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- $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.
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- 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.
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