Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS website.
Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or see this week's feature P: Personality Disorders.

Smelly Feet

Smelly feet (bromodosis) are common and often caused by a build-up of sweat and bacteria. You can usually treat them yourself.

How to treat and prevent smelly feet yourself

Always keep your feet clean and dry, including between your toes.

Do

  • wash your feet at least once a day (use an antibacterial soap if you can)

  • remove hard skin with a foot file and keep toenails short and clean

  • use foot powder or an antiperspirant

  • wear breathable or natural fabrics on your feet, like cotton or leather

  • let shoes dry out before wearing them again

Don't

  • do not wear the same socks or shoes 2 days in a row

  • do not wear tight shoes

  • do not walk around barefoot in public or communal places that are wet, like swimming pools and showers in gyms

A pharmacist can help with smelly feet

You can ask a pharmacist about:

  • antibacterial soaps, powders, and creams
  • special foot deodorant
  • medicated insoles for your shoes
  • antibacterial socks

Find a pharmacy

Causes of smelly feet

The main causes of smelly feet are a build-up of sweat and bacteria on them and fungal infections like athlete's foot.

The amount you sweat can be affected by:

  • hot weather
  • exercise
  • standing all day
  • being overweight
  • hormonal changes, which happen during puberty, menopause and pregnancy
  • some medicines, such as antidepressants
  • a condition that causes excessive sweating called hyperhidrosis

See a GP if:

  • your smelly feet have not got better after treating them yourself
  • your smelly feet are affecting your daily life

Medical treatments for smelly feet

Treatment for smelly feet depends on the cause.

If your smelly feet are caused by a fungal infection, a GP might prescribe a stronger antifungal treatment to clear it up.

If the cause is sweating, they might suggest a stronger antiperspirant or treatment to reduce sweating.

A treatment called iontophoresis may help with sweating, which involves passing a weak electrical current through the affected areas.

A GP might also suggest you see a foot specialist (podiatrist) if your footcare problems do not clear up quickly.

Find a podiatrist

OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature P: Personality Disorders. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features.

If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
Photos: LightFieldStudios and one of VladOrlov, Stockcube, darak77, ajr_images or rawpixel.com.

 

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