You may have heard about zinc deficiency before and know it causes things like anemia, puffy eyes and pale skin. However, did you know it can also cause your shoes to smell? Or that zinc is critical for your immune system, helps reduce stress and ease pain from joint problems? This article will discuss the symptoms of zinc deficiency as well as how to cure these problems with zinc oxide cream.
Some of the most common vitamin deficiencies in the world are caused by zinc. Zinc deficiency symptoms include fatigue, loss of appetite, diarrhea and constipation, loss of libido and depression. Although there are many zinc forms to choose from (including zinc oxide), it’s good to understand how they can be used on your skin.
vitamins for smelly feet
Zinc is an essential trace mineral which functions in many aspects of the body. Zinc deficiency can lead to reduced energy, diarrhea, skin irritation and even hair loss among many other things. Throw all those symptoms together and you have a recipe for a zinc deficiency that affects not just your feet but your entire body!
Zinc deficiency can result in a variety of health problems, such as red spots on your nails, hair loss, a white moustache on your upper lip, and smelly feet.
zinc oxide cream
Zinc is an important nutrient in the human body. Zinc regulates your immune and hormonal system, helps digestion and metabolism, reduces risk of cancer, protects against cardiovascular disease and helps prevent premature aging.
Have you ever noticed that your feet smell a little funky, or have a scent that isn’t quite like anything else? Maybe it’s just me, but it’s pretty hard to miss. Maybe it’s the odor that comes from your socks after you’ve been wearing them for a couple of days. Or maybe it’s a faint whiff of something putrid that overlays all your other scents. Whatever the case is, it’s certainly not pleasant and can be very distracting while you’re trying to concentrate on studying.
zinc deficiency symptoms
Feet can take a person from point A to point B, but they are subject to aches, pains, and smells along the way.
While most people will experience a case of smelly feet from time to time, some people live in fear of taking their shoes off.
The medical term for smelly feet is “bromodosis.” The good news is that many treatments are available to reduce the incidence of the condition.
According to the Institute for Preventive Foot Health, an estimated 16 percent of people ages 21 and older in the United States have reported a problem with foot odor.
This article discusses the best tips for getting rid of smelly feet and the outlook for a person with smelly feet.
Fast facts on smelly feet
Here are some key points about smelly feet. More detail and supporting information is in the main article.
Bacteria and moisture are the underlying causes of most cases of smelly feet.
Smelly feet are not usually a medical concern, but they can affect a person’s relationships and cause self-consciousness.
Bacteria naturally live on people’s feet.
When the bacteria rid themselves of wastes from breaking down oils and dead skin cells, bad smells can result.
General tips
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People can take steps to reduce the incidence of smelly feet, such as wearing certain footwear, practicing good foot hygiene, trying home remedies, and, if necessary, consulting a doctor for stronger treatments.
Wearing socks
Wearing socks can help address smelly feet and reduce the incidence of sweaty feet. Socks, especially those made from sweat-wicking materials, can absorb sweat and reduce odors.
Socks are also easy to change, and doing so may reduce the odors that may otherwise linger inside a person’s shoes.
Certain shoes
Wearing shoes that have some breathability can help reduce the incidence of sweating and moisture. People can look for shoes that have mesh panels, which allow for breathability.
Shoes made from plastic, such as “jellies,” are almost guaranteed to contribute to smelly feet because they are not breathable and promote foot sweating.
Alternating shoes and socks
People should allow shoes time to fully dry out between wears to help cut down on particularly smelly feet.
Wearing one pair of shoes one day and a different pair the next day can give the shoes enough time to dry.
A person may also wish to keep an extra pair of socks on hand to change into during the day. This can help reduce sweating and smell.
Replacing insoles
People can also replace their shoe insoles with odor-reducing or antibacterial insoles.
Another option is to purchase an antibacterial or disinfecting spray to use on the insoles. However, this option is not usually as effective as allowing the insoles of the shoes to dry out fully.
A range of insoles is available for purchase online.
Exfoliating the feet
People can use a scrub or a pumice stone to remove dead skin cells that bacteria like to feed on.
A person who has especially smelly feet may wish to use a pumice stone 2–3 times each week to avoid buildup. Pumice stones are available for purchase online.
People should also wash their feet every day with antibacterial soap, paying close attention to the areas between the toes.
Salt soak
Soaks are potentially useful as part of an exfoliating routine or on their own.
A person can prepare a bowl or tub of warm water and dissolve 1/2 cup of Epsom salts in it. Soak the feet for 10–20 minutes, and then dry the feet thoroughly.
People may also use additional ingredients such as a Listerine foot soak.
Vinegar soak
Another type of soak is a vinegar soak. A person can add 2 parts warm water and 1 part vinegar (apple cider vinegar and white vinegar are both suitable) to a tub and soak the feet for 15–20 minutes.
