Foot odor is something that everyone has experienced at one time or another. That is because everyone’s feet have been sweaty while wearing shoes with inadequate ventilation at some point in their lives.

It’s not that sweat itself is smelly. It’s when this sweat becomes trapped and dries on the skin that it becomes a problem. Foul odor from sweaty feet is actually due to isovaleric acid. Isovaleric acid is produced when sweat glands in the feet release odorless secretions which, without proper ventilation, dry on the skin and eventually get broken down by normal bacteria on the skin’s surface and release an unpleasant odor.

Although this bacteria feeding on sweat is the most common cause of foot odor, there are other reasons your feet may be smelly:

Fungus. Fungal infections such as athlete’s foot can also break down sweat and cause odor.

Footwear. Wearing the same shoes every day without allowing them to air out, or wearing poor-quality or expired shoes.

Hygiene. Not properly or frequently washing your feet (especially when they get sweaty).

Certain medical conditions such as hyperhidrosis (excessively sweaty feet), psoriasis and eczema.

Certain medications. There are some prescription and over-the-counter medications with excessive sweating as a side effect.

Diet. Sulfur compounds in certain foods (garlic, cabbage, broccoli, etc.) can be excreted through sweat glands, including those in the feet.

Hormone changes. This can occur in teenagers and pregnant women.

If you are uncomfortable with your foot odor and proper hygiene does not rectify the situation, it’s time to see your podiatrist. You don’t need to live with smelly feet; your podiatrist has ways to treat your condition.