Why Feet May Smell Bad

It’s no secret that feet can give off a bad smell, some might even call it stinky.

What Causes Smelly Feet?

Bacteria are to blame. These tiny critters are on feet and love dark, damp places like the insides of sweaty shoes. They multiply in sweat, so without socks, the smell gets even worse.

In the right conditions, bacteria will feast on feet. These bacteria eat dead skin cells and oils from skin. Their colonies will grow and start getting rid of waste in the form of organic acids. It's those organic acids that smell bad.

That "Rotten Egg" Smell

And for 10% to 15% of people, the smell is really bad. Why? Because their feet are extra sweaty and become home to bacteria called Kyetococcus sedentarius (kite-oh-KAH-kus SEH-den-tair-ee-us). These bacteria produce more than just stinky organic acids — they also produce stuff called volatile sulfur compounds. Sulfur compounds usually are powerful and awful smelling. If you've ever smelled a rotten egg, you know what volatile sulfur compounds smell like.

How To Prevent & Treat Smelly Feet

There’s usually no need to worry about stinky feet. But if the stink bothers your child (and you!), or someone else notices it, there are things you can do to help.

First, help prevent sweating, which causes the bad smell. Try these steps:

• Be clean. Your child should wash their feet every day. Dipping feet into a tub of water and scrubbing may be better than just letting the shower water splash on them. Be sure to dry feet when done.
• Wear the right socks. Cotton, some wools, and special knits made for athletes will absorb sweat and allow feet to breathe. Your child should put on a fresh pair every day, and sooner if the socks get damp.
• Make sure shoes aren't too tight. If they are, feet might sweat more than usual.
• Switch shoes. Wearing the same shoes every day can make them smellier. Let them dry out for a couple of days before wearing them again.
• Kill those germs. Use a disinfectant spray to kill bacteria in shoes. Setting shoes out in the sun also may help.
• Wash shoes or insoles. Some insoles or shoes, especially sneakers, may be washable — a great way to kill odors and get clean-smelling shoes again. Be sure to dry them completely before your child wears them.
• Avoid shoes made of plastic. Plastic and some human-made materials don't let feet breathe.
• Go barefoot. Let feet air out by letting them spend some time in the open air, especially at night. But don't let your child go barefoot too much — especially in the outdoors — because that can invite certain bacteria (like that Kyetococcus) to live on your child's feet!
• Don't share shoes or towels with others. Sharing may transfer stink-causing bacteria between people.

When To Call the Doctor

If foot odor continues, try getting odor-fighting insoles. If nothing seems to work, talk to the doctor about what to do. The doctor may prescribe special medicine.

What Else Should I Know?

For most people, foot odor can be controlled. The worst part about having smelly feet is that it's embarrassing. Your child can avoid this embarrassment by keeping their shoes on when in social situations, like riding in a car.

At home, make sure to keep your child's feet clean and let them go barefoot, so they get some air. If feet are clean and dry, those bacteria will have to find their lunch somewhere else!