A Simple Guide to Bromodosis (Smelly Feet), Diagnosis, Treatment and Related Conditions

This book describes Bromodosis (Smelly Feet), Diagnosis and Treatment and Related Diseases which is seen in some of my patients in my Family Clinic.

"It is a phrase that no one likes to hear that is why my patient is aggrieved to hear that people are complaining that he has smelly feet.
He claims that the smell is due to the shoes that he is wearing.
His shoes which are always drenched with the sweat from his feet do give off a foul odor".

Smelly feet, medically known as bromodosis, is a disorder characterized by an unpleasant odor emanating from the feet due to the accumulation of sweat and bacteria.

It occurs when sweat from the feet interacts with bacteria on the skin, leading to the production of unpleasant odors.

Bromodosis, commonly known as smelly feet, is a relatively common disorder.

The primary cause of the unpleasant odor is the growth of bacteria on the skin, which thrive in warm, moist environments like sweaty feet.

The incidence can vary depending on factors such as climate, lifestyle, and personal hygiene habits.

While it is not a serious medical disorder, it can cause social discomfort and embarrassment.

Bromodosis and bromohidrosis are terms often used interchangeably, but they actually refer to different aspects of the same disorder:

Bromodosis: This term specifically refers to the unpleasant odor (foot odor) caused by the breakdown of sweat by bacteria on the skin.

Bromohidrosis: This term refers to the excessive sweating of the skin, which contributes to the moist environment that allows bacteria to thrive and produce the foul odor.

In simple terms, bromohidrosis is the excessive sweating, while bromodosis is the bad odor resulting from that excessive sweating.

The main cause of smelly feet is excessive sweating, leading to a moist environment in shoes, socks, and feet.

Bacteria thrive in this moisture and break down sweat into volatile compounds, causing the foul odor.

Several factors can contribute to excessive sweating, such as wearing tight shoes, synthetic socks, poor foot hygiene, stress, and certain medical disorders.

Some fungal infections that can affect the feet are:
Athlete's foot (tinea pedis)
Toenail fungus (onychomycosis)

Both of these can cause the feet to stink.

Hormonal changes happen during puberty, menopause and pregnancy

Hormonal changes can also cause stinky feet because increased hormone production during pregnancy can induce the person to sweat more which, in turn, can lead to bad foot odors.

A doctor can diagnose bromodosis based on the characteristic symptoms and a physical examination of the feet.

The doctor may sniff the patient's feet to evaluate the characteristic smell and confirm the presence of bromodosis.

Treatment of smelly feet typically involves a combination of self-care measures and medical interventions.

The use of antibacterial soap to prevent bacterial buildup
Always thoroughly cleaning and drying the feet
Changing socks daily
Keeping the toenails clean and trim
Removing dead skin and calluses

Medical treatment for bromodosis is usually considered when self-care measures alone are insufficient.
Anticholinergic or beta-blocking drugs
Iontophoresis
Botulinum toxin injection
Chemical or surgical sympathectomy
Microwave treatment of axillary eccrine glands

In extreme cases, surgical options may be considered, such as sweat gland removal

TABLE OF CONTENT
Introduction
Chapter 1 Bromodosis (Smelly Feet)
Chapter 2 Cause
Chapter 3 Symptoms
Chapter 4 Diagnosis
Chapter 5 Treatment
Chapter 6 Prognosis
Chapter 7 Hyperhidrosis
Chapter 8 Athlete's Foot
Epilogue

Dettagli