The reason for this is that smelly feet, also known as bromodosis by medical professionals, can occur when people with diabetes develop foot ulcers or have unhealed foot ulcers. Once a foot ulcer begins to fester, it causes a smelly odour due to discharge and is usually triggered by a build-up of sweat and bacteria.
It is not a condition that is found in everyone, but many people can have feet that smell like vinegar, especially those who suffer from diabetes and kidney diseases.
Although having smelly feet doesn't indicate diabetes, people with diabetes do need to take special care when it comes to their feet. Diabetes can cause peripheral neuropathy and peripheral artery disease, and feet may get damaged without your knowing it.
Tingling, burning, or pain in your feet. Loss of sense of touch or ability to feel heat or cold very well. A change in the shape of your feet over time. Loss of hair on your toes, feet, and lower legs.
Bacteria and fungi that cause foot odor love to grow in warm, moist places, so keep your feet as dry as possible. Antiperspirants, moisture-wicking socks and essential oils can help fight stinky feet. But simple habits like washing and drying your feet and keeping shoes clean and dry can also eliminate odor.
Thoroughly cleaning your feet is more than rinsing them in a quick shower. Dr. Rowland recommends soaking your feet in a mixture of vinegar and water or Epsom salt and water. For a salt soak, dissolve half a cup of Epsom salt in a tub or large bowl of warm water and soak for about 10 to 20 minutes.
Dab in-between the toes with rubbing alcohol. Soak your feet in salt water or baking soda. Bathe your feet in vinegar. Clean and scrub feet with a pumice stone.
Those with pre-diabetes may experience a condition called peripheral neuropathy, which can cause loss of sensation or numbness in the feet. As with any diabetic condition, the more quickly the problem is addressed, the greater the chance of recovery. Consult with a Foot Care Specialist.
If your breath smells like acetone -- the same fruity scent as nail polish remover -- it may be a sign of high levels of ketones (acids your liver makes) in your blood. It's a problem mainly of type 1 diabetes but also can happen with type 2 if you get a serious condition called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
When you have diabetes, high glucose levels in the blood can damage nerves and blood vessels. Because the nerves and blood vessels supplying the feet are so long and delicate, the feet — and especially the toes — often get affected first.
Many people know the fungus as athlete's foot, and it can also cause the foot to smell unpleasant. Dr. Antonopoulos says other foot odor causes include poor hygiene, wearing the same shoes every day and some disease processes.
Prediabetes is used to describe blood sugar levels that are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. For some people, noticing that urine smells sweet or fruity can be a first sign that something is different, which can lead to being diagnosed with diabetes.
Anyone living with diabetes whose breath suddenly has a fruity, acetone-like smell should check their blood sugar and ketone levels, as it could be a sign of diabetic ketoacidosis. Without treatment, DKA can quickly become a health emergency.
But that doesn't mean abdominal weight gain should be ignored. It can be an early sign of so-called "diabetic belly," a build-up of visceral fat in your abdomen which may be a symptom of type 2 diabetes and can increase your chances of developing other serious medical conditions.
Diabetes can also cause people to urinate more frequently , as well as feel very thirsty. This may lead them to drink more, which can cause clear urine.
Use a surgical-grade antibacterial soap found at your pharmacy. We recommend Betadine Skin Cleanser, pHisoderm® or Hibiclens. Dry your feet thoroughly, especially between your toes.
Lemon juice mixed with water: Several studies show that lemon juice has antibacterial properties. It is also an astringent that can help to remove dead skin from the feet. No studies specifically show this approach prevents foot odor, but many people find it helpful.
Myth 3: Baby powder stops sweaty feet
Some powders can help absorb sweat, but this does not stop the accumulation of the bacteria which leads to body odor.
A simple smelly feet remedy is to use an antiperspirant on your feet. The deodorant you use on your underarms to keep them dry can be every bit as good on sweaty feet. Spray deodorants can be easiest for this, although roll-ons allow you target the area more accurately.
Apply disinfectant spray, hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, or bleach to eliminate infectious diseases from dirty or secondhand shoes. Make sure to leave the shoes wet with the product for at least five minutes or follow the directions on the label. Allow your shoes to dry completely before wearing them.
Baking soda/corn starch: Both do reduce foot odor for many people, although again, there is no research to support their efficacy. Remember to change your socks and shoes after applying it. Adding either to your shoes may help absorb additional moisture where germs can breed.