(by Guardian Pharmacist)
What are smelly feet?
Smelly feet being another type of body odour (known as bromhidrosis) is not a true disease but a complication from excessive sweating at the feet.
What is the cause of smelly feet?
Sweat itself is odourless but when trapped in covered footwear for prolonged period, it provides a suitable environment for certain microorganisms to grow, mainly bacteria. Bacteria will feed on the materials present in the sweat and also the dead skin cells to produce substances with unpleasant odour.
How to prevent smelly feet?
To prevent smelly feet, the underlying condition of excessive sweating must be dealt with. For those who sweat excessively on the foot, the use of anti-perspirant containing aluminium salts may be recommended. Foot hygiene is very important in smelly feet prevention. Try to go barefoot at home or wear the least covered footwear (e.g. slippers, flip-flops) whenever possible to allow for better ventilation.
Always go for shoes made from natural materials which are more breathable, for example leather or canvas. If you sweat a lot, do have an additional pair of shoes and rotate between them within two to three days to allow for complete drying of the other pair. When covered footwear is worn, always wear socks made of cotton or wool as they absorb sweat better and provides sufficient ventilation. Change your socks regularly, as often as once to twice daily.
What are the complications of smelly feet?
While smelly feet are not life threatening, it does have significant impact on the person in terms of psychological, social and occupational. Do not hesitate to consult your healthcare professionals if you have any doubts in managing the condition especially when your feet still smell after following the steps above. If your feet produces odour for reasons other than due to excessive sweating, consult your physician promptly as other serious complications such as foot infection could be the cause.
