Many people struggle with bromhidrosis and hyperhidrosis. Big words, right? Well, they have easy definitions: excessively stinky and sweaty feet. With 125,000 sweat glands each, feet tend to sweat more than other parts of the body. Sometimes, the sweat stays on the body too long, instead of being wicked away, and it causes bacteria to accumulate and produce an odour. 

Curious about why sweat and odour usually go hand-in-hand? Read this article from the International Hyperhidrosis Society called Sweat and Odor. 

So what can you do? 

• Clean your feet frequently, including between each toe. Use a surgical-grade antibacterial soap found at your pharmacy. We recommend Betadine Skin Cleanser, pHisoderm® or Hibiclens. 
• Dry your feet thoroughly, especially between your toes. 

• Reduce the bacteria in your shoes. We carry CleanSweep® in the clinic for $20.00+tax. It is an antimicrobial, silver-based spray that will eliminate 99.9% of odour-causing bacteria. Watch the video to hear a bit more about this product.

• Shoe and sock choices. Check out our information page to see what you can be doing to select the correct shoes and socks. 
• New Shoes. No, don’t buy new shoes every day. Just make sure to change up your daily shoe choice to allow for your shoes to dry properly in-between wears. 
• New Socks. Again, don’t buy new socks for every day of the year. Just make sure you change your socks daily. Moisture-wicking socks are always the best, with fabrics like merino wool or acrylic are best. Avoid cotton socks as they are absorbent, but they hold the sweat against the skin.
• Stay hydrated. Regulating your body temperature, especially while working out or during hot days, reduces the likelihood of sweating and, therefore, sweat build-up.
• Black Tea. Soak your feet in warm water with two black tea bags for 15-20 minutes. Sounds crazy, we know, but the tea contains astringent tannic acid, which has natural antiperspirant properties. However, your feet may come out a darker shade because of the dark tea.

Do you have more questions or would like an assessment for this or any other concern you’re having with your feet? Contact us today by phone or email or using the handy appointment request form below.