Foot Odour

Foot Odour

Overview

Foot odour can happen when you wear shoes that don't "breathe." Most often, when you take off your shoes, wash your feet, and put on clean, dry socks, the odour goes away. Sometimes, though, the problem continues.

Persistent foot odour may be a sign of:

  • A bacterial infection. Prescription medicine may be needed to clear up the problem.
  • A fungal infection. Athlete's foot is a common fungal infection that most often causes a slight odour.

Credits

Current as of: March 22, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
H. Michael O'Connor MD - Emergency Medicine
Gavin W.G. Chalmers DPM - Podiatry and Podiatric Surgery