Foot Odor
Medical Considerations for Foot Odor
Hyperhidrosis--excessive sweating under the arms, on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet-- is a relatively common disorder. For moderate or severe cases, a doctor may prescribe the use of topical aluminum chloride hexahydrate. In the most severe cases, a surgeon may cut nerves that control the sweating.
In some cases, foot odor can be caused by an infection. If during your daily foot inspection you see wounds, lesions or sores that might have become infected, see your doctor. Redness, red streaks and swelling also can be signs of infection and should be addressed immediately, especially if you have diabetes.
Always talk with your doctor if you have persistent odor problems or excessive sweating of the feet, or if you have soreness, pain, redness, swelling or other indications of foot problems that persist for more than a few days.
Reviewed by: Robert P. Thompson, C.Ped, IPFH Scientific Advisory Board
Last updated: June 23, 2015