The collection of sweat and dead skin between toes provides bacteria living naturally on our skin the chance to thrive. These bacteria, which include ones in the genus Brevibacterium, feed on sweat, releasing molecules that give the characteristic “cheesy” smell of sweaty feet.
Trimethylaminuria (TMAU) is an uncommon condition that causes an unpleasant, fishy smell. It's also called "fish odour syndrome". Sometimes it's caused by faulty genes that a person inherits from their parents, but this isn't always the case. There's currently no cure, but there are things that can help.
In erythrasma, unpleasant-smelling bacteria grow in skin folds. And in some forms of athlete's foot, the stench comes from the Trichophyton fungus growing on feet.
Sweat causes your skin to break down and also creates a moist environment that encourages bacteria and fungi to grow. As bacteria and fungi grow, they release chemicals that smell bad, leading to smelly feet. Everyone has bacteria and fungi on their skin. And everyone's feet sweat.
“Feet smell like vinegar when they sweat too much, and the moisture interacts with bacteria on your skin,” explains podiatrist Joy Rowland, DPM. “The bacteria actually eat your sweat, and this creates an acidic byproduct that smells like vinegar.”
Athlete's foot is most common between your toes, but it can also affect the tops of your feet, the soles of your feet and your heels. Your skin may become scaly and cracked or develop blisters. Sometimes, your feet smell bad. Athlete's foot is a form of ringworm.
Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) is a fungal skin infection that usually begins between the toes. It commonly occurs in people whose feet have become very sweaty while confined within tight-fitting shoes. Signs and symptoms of athlete's foot include an itchy, scaly rash.
Certain conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis, among other things, can also look very much like Athlete's foot. Sometimes, if the skin barrier is compromised, a secondary bacterial infection can occur.
If left untreated, it can spread to a nail and cause a fungal nail infection. The infection can spread to other areas of skin, such as the hands, but that rarely happens. Very rarely, and only in severe cases of athlete's foot, it can also lead to a bacterial infection.
“One of the most common misconceptions about athlete's foot is that people think that it will go away on its own,” explained Dr. D'Angelantonio. Unfortunately, athlete's foot does not usually heal on its own. If left untreated, large, painful fissures can also develop.
Athlete's Foot Symptoms
Yes it does produce an unpleasant foot odor, and if you have it, your feet will experience one or more of the following: Dry, cracked or scaly skin. Chronic sweating of your feet and between your toes. Stinky Feet.
Most mild cases of athlete's foot clear up within 2 weeks. But treatment can go for several weeks or longer if the infection is more serious or affects the toenails.
Foot odor, also called bromodosis, is a common condition caused by excessive sweat in the feet. The sweat causes bacteria to grow, leading to bad odors. Athlete's foot and other fungal infections can also cause bromodosis.
Your body odor can change due to hormones, the food you eat, infection, medications or underlying conditions like diabetes. Prescription-strength antiperspirants or medications may help.
After washing and drying your feet, apply an antifungal product. The antifungal terbinafine (Lamisil AT) has been shown to be very effective. Another option is clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF). You may need to experiment to find the product and formulation — ointment, gel, cream, lotion, powder or spray — that work for you.
Someone with athlete's foot should never share shoes or socks as the infection can spread easily.
Wearing socks to bed can help prevent transmission of the fungus. Even if you avoid contact, your partner can still develop athlete's foot if you walk around the house barefoot. The fungus can attach itself to floors when you walk or stand on them.
The fungus thrives in warm, moist areas. Your risk for getting athlete's foot increases if you: Wear closed shoes, especially if they are plastic-lined. Keep your feet wet for long periods.
What are the best home remedies for treating foot fungus? Tea Tree Oil is a natural antiseptic which works well with fungal infections. If you have foot fungus use a mixture of three parts tea tree oil and one part aloe vera which you rub well into the affected area twice a day.
One of the main symptoms of Athlete's foot is itchy white patches between your toes. It can also cause sore and flaky patches on your feet. The skin can look red, but this may be less noticeable on brown or black skin. Sometimes the skin on your feet may become cracked or bleed.
Athlete's foot is more common in people who have diabetes, and it can cause problems. If you have athlete's foot, wear a different pair of shoes every other day.