FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Pam Nutting

(312)427-5810

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“Smelly Feet/Sweaty Feet” Help!!!!  What can I do?

     One of the most annoying foot problems is known scientifically as bromidrosis

(smelly feet) and hyperhydrosis (sweaty feet).  Many people think that these conditions

are due to a lack of cleanliness.  Although, neither is painful or infectious, foot

odor is genuinely a health problem.  Those who suffer from it need more than washing of the feet to eliminate their problem.

     Besides the obvious odor, the symptoms of bromidrosis are a sogginess of the skin between the toes and a tenderness of the flesh of the foot.  In addition, there may be tiny blisters on the balls or on the heels of the feet.

     There are four separate causes of bromidrosis.  The main local cause is the presence of foul smelling bacteria on the foot, especially between the toes.  The fatty acids that are excreted in perspiration decompose in the presence of the bacteria and generate a foul odor.

     A functional disturbance in the nervous system is a second cause of foot odor.  A debilitating disease, such as anemia, may lower one’s resistance to disease and generate foot odor.

     The ingestion of certain strong foods, especially garlic and onions, can be a third cause.  The odoriferous products pass through the bloodstream and eventually concentrate in the perspiration.

 

Smelly Feet/Sweaty Feet

            The fourth cause of foot odor is fatigue, which will cause the feet to perspire excessively.

     Washing the feet, changing the socks, and alternating the shoes every day are actions that anyone can take to help eliminate foot odor.  But they may not solve the problem.

A podiatrist can help in several ways. 

     If the cause of the foot odor is local, several different methods of treatment may be recommended.    First, bathe the feet with warm water and soap at least once a day and change to white cotton socks in the summer.  The shoes must be aired thoroughly for at least 24 hours after wearing.  And you must alternate pairs of shoes and never wear one pair two days in a row.

     Also, something that many people never think about is very simple; apply an underarm spray deodorant/anti-perspirant to the feet or over the counter wipes.

     Podiatrists may have to use special methods to treat the foot odor.  One procedure may be to administer a zinc sulphate medicinal electrical bath that will help to reduce the perspiration.  Finally, germicidal agents may be applied to the feet to destroy the local bacteria.

     For a referral to a podiatrist in your area, call the Illinois Podiatric Medical Association at (312)427-5810, outside Chicago call (800) 869-3338.  The Illinois Podiatric Medical Association is the professional organization that represents podiatric physicians in the state.  The main headquarters is in Chicago.