Question
My husband works long hours, on his feet and his shoes often get wet (and stay wet throughout the day). No matter what day it is (wet or dry), his feet smell SO BAD when he gets home! The smell fills my apartment and I find it unbearable to be around. Occasionally he get sore places on his feet and asks me to look at it. Sometimes it just looks red and swollen on a toe, sometimes it looks like a cut or something.
I guess my question is... What can he do to manage the odor of his feet and keep his feet healthy. Is there something we can do before/after work to maintain healthy feet?  

Answer
Elissa,

You are not alone.  Many people have sweaty feet with odor.  The odor is caused by bacteria.  Some of the cracking and sores may be related to a fungal infection or athletes foot. If you treat the athletes foot you can often remove the odor.

A few suggestions.  First, I would see a Podiatrist and get a proper diagnosis.  I would typically use a combination of several items.  A foot cleanser, an antifungal/emollient cream and a product to reduce perspiration/odor.  I like the product known as "On Your Toes".  The product has Zinc which will kill the odor causing bacteria.

Here a few informational sites:

http://thetampapodiatrist.com/document_disorders.cfm?id=108

http://thetampapodiatrist.com/document_disorders.cfm?id=115

http://www.epodiatry.com/smelly-foot.htm


Some products:
http://www.ourdoctorstore.com/katz/store/index.asp?department_id=55

Good Luck,

Marc Katz, DPM

www.thetampapodiatrist.com

www.tampacryosurgery.com

www.fix-my-foot.com

http://www.ourdoctorstore.com/katz/