Synonyms in a broader sense
Pes olens, stinky feet, stinky feet, sweat sore feet, cheese feet, stinky sore feet, foot hygiene, stinky feet, sweaty feet, sweaty feet, stinky feet Medical: Podobromhydrosis, Hyperhidrosis pedis
Definition
The stinky foot (Pes olens = sweaty foot) is a widespread problem in orthopedic surgery. The symptoms of the stinky foot often affect the examiner more than the person affected. Besides the odour nuisance for the environment, it creates ideal conditions for fellow inhabitants of the foot, such as athlete’s foot, nail fungus and eczema.
EpidemiologyPopulation incidence
Stinky feet (sweaty feet) occur in all age groups. During the summer months they are lovingly cared for in closed shoes for days and weeks. According to initial estimates, stinky feet occur more frequently in the male sex than in the female sex.
Symptoms
As a rule, the person affected does not suffer from any pressure. This means that the odour nuisance for the environment is not perceived by the sick person, or only to a lesser extent. A stinky foot (Pes olens) is not initially a disease in itself.
However, they offer an ideal basis for fungal diseases, which preferably affect the interdigital space between the toes, but also the nail (nail mycosis). A skin fungus or nail fungus can be the basis for further diseases. For example, bacteria can penetrate into the subcutaneous tissue via skin injuries caused by the fungus and cause an inflammation of the lymphatic tract (phlegmone erysipelas).
Cause
Due to the warm and humid environment of the feet, bacteria have an excellent breeding ground. During their reproduction they metabolize (process) perspiration secretion, as well as naturally occurring skin substances. This creates the unmistakable smell of the stinky foot (sweaty foot).
Diagnosis
In the diagnosis of stinky feet is usually very simple, because the smell is groundbreaking. If other reasons for the odour development are out of the question, further investigations are not necessary. Pathological changes cannot be detected in x-rays or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). The laboratory values in the blood count are usually normal.
