Could Foot Odour Be More Than Just Sweat?

By Emily White|2026-04-20T03:35:32+00:00March 23rd, 2026|

Many people assume that foot odour is simply caused by sweat or poor hygiene. But what if you’re already showering daily, changing your socks and doing all the “right things”, yet the smell keeps coming back?

In many cases, persistent foot odour isn’t just a hygiene issue. It may be due to a common but often overlooked condition called pitted keratolysis.

Pitted Keratolysis Is Not a Hygiene Problem

One of the biggest misconceptions is that smelly feet are caused by poor hygiene. Pitted keratolysis however, is due to a bacterial skin infection that thrives in warm, moist environments- particularly inside enclosed footwear.

It commonly affects people who:

Sweat heavily through their feet
Wear closed-in shoes for long periods
Are active or on their feet for most of the day

At our Camberwell podiatry clinic, we regularly see this pattern where people take good care of their feet yet are still faced with persistent odour.

What Is Pitted Keratolysis?

Pitted keratolysis is a superficial bacterial infection that affects the outer layer of the skin.

It typically presents as:

Small crater-like pits on the soles of the feet
A strong, often sulphur-like odour
Soft, sometimes white or soggy-looking skin

The smell is caused by bacteria breaking down the skin- not by sweat itself. This is why washing alone doesn’t resolve the issue.

Why Pitted Keratolysis Keeps Coming Back

Even if symptoms improve temporarily, pitted keratolysis often returns if the underlying environment isn’t addressed.

Common contributing factors include:

Ongoing foot sweating (hyperhidrosis)
Poorly ventilated footwear
Re-wearing damp shoes
Not changing socks regularly enough
Socks that trap moisture rather than wick it away

In other words, the issue isn’t just the skin, it’s the conditions that allow bacteria to thrive.

How Is Pitted Keratolysis Treated?

Effective treatment focuses on both eliminating the bacteria and preventing recurrence.

This may include:

Topical antibacterial treatments
Managing excessive sweating
Adjusting footwear and sock choices

In some cases, prescription treatments may be required.

When Should You Seek Podiatry Help?

You should seek help from one of our experienced Melbourne podiatrists if you are experiencing:

Persistent foot odour despite good hygiene
Changes in skin texture such as pitting or soft, white skin
Ongoing issues with sweaty feet

Early treatment is usually straightforward. With the right approach, most patients notice a significant improvement within a matter of weeks. Left untreated however, the condition can become recurrent and increasingly difficult to manage.

If you’re experiencing ongoing foot odour, you don’t have to just live with it. Our team of friendly podiatrists at our Camberwell podiatry clinic can help identify the underlying cause and provide targeted, effective treatment, leading to long-term resolution.