Combating Foot Odor: Austin Podiatrist Offers Tips for Relief
Foot odor can make you hesitate to take your shoes off around others, whether you're at a friend's home or in a locker room. The fear of people noticing your smelly feet can impact your confidence and hold you back socially. If self-consciousness about foot odor is affecting your life, it's time to take action. Fortunately, your Texas podiatry team at Austin Foot & Ankle Specialists can help.
Our knowledgeable podiatrists, led by Dr. Craig H. Thomajan, DPM, FACFAS, FAENS, understand the embarrassment foot odor can cause. We're dedicated to helping our Austin patients identify the causes of smelly feet and find effective solutions through proper hygiene, footwear choices, and medical treatments when needed.
What Causes Stinky Feet?
Foot odor is primarily caused by the interaction of sweat and bacteria on the skin. With over 250,000 sweat glands, your feet are one of the most perspiring parts of your body. When bacteria feeds on sweat, it leads to an unpleasant smell, especially when feet are confined in shoes without ventilation.
Some medical issues and other physical conditions can increase foot sweating and thus potentially increase foot odor. Such conditions include:
- Hyperthyroidism
- Diabetes
- Puberty
- Pregnancy
- Menopause
- Some medications
- Fungal infections and skin conditions like athlete’s foot or fungal toenails
- Poor foot hygiene
Daily Hygiene Habits to Keep Feet Fresh
Adopting a few key hygiene practices can go a long way in preventing foot odor:
- Wash feet daily. Thoroughly clean your feet with soap and water every day, paying special attention to the areas between your toes. Make sure to dry your feet completely after washing.
- Use antiperspirant. Apply a foot antiperspirant to control sweating. Look for products containing aluminum chloride hexahydrate, which is more effective than regular deodorants.
- Apply powder. Sprinkle a foot powder or cornstarch in your shoes and on your feet to absorb excess moisture and reduce friction.
- Rotate shoes. Avoid wearing the same pair of shoes two days in a row. Rotating your footwear allows it to dry fully between uses, preventing the growth of odor-causing bacteria.
- Change socks daily. Always put on a clean pair of socks each day, and change them more often if your feet sweat heavily. Moisture-wicking socks made from natural materials like cotton or wool are an effective option.
- Soak feet regularly. Soaking your feet in a mixture of warm water and Epsom salt or black tea can help control sweating and eliminate bacteria.
Consistency is key when it comes to foot hygiene. Follow these habits daily to prevent foot odor and keep your feet fresh.
Choose Shoes and Socks Wisely
The types of footwear and socks you choose can worsen or improve foot odor. Look for the following types of shoes and socks when shopping:
- Breathable shoes: Select shoes made from breathable materials like leather, canvas, or mesh. Avoid rubber and plastic shoes that trap moisture and contribute to bacterial growth.
- Moisture-wicking socks: Choose socks made from moisture-wicking materials like merino wool, bamboo, or DryMax. These fabrics pull sweat away from your skin and dry quickly, reducing odor. Avoid nylon or 100% cotton socks that retain moisture.
- Copper-infused socks: Some specialty socks are infused with copper, which has natural antimicrobial properties that can help reduce the presence of odor-causing bacteria.
- Cedar shoe trees: Place cedar shoe trees in your shoes when you're not wearing them. Cedar has antibacterial properties and can help absorb moisture and odor.
If you're prone to excessive sweating, look for shoes with built-in ventilation or moisture-wicking insoles. Removable insoles that can be washed are also helpful for maintaining freshness.
Medical Treatments for Persistent Foot Odor
If proper hygiene and footwear changes aren't enough to combat foot odor, your Austin podiatrist may recommend one of these medical treatments:
- Prescription antiperspirants with higher concentrations of aluminum chloride to reduce sweating
- Antifungal medications to treat athlete's foot or toenail fungus and eliminate odor-causing bacteria
- Iontophoresis, which involves a device that passes a mild electrical current through water to temporarily disable sweat glands
- Botox injections to block the nerve signals that trigger sweating in the feet
- MiraDry or microwave thermolysis, which uses thermal energy to destroy sweat glands for long-lasting odor prevention and sweat reduction
In severe cases, surgery to remove sweat glands in the feet may be considered as a last resort. Your podiatrist can help determine the best treatment plan for your individual needs.
Get Help for Smelly Feet at Austin Foot & Ankle Specialists
You don't have to live with the embarrassment of foot odor. The caring podiatry team at Austin Foot & Ankle Specialists is here to help you identify the cause of your smelly feet and find effective solutions to boost your confidence.
Led by Dr. Craig H. Thomajan, DPM, FACFAS, FAENS, our experienced podiatrists serve patients throughout the Austin area with personalized care and advanced treatments. We offer transparent pricing and work with you to develop a comprehensive plan for banishing foot odor through proper hygiene, lifestyle changes, and medical intervention when needed.
