Sweaty Feet and Foot Odor: What I Tell My Patients

When the weather warms up, my schedule fills with the same three complaints: feet that sweat, shoes that smell, and skin between the toes that peels. They usually travel together, and the fix starts with your shoes as much as your feet.

Why feet smell

Your feet have more sweat glands than almost anywhere else on your body. Sweat itself doesn't smell. Odor comes from bacteria breaking it down inside warm, closed shoes. That same damp space is where athlete's foot settles in, often as dry, flaking or peeling skin between the toes or along the sole, sometimes with itching.

What helps

Wash every day. Use CLEAN in the shower and work it between your toes. It's made with 10% undecylenic acid for athlete's foot. Then dry your feet completely, toes included.

Treat your shoes, not just your feet. Spray FRESH on clean, dry feet, on your socks and inside your shoes every morning or after a workout. Let it dry before you put your shoes on. It has 10% undecylenic acid for athlete's foot, plus peppermint and tea tree to keep shoes smelling fresh.

Rotate your shoes. Give each pair a full day to dry out before you wear it again.

Change your socks. Moisture-wicking socks help. If they're damp by midday, change them.

Soak if your skin is peeling. For athlete's foot, soak in RELAX for 30 minutes daily for 4 weeks: 1 tablespoon per quart of warm water.

When to see a podiatrist

If peeling, itching or odor isn't better after a few weeks of daily care, or your toenails start to thicken or change color, see a podiatrist. Odor with redness, swelling, drainage or pain needs a visit right away.

All three of these products come together in The Nail & Athlete's Foot Routine, with REPAIR for your nails. It's 10% off buying them separately, and it ships free.