Smelly feet, also known as bromodosis, is a common problem for many, no matter what season it happens to be outside. While anyone can develop bromodosis, teenagers and pregnant women are at a higher risk due to hormonal changes that cause them to sweat more.

Other factors that contribute to smelly feet are wearing the same shoes every day, staying on your feet all day, wearing shoes that are too tight, experiencing a lot of stress, and having hyperhidrosis (a medical condition that causes you to sweat more than the average person).

Your feet can also develop an odor if the sweat soaks into your shoes and they don’t dry before wearing them again. There are ways to help prevent bromodosis, however.

1. Use antibacterial soap to wash your feet. Do this at least once a day.
2. Dry your feet. After they have been washed, or if they’re simply wet, dry them – especially between the toes.
3. Avoid wearing the same shoes two days in a row. They will need at least 24 hours to dry out.
4. Change your socks. The best material for socks is wool or cotton, and they should be changed at least once a day.
5. Maintain grooming. Keep toenails short and clean, and remove any hard skin with a foot file (a callous, when it becomes wet, can get soggy – an ideal home for bacteria).