QUESTION: Dr. Langley, my feet are extremely smelly and sweaty. My friends are always looking and commenting on whose feet is stinking. I have this complex that they are looking at me!!!! When I go to family affairs, I always have to walk around so the smell does not linger. I always try to stay around the cheese and fruit display because the guests and family cannot figure out whether it is a foot smell versus the sharp provolone that is on the display. What do I do?
Foot odor can be very embarrassing for some people. Some people described the smell as a cheese-like odor or an odor reminiscent of corn chips. This maybe humorous but for some it is life-changing because they cannot take off their shoes at family or friends homes. Additionally, these people complain that their feet are always peeling and sweaty.
This condition is called Bromohidrosis and this is known as smelly feet or severe foot odor. This condition is caused by sweat that is produced by the feet in excessive amount and this is known as Hyperhidrosis. The smell that is produced is from bacteria that live on the feet and the moist environment that is caused by the sweat creates an environment for bacteria to flourish. The bacterial by-products cause a chemical compound to produce the malodorous smell.
Some causes of these conditions are: diet, hyperhidrosis, fungal and bacterial infections, exposure to water, and heavy metal exposure. Also, a malfunction of the sweat glands and this malfunction can be cause by the nervous system.
Some of the treatments for bromohidrosis are washing the area that is affected with soap and water. Hygiene habits must change such as: changing of soaks, wearing cotton socks and changing or rotating shoe gear. Some medicinal treatments are aluminum chloride, Formaldehyde, deodorants, potassium permanganate, and recently, Botox injections and laser treatments are utilized. Diet change can influence and help with the smell. A diet containing more grains, fruit and increase in the consumption of water can help with the condition.
Bromohidrosis is very common and not only does it occur in the foot but also on the armpit and upper thigh (groin). A well trained podiatrist can treat this condition; so, please definitely seek treatment and do not be embarrassed of the odor. Remember, there are many other people whose feet smell like a bag of nachos.
By: Dr. Jasen Langley
Hey thanks for this tips on how to get rid of foot odor, will try some of them!