$Unique_ID{BRK02414}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{What Can Be Done for Foot Odor?}
$Subject{foot odor odors dried perspiration sweat excessively shoes tight
water proof hard leather moisture evaporate propantheline bromide ill defined
symptom symptoms skin feet smell absorbent liners}
$Volume{N-20}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1992,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What Can Be Done for Foot Odor?


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QUESTION:  My son told me that you had an article about foot odor in your
column some time ago, which I missed.  Could you either repeat it, or write
about the subject again.  Your advice may be useful to many, but in my case it
may save a marriage.  Please?!

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ANSWER:  The question is submitted often enough to warrant a bit of attention
now.  In many cases foot odors arise from dried perspiration in people who
sweat excessively, but there are other factors that can cause the odor.  Shoes
may be tight and water proof, made of hard leather.  They do not allow the
moisture to evaporate.  In this case shoes made of porous material can help.
Anything to keep the foot dry will help.  Absorbent liners are useful for
women who wear nylon hose, which retains the perspiration.  Changing socks
regularly, even twice a day, may be all that is necessary, and wearing light
colored socks, which do not retain as much moisture as dark colored ones, is
helpful. Rub absorbent talcum powder directly to the foot, where it is more
effective than placing it in a sock or shoe.  In some cases of excessive
sweating, propantheline bromide can be prescribed as an oral medication.  Hope
this keeps you two together.

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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.