Why do feet smell worse in summer?

The main causes of bad odors

Excessive sweating remains the main cause. It depends on many factors: weather, exercise intensity, choice of footwear, genetics, age, gender, hormonal changes related to puberty, etc.

Infections are another major factor. Fungal infections such as athlete's foot, or bacterial infections following injuries (blisters, ingrown toenails, cuts) can significantly worsen odor.

Certain medical conditions also influence foot odor, including being overweight, obese, and having diabetes, which can impact body odor.

Medications can have surprising side effects. Tricyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, diabetes medications, and steroids can all increase sweating or odor.

The crucial role of shoes and hygiene: for socks, choose cotton, which absorbs moisture better; in sunny days, wear open shoes such as sandals, mules, flip-flops, or shoes with small vents; never wear the same pair of shoes two days in a row; slip anti-fungal insoles containing activated carbon into your shoes, which destroys bad odors and bacteria.

Personal hygiene obviously plays a central role. If your feet smell good after showering but develop odor throughout the day, this is normal. However, if the odor persists even after thorough cleaning, it may be a medical problem. In this case, don't hesitate to seek advice from your doctor.

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