Bromodosis is the medical term for foot odor or smelly feet, which is actually a fairly common occurrence, particularly during the warmer summer months. Bromodosis is caused by a buildup of sweat in which bacteria can grow. The bacteria then release odors that can smell quite bad. While smelly feet are common in the warmer months, it can happen at any time of the year.
Why Do Feet Sweat?
The body has sweat glands all over, including on the feet. In fact, there are around a quarter of a million sweat glands on a pair of feet, which explains why feet sweat so much! There are a number of reasons why humans sweat. The first is that it helps us regulate body temperature. Releasing moisture onto the surface of the skin helps to cool us down when we are hot. Sweat also contains toxins and salts, which is one of the ways the body gets rid of these things.
Sweating is also a great way to protect the skin. The acids in sweat help to kill any germs or bacteria on the skin’s surface, and it will also prevent the skin from drying out.
Sweaty feet occur when the weather is warm, but it also happens at other times, such as when exercising or when someone is feeling particularly nervous. It is completely natural to sweat everywhere, even on the feet. However, some people suffer with a condition known as hyperhidrosis, which is also known as excessive sweating. Hyperhidrosis results in extreme sweating even when a person is not hot, has not been exercising, and is not feeling nervous or excited. Excessive sweating can often result in bromodosis, which can be very embarrassing.
Treating Bromodosis
Smelly feet can leave individuals feeling very self-conscious and embarrassed. The smell may be noticeable when a person takes off their shoes and socks or, when it is really extreme, it can be noticed even when the person has shoes on.
The good news is that bromodosis can be treated. If you are suffering with smelly feet, there are things that you can do. Regular foot care is essential, which will include things like washing your feet every day. You should use an antibacterial soap to wash the feet and make sure they are completely dry before putting on socks and shoes. Pay particular attention to the skin in between your toes as well as this is where bacteria often grow.
The experts at ShoeFresh shoe deodorizer recommend that you exfoliate the skin on your feet at least once a week as this will help to remove any dead skin. A shoe odor spray can help to keep shoes smelling clean and fresh.
They also recommend switching your shoes regularly as this will allow them to air and dry, thus eliminating the buildup of bacteria that causes bromodosis.
Should You Seek Medical Attention?
If you are suffering with excessive sweating and bromodosis is becoming a problem, you may have hyperhidrosis. In this situation, a visit to the doctor could help. Maybe excessive sweating has begun to affect your everyday life and your smelly feet are causing you a lot of embarrassment. It may be that your excessive sweating is an underlying symptom of another condition. Your doctor will do an examination to find out what is causing the problem.
Your doctor will typically recommend some of the above treatments initially, such as antiperspirant foot sprays and washing your feet every day. However, if this does not help then there may be other treatments available, including botulinum toxin (Botox) injections into the feet or surgery if these other methods do not work.
