When you step into the shower, some body parts get more attention than others. While your underarms, face, and torso might receive a thorough scrubbing, your feet can be easily overlooked.
Some people rely on the water running down their legs to clean their feet, while others meticulously scrub them with soap. But how often should you actually wash your feet to maintain hygiene and prevent infections?
The Case for Daily Foot Washing
Both the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend washing feet daily with soap and water. One of the primary reasons is to prevent foot odor.
The soles of your feet contain about 600 sweat glands per square centimeter—more than any other part of the body. While sweat itself is odorless, it creates a moist environment that becomes a breeding ground for bacteria.
“The foot—especially between the toes—is quite a moist, humid, and warm environment, so it can be a breeding ground for microbes,” says Holly Wilkinson, a lecturer in wound healing at the University of Hull in the UK. Most people wear socks and shoes for long periods, trapping moisture and exacerbating bacterial growth.
The Microbial Landscape of Your Feet
If you zoom in on any square centimeter of human skin, you’ll find between 10,000 to one million bacteria. Feet, being warm and moist, attract the greatest number and variety of microbial species. They are particularly hospitable to Corynebacterium and Staphylococcus bacteria.
Additionally, fungi such as Aspergillus, Cryptococcus, Candida, and Trichosporon thrive on feet. In fact, human feet have a greater diversity of fungal species than any other part of the body.
A study that swabbed the soles of 40 volunteers found a significant difference in bacterial counts based on foot hygiene.
Those who washed their feet twice a day had around 8,800 bacteria per square centimeter, whereas those who washed every other day had over one million bacteria per square centimeter. This highlights the impact of foot hygiene on bacterial proliferation.
Bacteria, Sweat, and Foot Odor
While feet host a multitude of microbes, not all bacteria contribute to bad odor. Staphylococcus bacteria are the main culprits behind foot odor.
Sweat glands on the feet release a mix of electrolytes, amino acids, urea, and lactic acid. Staphylococcus bacteria feast on these substances and, in the process, produce volatile fatty acids (VFAs), particularly isovaleric acid, which has a distinct cheesy, acidic smell.
Interestingly, many cheeses contain similar volatile chemicals, explaining the familiar odor.
A 2014 study analyzing foot bacteria found that 98.6% of bacteria on the soles were Staphylococci.
The presence of VFAs, including isovaleric acid, was significantly higher on the sole than the top of the foot.
The study concluded that foot odor intensity correlates with the total number of Staphylococcus bacteria present—yet another reason to wash your feet regularly.
More Than Just Odor: The Health Risks of Dirty Feet
Washing your feet isn’t just about preventing unpleasant smells. Poor foot hygiene can lead to various skin conditions and infections.
“Because of the small space between the toes, these areas are particularly at risk for microbial infections,” says Joshua Zeichner, associate professor of dermatology at the Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. “This can lead to itching, swelling, and a foul smell. As the skin barrier becomes disrupted, it increases the risk of microorganisms invading and causing significant soft tissue infections like cellulitis.”
Common Foot Infections and How to Prevent Them
- Athlete’s Foot: One of the most common foot infections is athlete’s foot, a fungal condition that thrives in warm, dark, and moist environments. It usually develops between the toes and can cause itchiness, scaling, flaking, and cracking of the skin.
Washing your feet regularly and keeping them dry—especially between the toes—helps prevent this infection.
2. Bacterial Infections: Feet are susceptible to bacterial infections, particularly if you have cuts, blisters, or cracks in the skin. Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas bacteria, which naturally reside on the skin, can enter through minor wounds and cause infections, ranging from boils to more serious conditions like cellulitis. Proper foot hygiene can help reduce these risks.
3. Toenail Fungus: Fungal infections of the toenails, or onychomycosis, often start from the skin and spread to the nail. Symptoms include nail thickening, discoloration, and brittleness. Washing and thoroughly drying your feet can help prevent fungal infections.
Best Practices for Foot Hygiene
To maintain optimal foot health, consider the following tips:
- Wash your feet daily using warm water and soap. Be sure to scrub between your toes.
- Dry your feet thoroughly, especially between the toes, to prevent fungal growth.
- Moisturize your feet, but avoid applying lotion between the toes to prevent excess moisture buildup.
- Change socks daily to keep your feet dry and odor-free.
- Wear breathable shoes that allow air circulation and reduce moisture buildup.
- Use antifungal powders or sprays if you are prone to athlete’s foot.
Your feet are home to billions of bacteria and a surprising diversity of fungi. While they may not always be at the forefront of your hygiene routine, neglecting them can lead to odor, infections, and other complications.
Washing your feet daily, drying them properly, and maintaining good foot hygiene habits can go a long way in keeping them healthy and fresh.
So the next time you step into the shower, give your feet the attention they deserve.
