The origin of smelly feet can often be sweaty feet, and while this is not something abnormal in itself, hyperhidrosis is the medical term for the condition of excessive sweating of the feet, leaving your socks constantly damp and sweaty. Although the hands have just as many sweat glands as the feet (each has around a quarter of a million), the feet can start to smell because of the bacteria that can thrive inside the socks and shoes. When the socks and shoes become warm and damp, bacteria start to feed on it, excreting a type of acid that gives off that familiar foot smell.

Botulinum toxin, or Botox, was approved for the treatment of excessive underarm sweating in 2004, and dermatologists are hoping to be able to use it for excessive foot sweating in the not too distant future. Botox works by paralysing muscles, which is how it gives the face a smoother appearance, eliminating wrinkles. In the treatment of hyperhidrosis, Botox is used to block certain nerves that send messages to the sweat glands, thus reducing the amount of sweat produced.

If you think you may be suffering from hyperhidrosis, book yourself appointment with a dermatologist, who may refer you to a practitioner with cosmetic courses training, lip filler courses training or Botox training, who will be able to discuss the available Botox options with you. Remember that Botox can be uncomfortable and it may take several treatments to see any results.