http://www.fpnotebook.com/

Foot Odor

Pathophysiology
1. Warm, moist environment fosters bacterial growth
  1. Sweaty athletic shoes
2. Bacteria overgrows feet
  1. Corynebacteria
  2. Micrococci
Management: General Measures
1. Keep feet clean
  1. Scrub feet thoroughly with antibacterial soap
  2. Rinse and dry carefully (consider blow dryer)
2. Keep feet dry
  1. Wear absorbent socks (e.g. cotton)
  2. Change socks frequently
  3. Wear breathable shoes or sandals without socks
3. Reduce shoe odor
  1. Air out shoes for 24 hours after use
  2. Wash shoes in detergent and bleach if odor persists
  3. Activated Charcoal shoe inserts are not effective
Management: Medications
1. Over the counter and home remedies
  1. Apply to feet underarm antiperspirant
    1. Consider spray with aluminum chloride/chlorohydrate
  2. Black tea soak (tannic acid)
    1. Brew 2 tea bags in 1 pint boiling water 15 minutes
    2. Add tea to 2 quarts cold water
    3. Soak feet for 20-30 minutes each day for 10 days
  3. Benzoyl Peroxide 5-10% gel
    1. Apply to feet to decrease bacteria
    2. Will bleach colored garments
2. Prescription items
  1. Aluminum chloride hexahydrate 20% (Drysol)
    1. Apply Drysol at bedtime
      1. Initial: Apply every night for 3-7 days
      2. Later: Apply 1-3 nights per week
    2. Wrap feet in plastic wrap overnight
    3. Apply lotion to feet in morning
    4. Titrate use to adequate control of perspiration
  2. Erythromycin 2% or Clindamycin 1% Solution
    1. Apply to feet twice daily
References
1. Ramsey (1996) Phys Sportsmed 24(8):91

Navigation Tree

Please see the Terms and Conditions. Please also see the privacy statement regarding advertising on this page. Although access to this page is not restricted, the information found here is intended for use by medical providers. Patients should address specific medical concerns with their physicians.

This page was written by Scott Moses, MD. This page was last revised before 5/10/08, prior to consistent tracking of revision date. This page was last published on 6/1/2008. Please send comments and questions to the editor. Contact information may be found on the page About the Family Practice Notebook. These pages are best viewed with Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0.