The science behind stinky feet

Soaring temperatures can transform your feet into a sweaty mess.

And for many, this added perspiration could be making your feet produce some nasty odours.

Now a new video has revealed the science behind stinky feet – and it even provides some tips to help you combat it.

The video, by the American Chemical Society, explains how the bacteria that live on your skin and in your shoes eats your sweat, producing an acid by-product that reeks.

‘Foot odour might make you cringe with embarrassment in the airport security line, but chemistry can help you beat stinky feet,’ the video says.

We get stinky feet because our bodies are covered in glands that secrete sweat to cool us down.

‘Some spots in your body have higher concentrations of sweat glands. Your feet being number one on that list,’ according to the American Chemical Society.

‘It is actually odourless on its own but it plays an integral role in fuelling stench.’

Shoes and socks also don't leave much breathing room for your feet which traps sweaty moisture, allowing bacteria to settle down and start a life.

‘When all these bacteria feast, they spit out nasty gases. The main culprit of your stinky feet,’ the video explains.

The three main bacterial waste products are propanoic acid, methanethiol and isovaleric acid

Methanethiol makes your feet smell like sulphur and cheese and is produced from dead skin.

Isovaleric acid also has a cheesy aroma, and a rancid vinegar-like scent, while propanoic acid has a rancid sour smell.

‘What you need to do to get a grip on odour control, target sweat, dead skin and bacteria,’ the video explains.

It advises washing your feet antibacterial soap, scrubbing off dead skin, wearing fresh cotton socks, letting shoes air dry and spraying deodorant on feet.

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