Feet smell for two reasons: you wear shoes and your feet sweat. The interaction between your perspiration and the bacteria that thrive in your shoes and socks generates the odor. Therefore, any attempt to reduce foot odor has to address both your sweating and your footwear.
Smelly feet can also be caused by an inherited condition called hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, which primarily affects men. Stress, some medications, fluid intake and hormonal changes can also increase the amount of perspiration your body produces.
Foot odor can be controlled with preventative measures including:
Persistent foot odor may be caused by a low-grade infection, in which case the doctors at Ankle & Foot Associates may prescribe a special ointment.
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