From the Guidelines
To eliminate foot odor caused by thioalcohols, I recommend a combination of daily hygiene practices and targeted treatments, focusing on keeping feet dry and reducing bacterial populations, as the most recent and highest quality studies do not directly address thioalcohol elimination but emphasize foot care and hygiene 1.
Key Recommendations
- Wash feet daily with antibacterial soap and thoroughly dry them, especially between the toes, to reduce bacterial growth and moisture accumulation.
- Apply an antiperspirant containing aluminum chloride to reduce sweating, a key factor in thioalcohol production.
- Use antifungal products containing clotrimazole, miconazole, or tolnaftate for 2-4 weeks to address any fungal component contributing to foot odor.
- Rotate between at least two pairs of shoes to allow them to dry completely between wears, reducing the warm, moist environment that bacteria thrive in.
- Choose moisture-wicking socks made of cotton, wool, or specialized synthetic materials to keep feet dry.
- For immediate odor control, apply foot powder containing zinc oxide or activated charcoal.
Rationale
These measures are based on the principle that foot odor primarily results from bacteria breaking down sweat into thioalcohols. By keeping feet dry and reducing bacterial populations, the production of thioalcohols can be effectively minimized. While the provided studies focus on the prevention of foot ulcers in persons with diabetes, the principles of good foot hygiene and care are universally applicable and crucial in managing foot odor caused by thioalcohols. For persistent cases, considering the use of benzoyl peroxide wash (2.5-5%) to further reduce bacterial load or consulting a podiatrist for prescription-strength solutions may be necessary.
From the FDA Drug Label
Uses • cures most athlete's foot (tinea pedis) • cures most jock itch (tinea cruris) and ringworm (tinea corporis) • relieves itching, burning, cracking and scaling which accompany these conditions
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Eliminating Foot Odor Caused by Thioalcohols (Mercaptans)
There are no direct research papers provided to assist in answering this question. However, some studies provide information on foot care and hyperhidrosis management, which may be indirectly related to eliminating foot odor.
- Foot care is an essential aspect of daily hygiene, and proper foot care practices can help prevent foot problems, including foot odor 2, 3.
- Hyperhidrosis, a condition characterized by excessive sweating, can contribute to foot odor. Treatment options for hyperhidrosis include antiperspirants, iontophoresis, botulinum toxin injections, and oral systemic agents 4, 5, 6.
- While these studies do not specifically address thioalcohols (mercaptans) as a cause of foot odor, they suggest that proper foot care and management of hyperhidrosis can help reduce foot odor.
- It is essential to note that the provided studies do not offer a direct solution to eliminating foot odor caused by thioalcohols (mercaptans), and further research may be necessary to address this specific issue.