Podiatrist offers ways to stomp out foot odor

I hesitate to write this column for fear that my waiting room will be filled with people who have, well, a fragrance challenge. But it is a serious problem, and there are answers, so, as a public service, here is the lowdown on fragrant feet.

For the most part our skin does not have much of a smell all by itself. Sweat itself probably has only a minor smell, not enough for you to notice, but enough that your dog knows it is you coming in the door. But adding a little sweat to your body does create a wonderful bed for the growth of bacteria and fungus that can lead us to some real problems.

Usually daily washing and showering can clean us of the accumulated dried sweat and the little critters that cause odors. But if you are a teenager with hormone-induced sweating or an adult with the wrong type of bacteria or fungus, you might need to go an extra step.

First, keep the feet dry. Wear clean socks, changed daily. I recommend socks that are either treated with an antibacterial finish or ones that are designed to wick moisture away from the foot. A popular brand is Thor-Lo.

Second, avoid wearing the same pair of shoes two days in a row to give them 48 hours to dry out. Leather and fabric shoes absorb moisture and, if they are saturated so that they cannot absorb any more sweat, allow the sweat to back up on the feet.

Third, consider spraying your feet with an antiperspirant spray.

Some foot odors are made worse by bacteria and fungus. Topical antifungals can be very helpful if you notice that there is redness and peeling around the toes. Start with the over-the-counter varieties and see if they work for you.

The really powerful odors (and you know who you are) are caused by a particular species of bacteria. These bacteria do not cause any disease, but they do leave a lot of offended noses in their wake. Because it is a bacterial problem, antifungal medications will not touch it. Some people have suffered with this condition for years.

This condition is diagnosed in the office using a special ultraviolet light called a Wood's Lamp that causes the critters to actually glow coral-red. It is a sight to behold. With the right diagnosis, a prescription for the correct antibiotic will clear this up in just a day or two. Both of my offices have a Wood's lamp, and with the correct diagnosis and treatment you should soon enjoy the sweet smell of success.

Zapf and his associate, Dr. Darren Payne, have a podiatry practice in Agoura Hills. For more information, call the office at (818) 707-3668 or visit www.conejofeet.com.