DIAGNOSIS CHECKLIST
for Foot odor

Why: to determine if acute or chronic.

Why: e.g. one of the main causes of sweaty, smelly feet is wearing the wrong socks or footwear. Shoes with plastic or other synthetic fabric linings do not allow even normal amounts of sweat to evaporate and do not absorb it either, so the foot stays wet. Synthetic socks have the same effect, especially if they are tight. The best socks are 60-70% wool with a close weave and not too tight and it is advised to wear a clean pair every day. The best shoes are all-leather shoes without a lining or ones that are lined with leather.

Why: hard skin is dead skin and it becomes soggy when damp, providing an ideal environment for bacteria. It is best advised to remove the hard skin with a pumice stone.

Why: e.g. hot, humid weather, occlusive footwear, excessive sweating, walking barefoot on contaminated floors.

Why: e.g. skin between the toes will look red and soggy. Often itchy feet. May also be a secondary bacterial infection associated.

Why: e.g. red, weepy areas that may be warm, swollen and painful. May have a pus-like discharge.