If you're like most people, you probably don't give much thought to your feet – until they start to smell. Then, suddenly, they become the center of your attention. Many things can cause your feet to stink, from Athlete's foot to silicate deposits. If you're dealing with smelly feet, you're not alone. It's a very common problem. If you have Athlete's foot, you may also notice that your feet smell bad. Smelly feet are a common problem that several different factors can cause. Foot odor is usually caused by bacteria that grow in warm, moist environments. That embarrassing foot odor can make you want to hide your feet and never let them see the light of day. The best way to treat Athlete's foot is with anti-fungal medication. The infection can spread to your toenails if you don't treat the Athlete's foot. This can cause them to become discolored, thick, and brittle. You may also notice that your toenails smell bad. 

If you suffer from smelly feet, there are several different things that you can do to try and remedy the problem. In this article, we will look at some of the significant causes of smelly feet and what you can do to try and combat them.  

Causes: 

Anyone who has ever experienced this can say that smelly feet are no fun. That embarrassing foot odor can make you want to hide your feet away and never let them see the light of day. But what causes this smelly condition?  

Sweating: 

Sweaty feet are a breeding ground for bacteria, which can cause an unpleasant smell. If you have sweaty feet, wash them thoroughly every day and dry them well, especially between the toes. Sweaty feet help grow a bacteria called Kyetococcus sedentarius, which produce sulphuric compounds. These compounds cause the feet to smell like rotten eggs. Especially women who are susceptible to hormonal changes or people with hyperhidrosis can also have sweaty feet.  

Lack of hygiene: 

This is a common cause of smelly feet, especially in teens and young adults who may not yet have developed a good hygiene routine. If you don't wash your feet regularly and properly, it can build up bacteria, germs, and dirt, which can cause an unpleasant smell. 

Wrong shoe choices: 

Wearing shoes that don't allow your feet to breathe can lead to smelly feet. Avoid wearing tight, synthetic shoes (such as plastic flip-flops) as much as possible. Instead, opt for shoes made of natural materials like leather or canvas that will allow your feet to breathe. 

Medications and medical conditions: 

Some medications, such as antibiotics, can cause sweating and make your feet more susceptible to infection. In addition, certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, can worsen foot odor. This is because they can cause sweating and reduce blood flow to the feet (which makes it harder for wounds to heal). 

Bacteria: 

These microorganisms thrive in warm, moist environments – like sweaty feet! They can cause infections that lead to a foul odor. 

Avoid wearing socks: 

Wearing socks keeps your feet dry and protected from germs. However, avoiding socks can make your feet sweaty and invite bacteria. These tiny creatures love dark and moist places and multiply in sweats. These bacteria can arrange a grand feast on your feet because they feed on dead cells and oil from your skin.  

Prevention: 

• You can consult with a doctor if you have extremely sweaty feet for no reason.  
• Set a night care routine for your feet, if possible. Every night before bedtime, clean your feet thoroughly and not just soak in water; you even have to clean the nooks and corners of every nail. Also, it's better to moisturize your feet daily with a foot repair cream.  

•  Be sure to wash your feet daily with soap and water, and dry them thoroughly afterward, especially between the toes.  
• Wear alternate shoes everyday, and you can also use some foot spray that doesn't harm your skin, like Dr Foot's probiotic foot odor spray. This foot spray is enriched with lemongrass and tea tree essential oils. It helps eliminate the foot odor and leaves a refreshing scent behind. This spray is 100% non-toxic, dermatologically tested, and leaves no side effects.  
• You may also want to wear open-toed shoes or sandals as much as possible to help keep your feet dry. 
• Epsom salt bath is one of the most effective processes for dealing with smelly feet. Mix two parts of salt in the warm water and add a few drops of Apple Cider Vinegar. Soak your feet for at least 20 minutes and repeat the process twice a week. Epsom salt removes moisture from your skin, and vinegar removes bacteria. Ensure not to soak your feet if you have wounds or sores.  
• Take care of your footwear as well. You can wash it and put some anti-fungal powder or naphthalene balls when you are not using it.