However, a person should not use a vinegar soak if they have any cuts, sores, or scratches, as the vinegar may irritate open areas of skin.
Antiperspirant
Another remedy a person can use is antiperspirant on the feet. Although traditionally used for the underarms, antiperspirant might also reduce the incidence of excessive sweating on the feet.
Iontophoresis
One treatment option for a person with smelly feet is a process called iontophoresis. This approach involves delivering a mild electric current to the skin through water for 15–40 minutes, depending on the device, to reduce the incidence of sweating feet.
Botox
Another option a person may use in some instances is the injection of botulinum toxin, or Botox. A professional will inject this medication into the feet via a means known as plantar injections.
However, these injections can be especially painful and may not be the most effective option. The results usually last 3–4 months, and a person will require subsequent treatments.
People may also use Botox to address excessive underarm sweating.
When to consult a doctor
If a person suddenly experiences a new onset of smelly feet, they should inspect their feet for signs of sores or cuts that could be infected. They can put a mirror on the floor and examine the bottom of the feet to look for any abnormalities.
A person should see a doctor if they see signs of wounds on their feet. Redness, red streaks, and swelling may be signs of infection. A person should consult a medical professional to address this immediately, especially if they have diabetes, as they may experience complications.
If a person does not have any signs of wounds, over-the-counter and at-home measures should reduce the incidence of smelly feet. A person should not suffer or feel self-conscious as a result their smelly feet, and they should seek medical advice.
Outlook
Most people may experience smelly feet from time to time due to the shoes they wear. But others may have trouble finding a remedy for smelly feet and, in some cases, may experience excessive sweating.
However, many home remedies can reduce the incidence of the condition, including exfoliation, soaks, and antiperspirants. A medical professional can also administer treatments, such as Botox, to help reduce foot odor.
Last medically reviewed on December 2, 2021
Dermatology
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Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI — Written by Rachel Nall, MSN, CRNA on December 2, 2021
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What to know about body odor
What is it?
Causes
Prevention
Treatment
Seeking help
Summary
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Body odor is a fairly common issue that can affect a person’s quality of life. It occurs due to bacterial processes in sweat and not due to sweat itself.
It is a common misconception that sweat itself causes body odor. In actual fact, human sweat is almost odorless.
Body odor occurs due to bacteria on a person’s skin breaking down protein molecules within sweat and producing odor as a result.
Body odor is a common problem, but it can severely affect a person’s quality of life. Although its root causes are often down to a person’s hygiene practices, body odor can indicateTrusted Source a more serious underlying condition in some instances.
The body can produce odors in the mouth and other cavities, as well as in bodily fluids. However, this article focuses on odors originating from a person’s skin and the bacterial processes in sweat.
What is body odor?
andriano_cz/Getty Images
Body odor is an umbrella term for natural smells originating from a person.
The human body can produce a range of substances that carry a smell, known as odorants. Many of these are important for regular bodily function and, in small quantities, do not lead to unpleasant odors. However, an excessive accumulation of these compounds on the skin can cause noticeable smells.
Body odor usually becomes more evidentTrusted Source during puberty, as hormones and sweat glands become more active at this time. People with obesity and individuals with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, are also more susceptible to having body odor.
Sweat itself is virtually odorless to humans. However, the rapid multiplication of bacteria and their breaking down of sweat into acids can cause unpleasant smells. As a result, people who sweat a lot — such as those with hyperhidrosis — may be more susceptible to developing body odor.
Body odor is most likely to occur in the following places:
the feet
the groin
the armpits
the genitals
pubic and other hair
the belly button
the anus
behind the ears
A person’s diet, natal sex, health conditions, and medications help create a unique body odor. Some researchTrusted Source suggests that people, and moreso animals, are adept at identifying individuals by these smell profiles.
Causes
A person’s skin contains both eccrine and apocrine sweat glands.
Apocrine glands start to function at puberty and are associated with hair follicles in the underarms and groin. These glands produce a viscous, protein-rich sweat that is initially odorless. However, as bacteria break down the abundance of proteins, they will produce odorant molecules in greater concentrations, causing body odor.
In contrast, eccrine sweat glands predominantly regulate body temperature through perspiration and are not as strongly linked with body odor.
Prevention
Having a large concentration of apocrine glands in the armpits and groin makes these areas susceptible to the rapid development of body odor. However, body odor can occur almost anywhere on a person’s body.
Although there is no universal treatment for the causes of body odor, taking the following steps may help controlTrusted Source body odor:
Washing: A person should wash regularly with soap and ensure that they dry themselves thoroughly. Deodorizing soaps are available to purchase online.
Shaving: Having hair in areas such as the armpits can slow down the evaporation of sweat, giving bacteria more time to break down proteins and create odorants. Shaving can help body odor control in that area. Reusable razors are available to purchase online.
