Items filtered by date: August 2017

Getting sweaty and stinky feet by being in a pair of close-fitting shoes for a long period of time can lead to an itchy condition called tinea pedis, also commonly known as athlete’s foot. Tinea pedis is a common fungal infection of the foot that is caused by a group of fungus called dermatophytes. Generally the skin is one of the most effective barriers against bacterial or fungal infections but fungus will thrive and overgrow under the right conditions of warm and moist skin especially within tight enclosed shoes. In addition to itchy feet, you may also experience scaly, dry, or peeling patches of skin on the bottom of the feet or in between the toes. Often discolored, thick toenails are associated with athlete’s foot indicating fungal toenails.

The following are treatments that may be considered by your doctor or podiatrist for athlete’s foot:

• Wash your feet daily keeping your feet clean and dry, remember to dry in between the toes too.
• OTC anti-fungal power or antifungal cream
• Change your socks if heavily sweaty
• Wear socks or shoe gear with breathable materials that wicks away sweat and keep the feet dry.
• Athlete’s foot is contagious so don’t share socks and don’t walk around barefoot in public areas, but remember to let your feet breathe in sandals or open-toed shoes!

Once the fungal infection is under control, the smelly feet should go away too as the athlete’s foot improves. See your doctor or podiatrist if the athlete’s foot continues and has not improved within 1-2 weeks. Your doctor may prescribe topical or oral anti-fungal medications depending on the severity of the fungal infection. Call your podiatrist today for the proper treatment of athlete’s foot in order to put your best foot forward and lead a more itchy and smelly-free life!

Please visit our website for more information or call 614-885-3338 (FEET) to schedule an appointment with us at our Columbus or Gahanna office

As the summer heat continues to roll into August, sweaty feet combined with the dark moist environment within shoes can increase the chances of bacteria and fungus to breed. This can lead to a smelly foot as the bacteria and fungus grow well in between the toes of a soggy foot. To stop the smell from the bacteria/fungus, you can simply create a drier home for your feet.

The following are possible home remedies that may be considered by your podiatrist to decrease the smelly and sweaty feet:

• Epsom Salt bath – Salt dries out the skin and the bacteria’s environment thus decreasing the bacteria. This should be done daily for 1-2 weeks and the smell would be improved.
• Vinegar bath – Vinegar also pulls out the wetness out of the skin and is bactericidal killing much of the bacteria that exists in the foot. Use one part of vinegar to two parts of water.
• Black tea soaks – The acid component in black tea acts as a natural bactericidal and also shrinks pores which also helps decrease the sweating. Use two tea bags to a pint of water and soak for half an hour a day for a week.
• Change of socks – Change socks daily or twice a day if being active. Also staying away from nylon socks and using moisture wicking socks helps keep the sock dry from the feet.
• Deodorize shoes – Use Lysol to spray the insides of your shoes and let them sit overnight to dry out. If the smell continues, it would be best to change out your shoes too. Cornstarch also works to deodorize the shoe and absorbs excess moisture.

These are some ways to get the stinky feet situation under control and if none of these remedies work, then it is important to see your podiatrist, as there may be a more of a serious bacterial infection called erythrasma. Call your podiatrist today if you are still stinking up the house after trying these home remedies!

Please visit our website for more information or call 614-885-3338 (FEET) to schedule an appointment with us at our Columbus or Gahanna office