$Unique_ID{BRK00888}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Is There a Solution for Smelly Feet?}
$Subject{smelly feet foot odor Ill Defined Symptoms symptom skin sweat
sweating hyperhidrosis bromhidrosis antiseptic soap chlorhexidine chloride
hexahydrate ethyl alcohol formalin}
$Volume{N-20}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Is There a Solution for Smelly Feet?


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QUESTION:  My husband suffers from a most embarrassing affliction:  smelly
feet.  This poor man dare not take off his shoes when others are around, for
fear of losing both family and friends.  Surely you must know something about
this condition, and find a solution for my long suffering spouse.

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ANSWER:  It is a common enough situation, and fortunately one for which a
number of solutions (indeed!) exist.  To start with this distressful situation
results from an excessive sweating of the soles of the feet, combined with the
results of the actions of yeasts and bacteria which actively decompose the
dead cells from the soles of the feet and the perspiration.  Excessive
sweating is known as "hyperhidrosis", but when it is accompanied by offensive
odors, as in your husband's case, it carries the name "bromhidrosis".  And the
answer to your question consists of using a number of solutions correctly.
First is a liquid soap containing an antiseptic, chlorhexidine.  Daily washing
is a must, along with a bit of scrubbing and careful drying.  Then a solution
of 20% aluminum chloride hexahydrate in absolute ethyl alcohol is applied to
the area.  This should be done at bedtime.  After application, cover the area
carefully with a thin plastic film (like Saran Wrap), and leave in place
overnight.  In the morning, remove the plastic, and carefully wash the area
clear of the medication, and dry the feet carefully.  Two successive evening
treatments will usually provide protection for about a week.  Another
effective solution is the use of 3% formalin applied twice a day for 1 week,
then once a day for a week, finally just one application every other day for a
week.  Try only one solution at a time, then continue with the one that seems
most effective in your case, if the problem recurs.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.