What is Bromhidrosis?

Bromhidrosis is the medical term for foot odour. Feet have more sweat glands than any other area of the body – so it is not surprising that a lot of people suffer with odour, especially as feet are covered in socks and shoes most of the time. Socks and shoes prevent the sweat from evaporating or being absorbed back in to the body and as such can cause a bad-smelling sweat.

Symptoms of Bromhidrosis:

Strong foot odour

Causes of Bromhidrosis:

The main cause of Bromhidrosis is excessive perspiration of the feet, which is medically termed Hyperhidrosis. When this moisture can’t evaporate or be absorbed it creates the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, yeast and fungal properties. This build up causes the smell and if left untreated can lead to athletes foot and other fungal infections.Other causes of Bromhidrosis are:AnxietySpecific skin conditionsHormonal changes/ imbalancesShoes and socks made from synthetic materials can aggravate perspiration as they don’t allow sweat to evaporate or be absorbed

Relief and Prevention of Bromhidrosis:

The best way to avoid Bromhidrosis is to keep your feet clean and dry. You can also shower with anti-bacterial soap and use foot sprays and powders that are specially designed to keep feet dry.

It is also key to make sure that your footwear is well ventilated and allows the feet to breathe – if your shoes have removable insoles, these can also be washed to keep them fresh.

Keeping your socks clean and dry will also help alleviate or prevent the condition, along with rotating footwear, to give it time to air dry when necessary.  Some people find cotton socks cause less perspiration than man-made materials.

In more severe cases consult your GP as specialist night ointments can be provided, or surgery to the nerve that controls the sweat can be carried out..
These days, most healthy footwear incorporates anti-bacterial properties in the insoles.  In particular, good trainers or sports shoes will always have this, but there are also specialised anti-bacterial products, such as Loess, which absorbs and dissipates sweat.  There are also breathable leathers and soles which allow the feet to remain fresh.