Foot Odour (Smelly and Sweaty Feet)

Includes pitted keratolysis secondary to hyperhidrosis (common in teenagers).

Treatment (with options)

• Education and reassurance

• Wear cotton or woollen socks

• Aluminium chloride 20% in alcohol solution (Driclor, Hidrosol) or Neat Feat—apply nocte for 1 wk, then 1–2 times wkly as necessary

• Shoe liners (e.g. Odor Eaters; charcoal inner soles)

• Apply undiluted Burow’s solution after a shower or bath

• Formalin 1–5% soaks every second night

• Iontophoresis

• The teabag treatment (if desperate):

  • – Prepare 600 mL strong hot tea (from 2 teabags left in water for 15 mins)

  • – Pour hot tea into a basin with 2 L cool water

  • – Soak feet in this for 20–30 mins daily for 10 d, then as often as required