Smelly feet and foot odor problems could be a sign that you require medical attention.

Our first inclination is to try all natural and over the counter treatments for foot odor before resorting to the medical profession. However, there are times that you need to talk to a professional if the normal solutions don’t work to cure your foot odor.

For example foot odor caused severe athlete’s foot may require medical attention.

Athlete’s foot is a parasitic fungal infection that affects the skin. It is typically caused by mold (but in some cases by yeast). When your feet, or skin on any other areas of the body, stays moist, this fungus can thrive and infect the upper layer of the skin.

Up to 70% of the population will have athlete’s foot at some time during their lives. While most cases are not severe and respond to over the counter treatments, severe cases need medical attention.

When feet are constantly cracked and bleeding other bacterial infections can occur that are more serious and you need to consult a medical professional.

First of all, the doctor may need to do some tests to conclude the exact cause
of your foot odor.

Skin scrapings of fungal skin infection – for microscopy and culture or a swab of discharge, if present – to detect bacteria that may be responsible for a bacterial skin infection.

Leading medical treatments for athlete’s foot include oral medications like Griseofulvin. It is derived from the mold Penicillium griseofulvum and has been used in different forms since the 1950’s.

Unfortunately the drug carries a fair amount of side effects but is effective for treating severe athlete’s foot.

Also there are topical ointments available by prescription as well that may help to get rid of stubborn cases. Topical creams that are available from your doctor include Terbinafine (Lamisil AT), Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF), and Miconazole (Micatin).

Diabetes can also be a cause for smelly feet. If you have chronic athletes foot with itching and foot odor you should check with your family doctor about the possibility of diabetes. Diabetes is a serious disorder and it is always better to be safe than sorry. People that have diabetes can easily get skin infections, so they should see a doctor as soon as anything unusual appears on their feet.

Foot odor is often associated with athletes Foot and bacteria, which are both common problems. However if the conditions fail to improve even with proper care, you should seek medical attention.

This article is for general information only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult your physician before considering any medical course of action.