SR Therapies

Bacteria that causes Smelly Feet

Odor is a product of the metabolic process of bacteria (mainly corynebacteria and microcci) ingesting salts and minerals generated by the body and excreting out their waste products.

Bacteria that causes smelly feet, flourish in warm moist areas, which incidentally the feet are normally accustomed to. This (and a food source) is why the most prevalent bacteria odours are found in the armpit and feet areas.

These are perfect warm breeding grounds for bacteria - and not specifically odour causing bacteria, any bacteria that collects in these areas and can not readily evaporate, causes a certain level of staleness in the air, which is conductive to the growth of bacteria.(Hamsley 2007)

>It is important to realize that bacteria covers every surface of your skin and are inside your pores and sweat glands too. Bacteria are in the air and on everything you touch, not all bacteria are to be considered bad, the normal function of the human body would be severely crippled if bacteria isn't available. However, there is a natural balance of ''good'' and ''bad'' bacteria on your skin, in your airways and even in your intestines. (Hamsley 2007)

Due to the natural balance of these bacteria, the ''bad ''bacteria are not present in sufficient numbers to cause disease (e.g. pneumonia, certain ulcers, ect) or in this case, persistent excessively smelly feet. ''Bad'' bacteria that cause unpleasant body odours and the odours emanating from your feet and shoes. Both of these bacteria are present on the surfaces of everyone's body at all times, even after you have had a shower.

The difference is that they are in much higher concentrations at the feet of someone who has foot odour problems. In the right conditions bacteria will feast on your feet, these bacteria eat dead skin cells and oils from your skin, to diminish and eliminate their ongoing development and growth we must change our habits and their habitat. (Hamsley 2007)

Symptoms of Bacterial Foot Infections

Red, weepy areas that may be warm, swollen and painful, these areas may contain a pus-like discharge. 

Reference: