Have you ever taken your shoes off and been accosted by an offensive and pungent odour? Sweaty feet can lead to smelly feet, which can cause embarrassment and social awkwardness!
Our feet have over 250,000 sweat glands and on average, they perspire the equivalent of one cup of sweat per day. This moisture builds up, creating a breeding ground for microorganisms. In turn, these microorganisms, most commonly bacteria and fungi, consume dead skin cells, leading to waste production and resultant shoe odour. Odour can also be caused by components of our sweat.
Dealing with sweaty feet can be uncomfortable, embarrassing, and even lead to other foot issues if left untreated. Sweaty feet, also known as plantar hyperhidrosis, occurs when the sweat glands in your feet produce excessive moisture. For some, it’s a mild annoyance, while others may experience a constant damp feeling, leading to skin irritation, unpleasant odour, and even infections. Understanding the causes and solutions for this condition can help you stay comfortable and protect your feet.Â
Our feet are incredible structures that play a crucial role in our daily lives, providing support, mobility, and balance. Despite their importance, they often go unnoticed until problems arise.
The largest organ in the body is our skin. Made up of over 60% water, its main function is protection acting as a waterproof barrier that shields us from the elements in our environment, including chemicals and microorganisms.Â
Sweating is normal and something we likely do every day! Significant sweating, known as hyperhidrosis, occurs when excessive moisture accumulates on the skin. If this occurs in the feet, you may experience discomfort, embarrassment or even issues such as Athlete's foot or foul odour.
