Why do feet smell so much?

Our tootsies have been known to let out a pong – and when it’s summer time, the smell can cause a problem. But why is it this body part that produces the most smell?

According to Thrillist, foot odour is primarily caused by two factors, sweat and the moulting of dead skin.

Fun fact! A pair of human feet have 250,000 sweat glands. That’s a lot of sweat. And while the perspiration itself is odourless, it will become trapped in socks and shoes and other types of foot encasements, mingling with the bacteria naturally found on your feet, and voila!

In addition to sweat, dead skin buildup will lead to foot odour – especially when it comes to shoes you wear without socks. That’s because dead skin will adhere to the insole of your shoe and do what dead stuff does. It will rot. Oh no! Now you’re paying attention! Yes, it’s very gross to think about but it leads nicely into a discussion of the best thing you can do to avoid having malodorous piggies.

The best thing you can do for your feet is to pay a bit more attention to them when performing your daily ablutions. So: use a washcloth and a good deodorizing soap to scrub your hooves, paying particular attention to the space in between your toes. Post-washing, dry your feet thoroughly, again giving the space in between your toes some extra love.

Athlete’s foot, which is a fungal infection that can be easily treated with over-the-counter topical antifungal creams, powders, or spray powders, might also be at the root of your tootsie odor problems. If you suspect that you have athlete’s foot, which is characterised by itching and peeling skin, usually between the toes, head straight for your local pharmacy. If the symptoms persist, book an appointment with your doctor and ask for a prescription-grade athlete’s foot treatment.

Dr. Hauschka Deodorising Foot Cream keeps feet dry, comfortable and fresh throughout the day. One application controls odour and excess moisture, warms the feet and softens skin.

This product is formulated with rosemary essential oil, silk and sage combine to warm, balance and revitalise skin. Silk and rice starch absorb excess moisture, leaving your skin feeling soft, dry and protected.