Eliminating foot odour: the power of Astringent Gel

Oftentimes, the feet can smell bad and give off an unpleasant odor.
Foot odor has many different causes and each cause comes with its own distinctive odor that will be recognisable to a dermatologist or podiatrist. The four most common causes of foot odor are:

1. maceration
2. bacterial growth
3. fungal growth
4. socks and footwear

Most cases of foot odor are the result of a mixture of the above.

Odor caused by maceration

Foot odor caused by the maceration of the stratum corneum occurs when: the foot has been kept in tight, enclosed footwear that does not allow perspiration, and/or the foot has been sweating intensely over a longer period of time. Both cause the feet to sweat and become hotter which contribute to hydrolysis, or the dissolution of the stratum corneum’s proteins called keratins. Keratins contain large amounts of sulfur amino acids that work together with the proteolytic enzymes of the skin’s bacteria to form sulfhydryl compounds. These are extremely volatile molecules that have a pungent odor similar to rotten eggs that spreads rapidly as soon as the foot is removed from the footwear.

Odor caused by bacterial growth

Foot odor caused by bacterial growth will differ depending on the bacterial species proliferating on the skin. Gram-bacteria (pseudomonas aeruginosa proteus, klebsiella) are very volatile due to their metabolism and cause a nauseating odor to develop. Other bacteria, such as corynebacterium spp, degrade the stratum corneum and produce an odor very similar to that caused by maceration.

Odor caused by fungi

Like dermatophytes, fungi on the stratum corneum cause an odor that is linked to the metabolism of the sulfur contained in keratin. The released sulfur compounds with hydrogen molecules to form sulfhydryl radicals that smell particularly unpleasant.

Socks and footwear

Socks and footwear can contribute significantly to foot odors forming. The previously mentioned causes of foot odor (maceration, bacterial and fungal growth) are all exacerbated by synthetic fibers, such as viscose and nylon. While socks will lose their odor after washing, shoes can retain odors even if washed or after not having been worn for a while.

Treating bad foot odor

Washing

It is a common misconception that foot odor is caused by poor hygiene and that it can be remedied by frequent, thorough washing.
In reality, too much washing can make the situation worse as it increases maceration and decreases the skin’s natural defenses.
Correctly treating foot odor requires identifying and acting on its cause(s).

Maceration

Maceration of the foot is a common problem and can be particularly troublesome for certain groups of people. For example, maceration is difficult to prevent in workers who must wear safety shoes, soldiers participating in long military marches, or people who live in hot and humid environments. In some cases, these situations can even cause ‘trench foot’, which makes the foot look as though it has been immersed in water for many hours. In addition to wearing breathable footwear that is not too restrictive where possible, maceration and trench foot can be avoided by applying Soothing Cream, which helps to absorb sweat and moisture.

Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)

Through profuse sweating, plantar hyperhidrosis causes maceration resulting in the stratum corneum to become soggy and white.
To treat such cases, Astringent Gel can be applied daily before putting on shoes.
This gel reduces sweating and prevents the development of bacteria

Bacterial colonization in the stratum corneum

Bacterial colonizations in the stratum corneum often occur during the summer months when shoes made from synthetic materials are worn without socks.
These bacterial colonies cause odor and the formation of small, erosive craters which give the skin a moth-eaten appearance.
As treatment, Astringent Gel can be applied after washing to reduce sweating and prevent bacterial growth.
In addition, avoid wearing footwear made from synthetic materials.

Athlete’s Foot

Mycetes that colonize the interdigital spaces of the feet belong to the dermatophyte genus. These fungi degrade the stratum corneum to feed on its proteins.
If bad foot odor is caused by the presence of fungi between the toes or on the foot, 2S Cream can be applied once per day until symptoms disappear.
2S Cream contains sulfur and salicylic acid which have antifungal properties.