embarassing problem!

sbosse16

New member
This may sound odd or crazy but it's really starting to become a MAJOR problem in my life so bare with me for a min.

My feet have always been sweating excessively when I wear shoes. It's always been a little embarassing having to take my shoes of in public but it's never been a big issue. Until around a year ago, the smell started getting worse. I noticed I could now smell my feet through my shoes and working as a cashier I often have to sit for hours with my feet in an enclosed, unventilated space where the smell builds up to the point where everyone around me can smell it. I know because I notice people rubbing their nose when they get close to me. I've even had customers hold their nose and look away while talking to me.

There's NOTHING I haven't tried to get rid of the smell. I soak my feet in black tea every night, which helps greatly in reducing the sweating and bacteria. I use a heavy duty antiperspirant every night and use a foot file to get rid of any dead skin that bacteria can feed on. I also use a foot deodorant during the day and spray my shoes with a deodorizing spray. I've tried vinegar, salt, baking soda foot soaks.

Since I started this routine, my feet sweat much less so this isn't the problem anymore. I wear sandals at work and change socks and swipe my feet with rubbing alcohol about 3 times in a shift. Nevertheless, about an hour after doing this I start to notice the smell again.

I really don't get it. This never used to be an issue, and it's like all of a sudden someone put a spell on my feet or something. It gets worse every week and it's causing me a great deal of anxiety. I get depressed because customers treat me like shit just because they think I haven't showered in like 6 months. Every day of work is hell because of this.

Sorry for the long post I just wanted to get across how hopeless this thing is.. Any tips would be greatly appreciated, because the only thing on my list yet to try is chopping my feet off. The smell comes from the whole sole area on my feet and is worse near the toes. There's no visible foot fungus or athletes foot.
 
Have you used the foot powder especially for foot fungus? Not just a deodorant but something like Desenex antifungal powder and don't wear the same shoes everyday or buy shoes that have breathing holes. Or perhaps the shoes are made of something that is reacting badly to your sweaty feet? If you sit at a desk that hides your feet why not wear slip on shoes like loafers and just sit with your feet out of your shoes. More importantly have you gone to a foot doctor...(podiatrist) to see if you have something more wrong that needs a different fix?
 
Do not wear same shoes every day. Shoes need time to dry out.

My husband and I spray inside of shoes with Lysol spray and allow to dry for a few days before wearing again.

Dr. Schols has men sandal look shoes with thick rubber soles that allow air circulation and are very comfortable to stand in. They may have women shoes too, Cost about $29 pair. My husband wears these with socks.

My husband sprays his feet with Lysol at night before going to bed.

We no longer have stinking feet.

My brother lived with us for a while and his boots stunk us out of the house. I sprayed his boots at night and reduced the smell.

Bacteria and fungus thrive in warm damp places like shoes.
 
Thanks for all advice guys. I did finally go and get lamisil one time treatment cream for foot fungus, even if I had no other symptoms other than smell just so I could rule it out. Did nothing for me.

And my feet smell even when I'm not wearing shoes. I can literally get back to work from lunch with disinfected feet (use hand disinfection gel) with a fresh pair of socks without shoes and my feet will stink enough for everyone around me to notice within 30 minutes.

A few days ago I'd had it. Before going to work I soaked my feet in 1 part chlorine 10 parts water for about 15 minutes and then washed with hot water and soap. I know it's harmful but if that doesn't get rid of the smelly bacteria I don't know what wont. My sweat reeked like chlorine for the rest of the day but near the end of the day the foul smell was back. I did another soak at night and when I went to work the next morning my feet smelled again, maybe even worse than before.

How can my feet smell more within 15-30 minutes wearing nothing but socks than normal people get after wearing shoes for hours?? What else can cause foot odor other than bacteria and fungus? This is driving me seriously nuts. I can't stand another day of people holding their nose or sniffing in the air with disgusted frowns whenever they get within 5 feet of me!!:mad:
 
Have you used Stick Deodorant?...if not then get Stick (NOT GEL) Deodorant and run a swipe up the bottom of your feet to your toes...it has worked for some guys I know.

~Belle~
 
tried it! only lasts until it gets overpowered and then it just makes it more pungent and noticeable.

i do use something called "absolut dry" which is an antiperspirant that dries out my feet pretty well. all it takes is one drop of sweat though and the smell starts developing.

i don't get this it's like im stuck in some surreal nightmare. if i don't get this under control soon im gonna have to quit my job and change to something where im not stuck near people all the time, which is ridiculous cos i can't live my life like that!
 
This might not work for everyone, I had the same problem for a very long time.

Everyday I put moisturizer cream on both feet after my shower. I use any kind of body cream and it really works very, very well. Give it a try, it's cheap and easy.

Roy
 
Hello Grandiosa

Well, it certainly isn't lack of hygiene causing the problem! I don't think it is a foot problem per se; rather I think it is an internal problem of the body. It could be that toxins are being sent out through your sweat and when the sweat exits the feet, the smell occurs. diet is also another cause of stinky sweat... lay off fatty foods and drink plenty of water.

I would suggest a full physical with your doctor and get all your systems checked out. Leaky gut and kidney problems are two places where issues can occur that lead to stinky sweat.

I wish you well in tracking down the source. I am sure it is frustrating you. With all the measures you have taken to clean the feet, I would think it is safe to say now it is time to check some other areas.

Good luck
reach
 
I know Dr. Oz has had on his show about folks w/ sweaty palms and armpits. I mean excessive. He recommended botox injections. Maybe try his website, you might even be able to post there. Good luck. I'd google it too. CJ
 
It's called bromohydrosis (googled excessive foot odor), there's a website for skaters out there, can't put the actual website name here but I bet you'll find it. Talks about a formula for Drysol or a Dr. can prescribe an antibiotic for you. So go see a podiatrist but I'd be sure to call and see if the dr. knows anything about it before making that appt. Try to find a younger Dr., don't want you to waste your time and $ going to one who has no clue, right? good luck ! CJ
 
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