Using antiperspirants: Antiperspirants can reduce the intensityTrusted Source of a person’s body odor by changing sweat volumes and altering the amount and activity of odor-causing bacteria.
Deodorants and antiperspirants with natural ingredients are available to purchase online.
A person may also experience noticeable body odors in areas that are often covered by clothes, such as the feet. A combination of increased humidity and sweat trapped in the fabric can promote bacterial multiplication and activity. This can lead to body odor.
To prevent this, a person may wish to pay extra attention to these areas when washing and ensure that they are completely dry before putting on clean clothes. Wearing natural fibers may also help with the evaporation of sweat and help reduce bacteria buildup.
Consuming chilies, onions, garlic, and other potent foods can also make some people’s sweat more pungent. If a person consumes excessive amounts of protein, this may also affect their body odor.
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Treatment
If body odor is affecting a person’s quality of life and home remedies have not worked, a doctor may recommend additional treatments. These may include:
Aluminum chloride: A doctor or dermatologist may recommend prescription antiperspirants containing aluminum chloride. Aluminum chloride is absorbed into the skin and reduces the amount a person sweats. Prescription antiperspirants can contain 10–30%Trusted Source aluminum chloride.
Botulinum toxin (Botox): A medical professional may recommend Botox treatment for people who sweat excessively. They may inject Botox directly into the skin, which can block the release of chemicals that trigger sweating. Some reports indicate that Botox injections in the armpits can reduce sweating by 82–87%.
Surgery: When self-care and medicinal measures are not effective at treating severe body odor, a doctor can perform a surgical procedure called an endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS). This severs the sweat-controlling nerves below the skin of the armpits. This option is a last resort, and it runs the risk of causing damage to other nerves and arteries in the area. However, a 2019 review found that more than 90%Trusted Source of people who underwent ETS reported improved quality of life after the procedure.
When to contact a doctor
Some medical conditions may change how much a person sweats or the odor their body produces. These can be indicators of more serious conditions. If a person notices any of these changes, they should contact a doctor immediately.
For example, an overactive thyroid gland or menopause can make people sweat much more, while liver disease, kidney disease, and diabetes can change the consistency of sweat.
A person should contact a doctor if:
They start sweating at night.
Bouts of sweating occur irregularly or at excessive levels.
They begin to experience cold sweats.
Changes to their sweating are impacting their daily life.
A person should also contact a doctor if their body odor suddenly smells different. A fruity smell could indicateTrusted Source diabetes due to having high levels of ketones in the bloodstream, while liver or kidney disease can often lead to a bleach- or ammonia-like smell due to a buildup of toxins in the body.
Summary
Body odor is a common occurrence, and people can often remedy it at home. It is a byproduct of bacteria breaking down proteins in a person’s sweat and not due to the smell of sweat itself. Although people often associate body odor with unpleasant smells, this is not always the case.
Thoroughly washing, using antiperspirants, and shaving may all assist a person in managing unwanted body odor. If symptoms persist, a doctor may recommend prescription treatments and, in some cases, surgery.
Body odor and excessive sweating may also be indicators of an underlying health condition. If a person notices unexpected changes in their body odor or volume of sweat, they should consult a medical professional immediately.
Botox is a treatment that involves the injection of a toxin into the skin. It has both medical and cosmetic uses, and some people find it effective in reducing excessive sweating.
This article discusses the safety and effectiveness of Botox injections to treat excessive sweating. We also outline the treatment procedure, and provide tips for preparation and aftercare.
Does it work?
People who sweat excessively may consider Botox as a way to reduce underarm sweating.
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have approved Botox injections to treat excessive underarm sweating. It works by blocking a chemical in the body that activates the sweat glands.
According to the International Hyperhidrosis Society, underarm Botox injections can reduce underarm sweating by 82–87%. The effects can typically last 4–12 months, or up to 14 months in some cases.
People who receive underarm Botox injections tend to see results 2–4 days after treatment. The full effects are usually noticeable within 2 weeks.
However, Botox is not a permanent solution for excessive underarm sweating. A single treatment lasts around 4–12 months, so a person needs ongoing injections.
To date, the FDA have approved Botox injections for underarm use only. However, a doctor may prescribe the treatment for excessive sweating elsewhere on the body, such as the hands, feet, head, or face.
How does it work?
Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin made by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. Neurotoxins are substances that affect the structure or function of the nervous system.
Botox alters the function of certain neurotransmitters. These are chemicals in the body that instruct the body to react in a certain way. Botox blocks the neurotransmitter that tells the sweat glands to activate, to control sweating in the injection area.
Cost
Botox injections can be expensive. An approximate cost for both underarms is $1,000, and a person needs to repeat the treatment every 7–16 months, so the expenses can add up.
