You may be able to relieve smelly feet by using certain soaps and over-the-counter products. Some practices like avoiding tight shoes may also help.

Bromodosis, or smelly feet, is a very common medical condition. It’s caused by a buildup of sweat, which results in bacterial growth on the skin, which can cause strong odors. Fungal infections like athlete’s foot can also lead to bromodosis.

Foot odor is common and is not something to be embarrassed about. However, if the odor is severe or is affecting your self-esteem, there are several easy, quick, and inexpensive home treatment options that can help

The following tips can help reduce foot odor. The key is to follow them regularly and carefully.

Keep your feet clean

  • Use a mild soap and scrub brush to wash your feet at least once a day. The best time to do this is during your morning or evening shower. It’s important to dry your feet completely after washing. Pay special attention between your toes, where any wetness can easily cause bacteria to grow.
  • Clip your toenails often so they’re short, and make sure to clean them regularly.
  • Remove the hard, dead skin from your feet with a foot file. Hard skin gets soggy and soft when it’s wet, creating a place where bacteria like to live.
  • If you need to reduce foot odor quickly, you can apply antiperspirant or deodorant spray to your feet.
  • Try various types of antifungal and antibacterial soaps until you find one that works best for you.

Pay attention to your socks and shoes

  • Change your socks at least once a day. If you’re in a hot environment, exercising, or in any other situation where your feet may become sweaty, you should change your socks more often.
  • Have two pairs of shoes that you alternate wearing every other day. This allows each pair to thoroughly dry out from sweat or moisture for a full day before being worn again. You can remove the insoles in your shoes to help them dry again. Wet shoes allow bacteria to grow on your feet more quickly.
  • Choose socks that absorb moisture rather than keep it on your feet. These include thick, soft socks made out of natural fibers or sports socks.
  • Wear open-toed sandals in warm weather, and go barefoot indoors when appropriate to allow your feet to stay dry.
  • Avoid shoes that are tight or may retain moisture.

Your feet produce a lot of sweat. They have more sweat glands than any other part of the body. These glands release sweat all throughout the day to help cool your body and keep your skin moist.

Everyone’s feet sweat, but you may be more prone to sweaty feet if you:

  • are a teenager
  • are pregnant
  • are on your feet all day at work
  • have hyperhidrosis, a medical condition that causes excessive sweating
  • have overweight

Some bacteria naturally live on the feet. These bacteria help break down sweat as it’s released. If bacteria and sweat build up, a foul odor can form.

Excess bacteria can form when a person:

  • rewears sweaty shoes without allowing them to dry fully
  • doesn’t wash their feet regularly
  • doesn’t change their socks regularly

Home treatments typically help to reduce or eliminate foot odor. However, if you find the odor is not going away or if you’re concerned that the sweating and odors are severe, consider speaking with a doctor. They can prescribe stronger antiperspirants and foot soaps and offer advice on medical treatments for excessive sweating.

Although it’s a common condition, bromodosis, or smelly feet, can make you feel self-conscious. The good news is that bromodosis is quite simple to treat. With daily attention, you should be able to reduce or eliminate your foot odor within a week.

The key is making foot care a regular part of your hygiene routine. Home treatments are usually very effective, but in severe cases a doctor can prescribe stronger treatments.