Socks coated in zinc oxide could ward off smelly feet, study suggests
Scientists may have developed a novel solution to smelly feet.
Known medically as bromodosis, the unpleasant odour usually occurs when sweaty feet wear the same shoes for days on end.
This warm, moist environment provides the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, which can produce a foul-smelling aroma.
Keeping the feet clean and dry, and changing shoes regularly, is usually enough to keep unpleasant odours at bay.
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For some, however, the embarrassing issue persists, prompting scientists from Mahidol University in Thailand to develop socks coated with anti-bacterial zinc oxide nanoparticles.
When tested on 148 naval cadets, the scientists found the socks significantly reduced their foot odour.
The scientists tested the socks on cadets from the Thai Naval Rating School.
Smelly feet and pitted keratolysis, a bacterial infection that causes an unpleasant odour, are said to affect nearly two in five (38.5%) naval cadets in Thailand.
Pitted keratolysis is reportedly more common among young men, particularly soldiers, miners and athletes.
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“While completing an internship as a naval officer in the medical department, I saw a high number of foot infections in military personnel,” said lead author Dr Punyawee Ongsri.
“I wanted to find a way to prevent and treat these fungal and bacterial infections, and those conditions associated.
“Previous studies had demonstrated zinc oxide nanoparticles’s antibacterial properties, therefore our research team wanted to test the efficacy of this new technology in a real-life setting.”
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The cadets wore either the nanoparticle-coated socks or a normal pair for two weeks during a field training course.
After assessing their own foot odour via a pre-determined scale, those who wore the zinc oxide socks reported a significant improvement to their scent.
As well as enduring a more intense smell, those who wore the normal socks said the odour had a negative effect on their quality of life.
Upon physical examination, the results – presented at the virtual European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology congress – found the participants who wore the nanoparticle-coated socks were less likely to develop pitted keratolysis.
The socks were also found to be safe and “compatible with human skin”.
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“Our results prove the efficacy of ZnO-NP [zinc oxide nanoparticle]-coated socks in preventing bromodosis and inhibiting the development of pitted keratolysis,” said Dr Ongsri.
“These socks could provide a new primary prevention option for both military personnel and those susceptible to these embarrassing and unpleasant conditions.
“We are continuing our research with other textiles, and hope to treat and prevent the growth of bacterial and fungal infections.”
The scientists will shortly be publishing research on how the socks affect a person’s risk of fungal infections.
The NHS already recommends people with sweaty feet wear “special anti-bacterial socks”.
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