Although
having smelly feet doesn't indicate diabetes
, people with diabetes do need to take special care when it comes to their feet. Diabetes can cause peripheral neuropathy and peripheral artery disease, and feet may get damaged without your knowing it.
What are smelly feet caused by?
Causes of Stinky Feet
There are many
kinds of bacteria
on the bottom of your feet. These bacteria live off the sweat that your feet are constantly producing. When they feed on the sweat, the bacteria create an acid that causes foot odor. Besides bacteria, fungus may also cause you to have smelly feet.
Why do my feet stink all of a sudden?
Bromodosis, or smelly feet, is a very common medical condition. It's due to
a buildup of sweat
, which results bacteria growth on the skin. These bacteria cause bad odors. Fungal infections like athlete's foot can also lead to bromodosis.
What are the signs of diabetic feet?
- Changes in skin color.
- Changes in skin temperature.
- Swelling in the foot or ankle.
- Pain in the legs.
- Open sores on the feet that are slow to heal or are draining.
- Ingrown toenails or toenails infected with fungus.
- Corns or calluses.
- Dry cracks in the skin, especially around the heel.
Do everyone's feet stink?
Smelly feet aren't fun for anyone, so good personal hygiene and changing your shoes regularly should keep your feet fresh and sweet smelling. Medically known as bromodosis, stinky feet are a
common year-round problem
. The main cause is sweaty feet combined with wearing the same shoes every day.
How do I stop my feet and shoes from smelling?
- Be clean. Wash your feet every day. …
- Wear the right socks. Cotton, some wools, and special knits made for athletes will absorb sweat and allow your feet to breathe. …
- Make sure your shoes aren't too tight. …
- Switch shoes. …
- Kill those germs. …
- Wash shoes or insoles. …
- Avoid shoes made of plastic. …
- Go barefoot.
How do you permanently get rid of stinky feet?
- Keep them clean. Scrub your feet each day. …
- Have a soak. If soap and water just aren't enough, try soaking your feet once a week for up to 20 minutes. …
- Stay dry. …
- Air them out. …
- Use disinfectant. …
- Try essential oils.
How do you get rid of stinky feet naturally?
Dr. Rowland recommends soaking your feet in a
mixture of vinegar and water or Epsom salt and water
. For a salt soak, dissolve half a cup of Epsom salt in a tub or large bowl of warm water and soak for about 10 to 20 minutes.
What home remedy is good for sweaty feet?
- Washing your feet. Share on Pinterest Washing the feet at least once a day is necessary to prevent the spread of bacteria. …
- Soaking feet in black tea. Using black tea may be an effective way to stop sweating. …
- Carrying spare socks. …
- Changing shoes. …
- Applying rubbing alcohol. …
- Trying iontophoresis.
What part of the foot hurts with diabetes?
Peripheral Neuropathy and Diabetes
Diabetic foot pain is mainly due to a condition called peripheral neuropathy. Approximately 50% of people who have type 2 diabetes will develop peripheral neuropathy, which happens when high blood sugar levels cause damage to the nerves in the
legs and the feet
.
Where is diabetic foot pain located?
The feet are especially prone to poor circulation because they're so far away from the heart. Diabetes-related nerve pain
can appear in the hands
, but most people who experience it feel it in their feet first.
Is Vaseline good for diabetic feet?
Use unscented lotion or petroleum jelly
(Vaseline) on your feet, though not between your toes. Diabetes can cause very dry skin, which in turn can cause cracking and other problems. … but remember, DON'T put lotion or Vaseline between your toes.
Why do women's feet smell good?
But when you wear shoes, your feet get warm and moist. Your foot sweat contains salt, which these bacteria love. … This is why
feet can smell like cheese
– they both have the same bacteria living on them.
Why do men's feet smell so bad?
Sweat promotes the growth of bacteria: the dark and moist condition of the feet being trapped in shoes is ideal for the growth of bacteria that normally live on our skin. The
bacteria produce isovaleric acid
, which is the main substance responsible for the bad odour of smelly feet.
What soap is best for smelly feet?
At least once a day, use an antibacterial soap like
Hibiclens Antiseptic Skin Cleanser
and a soft-bristled brush to wash your feet thoroughly. Hibiclens has a foaming action that will help reach between toes.
What happens when you soak your feet in vinegar?
Vinegar can also
disinfect the feet
. This helps eliminate or reduce foot odor by getting rid of the bacteria that make them smell. Before soaking, wash your feet thoroughly with soap and water. Then relax with your feet in a vinegar soak.
