Smelly feet: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Call emergency services if signs of a foot infection occur with confusion, fainting, severe weakness, or difficulty breathing.

   These symptoms can indicate a serious whole-body response to infection.

   Other emergency signs, for anyone

   • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
   • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
   • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
   • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
   • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
   • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
   • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
   • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Seek same-day medical advice if you have:

   • Spreading redness, warmth, or swelling
   • Increasing pain or pus from a crack, blister, or wound
   • Fever or chills with a foot problem
   • A new wound or infection signs when you have diabetes, poor circulation, or reduced immunity
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Book a routine appointment if the smell continues after a few weeks of consistent foot care, keeps returning, or affects your daily life.

   You should also arrange an assessment if you have persistent itching, peeling, pits, painful cracks, nail changes, or unusually heavy sweating.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Smelly feet. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.