$Unique_ID{BRK01098}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{THE READERS SPEAK:  Smelly Feet}
$Subject{smelly feet ill defined symptoms symptom skin foot smell bromhidrosis
borax sodium borate shoe shoes sock socks Baking Soda}
$Volume{N-20}
$Log{}

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


THE READERS SPEAK:  Smelly Feet


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     A few weeks back I answered a reader with information about various
solutions to use in combatting "bromhidrosis" or less elegantly put "smelly
feet".  As anticipated, the mail has been full of personal observations and
reports about other successful methods to control the problem.  In number one
position was Twenty Mule Team Borax (sodium borate) placed in the shoes.
E.S.H. wrote "My poor husband could fog up a room and we were desperate."  She
sprinkled borax in his shoes at night, and dumped the residue out in the
morning, with noticeable results almost immediately.  A.T. advises using 1/2
teaspoon borax every other day.  Sock advice ranked second.  R.K. suggests
"simply stop wearing colored socks . . . as dyes react with shoe chemicals",
while G.T.R. now wears "either pure wool or 100% cotton socks that are not
reinforced with any synthetic fibers."  Third most common solution was offered
by many of you who use Arm and Hammer Baking Soda to get rid of the nasty
smells.  All agree that keeping feet dry and clean helps combat this
unpleasant condition.

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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.