Every person is unique, but there are some common factors which are known to affect foot odour.
- Fact 1
- 50% of men and 40% of women regularly suffer from smelly feet.
- Fact 2
- The soles of our feet contain more sweat glands (the eccrine glands) than any other part of the body, at least a quarter of a million glands (3,000 glands per square inch).
- Fact 3
- Feet release 4.5 litres of moisture (sweat) each week.
- Fact 4
- The moisture evaporates when barefoot but not always when wearing shoes - which provides a perfect environment for bacterial growth.
- Fact 5
- Sweaty feet is a complaint known as Hyperhydrosis, and the medical term for ‘foot odour’ is Bromohydrosis.
- Fact 6
- Contrary to common belief, it is not the sweat that causes the odours but the bacteria that convert the odourless sweat into butyric acid (which smells like sour butter) and methane-thiol (which smells like cheese).
- Fact 7
- Sweaty feet can be caused by stress on the foot - for example if you’ve been standing all day.
- Fact 8
- Hot weather can make matters worse, although many people still suffer in the winter.
- Fact 9
- In adolescents, sweaty feet are often caused by over-active sweat glands triggered by changing hormonal levels in the body.
- Fact 10
- Emotional stress is also a common cause given that the sweat glands on the soles of the feet (and the palms of the hand) respond to emotion the most.
- Fact 11
- Nylon tights and most synthetic materials do not allow the feet to breathe properly and the resulting heat generated causes excessive perspiration.
- Fact 12
- Smelly feet can be an inherited condition.