Health insurance providers may cover the cost of Botox for excessive sweating. However, some may do so if a person can show other treatments do not work.
Use on other parts of the body
Doctors may prescribe Botox to treat excessive sweating on other areas of the body prone to excessive sweating. These include:
hands
feet
back
chest and under the breasts
groin
head
face
nose
Botox treatments in the hands or feet tend to be less effective, and are more likely to cause side effects. The procedure can also be more painful in these areas.
Some experienced dermatologists can also use Botox to treat sweating of the face, groin, or breasts. Those who inject these areas need detailed knowledge of the complex muscles and tissues for safe and effective treatment.
Finding a specialist
A person who wishes to have Botox injections to treat excessive sweating should find a certified medical professional with the appropriate experience.
The International Hyperhidrosis Society provide a database of physicians who specialize in treating excessive sweating.
Procedure
A dermatologist, or a doctor certified to use Botox, can perform the injections in their office. Experienced medical professionals can inject both underarms in 10 minutes or less.
For the procedure, a medical professional injects very small amounts of Botox beneath the skin. They usually inject it in a grid pattern, with injection sites approximately 1–2 centimeters apart.
Before they inject the skin, the doctor may numb the area with ice or a local anesthetic. This will help to ease any pain or discomfort.
Preparation and aftercare
Below are some tips around what to do before and after treatment.
Before the procedure
Prior to the procedure, a person will consult with their doctor. They should take this opportunity to tell the doctor about any medical conditions they have, and medications they currently take. This can help reduce the risk of side effects and complications.
People who undergo Botox injections should not shave their underarms for 3–4 days before the treatment.
After the treatment
A person can go home immediately after Botox treatment. They should avoid exercise, and not have hot baths or showers for the rest of the day.
Most healthcare providers will recommend a follow-up appointment 1–2 weeks after the procedure. This is to touch up any missed areas, and check for side effects.
Side effects
Botox injections are generally safe. Serious side effects are rare, but possible. They include:
severe muscle weakness or asymmetry
anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction
toxicity
A person who has any of the following side effects after Botox should seek immediate medical attention:
difficulty breathing, swallowing, or speaking
skin rash or hives
muscle weakness
vision problems
dizziness
loss of bladder control
Less severe side effects may include:
dry mouth
headache
fatigue
pain in the underarms after the injections
Pros and cons
Like all treatments for excessive sweating, Botox has various pros and cons. Some examples of each are outlined below.
Pros:
effective
relatively long-lasting
relatively painless
less invasive than surgery
Cons:
expensive
not permanent
potential side effects
not suitable for all areas of the body
A person who experiences excessive sweating can talk to their doctor for advice on the most effective treatment.
Other Botox uses
Other potential uses for Botox include:
Muscle disorders: Botox can help relax clenched muscles and control overactive muscle movements, such as muscle twitches.
Chronic migraine: Botox can help prevent chronic migraines in some people.
Facial wrinkles: Some dermatologists provide Botox injections to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles on the face.
What is hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis is the medical term for excessive sweating caused by overactive sweat glands.
There are two types of hyperhidrosis: primary focal hyperhidrosis, and secondary generalized hyperhidrosis.
Primary focal hyperhidrosis
Primary focal hyperhidrosis (PFH) is excessive sweating not caused by another medical condition, or a side effect of medication.
A person with PFH typically experiences symmetrical sweating on specific areas of the body. For example, they may experience excessive sweating of both hands or feet.
In PFH, excessive sweating occurs at least once a week.
Secondary generalized hyperhidrosis
Secondary generalized hyperhidrosis (SGH) is when a medical condition or side effect of medication causes excessive sweating.
People with SGH tend to sweat across large sections of their body. They may also sweat while sleeping.
A person with SGH symptoms should see a doctor to determine the cause.
When to see a doctor
In some cases, it may be possible to control sweating with a strong antiperspirant. A person can ask a pharmacist for advice on the best products to use.
Sometimes, over-the-counter treatments may not be effective. People should see a doctor if they experience:
symptoms of SGH
excessive sweating around the groin or feet, which can lead to bacterial or fungal infections
embarrassment, and avoidance of activities that may increase sweating, such as physical activity or going out in hot weather
Summary
Botox injections can be an effective way to control excessive sweating. The FDA have approved this treatment for underarm use only. However, a doctor may prescribe the injections to control excessive sweating in other areas of the body.
Botox is relatively costly compared with other treatments for excessive sweating. Since each treatment lasts 4–12 months, the costs add up over time. Some health insurance providers can cover the expense, but only if other treatments are not successful.
Excessive sweating can sometimes indicate an underlying medical condition, or a side effect from a medication. A person should see a doctor if they have concerns about excessive sweating.