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Last Updated: Oct 23, 2019
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Know The Causes of Smelly Feet!

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Dr. Anshu AggarwalDermatologist • 17 Years Exp.MBBS, MD Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy, Cosmetologist
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Smelly feet can be a cause of great embarrassment and discomfort for anyone. Also known as bromodosis, the primary cause of smelly feet is the sweat glands in your feet. This part of the human body has more sweat glands than anywhere else in the body. Additionally, compared to sweat glands in the other parts of the body that secrete to control your body temperature when exposed to hot weather or while exercising, the sweat glands in your feet produce perspiration all the time.

When this happens, bacteria living on your skin break down the perspiration that oozes from your skin pores and a cheese-like smell is produced as the sweat gets broken down by the bacteria.

Apart from the explanation of the origin of this kind of smell, the causes that lead to you having smelly feet are:

- wearing the same footwear on a daily basis and not letting them dry


- poor hygiene habits like not washing your feet and drying them thoroughly

- changes in the body's hormones level especially during pregnancy and puberty

- too much stress

- hyperhidrosis (a condition wherein you sweat excessively)

- athlete's foot (infection of the soles of the feet and between the toes) 

If you wish to discuss any specific problem, you can consult a dermatologist.

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