which bacteria multiply, causing a stronger odor.

Prevent Foul Odor

1. Go antibacterial. If your stink is strong, opt for antibacterial soap to wash your feet. While your everyday body wash may make you smell like various fruits and flora, it likely lacks the bacteria killing properties necessary to combat serious foot odor.

2. Treat it. Applying an aluminum chloride solution to the soles of your feet can prevent excessive sweating.

3. Seek a surgical option. People with severe sweating can be treated with Botox injections. Botox stops the release of a chemical called acetylcholine, which stimulates sweating.



American Academy of Family Physicians
Sweat Hands and Feet

Pub Med Health

Pub Med Health