What should you know about stinky and sweaty feet?

Stinky and sweaty feet are often linked to excess foot moisture, enclosed footwear and bacterial breakdown of sweat, but persistent symptoms can also occur with a fungal infection or excessive sweating. Sweat itself has little smell; odour develops when microorganisms act on sweat and shed skin in a warm, damp environment. The smell may be strongest after wearing the same shoes for many hours.

Feet contain many sweat glands, so sweating can increase with heat, exercise, stress or non-breathable socks and shoes. Some people have plantar hyperhidrosis, in which the soles sweat more than needed for temperature control. Constant dampness can soften the skin and cause peeling, cracking or soreness between the toes. Athlete's foot can cause itch, scaling, burning or fissures, and may affect one or both feet. Odour without itching or a rash may still come from moisture and footwear rather than infection.

Wet skin also rubs more easily and can make blisters or small cracks slower to settle. A clinician can examine the skin and nails when the cause is unclear, especially if home measures do not improve the problem.

Wash your feet daily, including between the toes, then dry them carefully. Change socks when they become damp; moisture-wicking or breathable materials may feel more comfortable than fabric that stays wet. Rotate shoes so each pair can dry fully, and use breathable footwear when practical. Wash or air footwear according to its care instructions. Avoid sharing socks, shoes or towels, and do not apply a thick moisturiser between the toes.

An over-the-counter antiperspirant formulated for feet may help reduce moisture when used as directed on intact, dry skin. If sweating continues or interferes with daily life, a dermatologist may discuss prescription antiperspirant or iontophoresis. Treatment depends on whether the main issue is sweating, infection, irritation or a combination of causes.

Arrange a medical review if odour persists despite careful washing and dry footwear, or if you have itching, scaling, painful cracks, spreading redness, swelling, discharge, sores or nail changes. Seek prompt care for rapidly worsening redness, severe pain, fever or a foot that becomes hot and swollen. People with diabetes, reduced sensation, poor circulation or a weakened immune system should seek advice early for any open skin or suspected infection.

Ask whether your pattern fits plantar hyperhidrosis, athlete's foot or another skin problem; whether a prescription antiperspirant or iontophoresis is suitable; and how to protect cracked skin while the cause is treated. Mention when sweating began, whether it affects both feet, and any products or medicines you have already tried.