Thai Scientists Developed Special Coating for Socks to Prevent Smelly Feet

Researchers at Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University in Thailand have developed an antibacterial coating for socks made from zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) that inhibit bacterial growth.

That means these socks can prevent a person from having bromodosis, known as smelly feet, and a bacterial infection called pitted keratolysis, MailOnline reported.

The antibacterial coating of the socks is proven and tested safe by the cadets in Thailand. It is harmless to the human skin, making the coating suitable for textiles like socks, the researchers said.

They presented their study online at the 29th European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Congress.

Why Do Feet Smell?

Like all parts f the skin, the feet are covered in sweat glands, so when it is enclosed in shoes and use for running all day long, the feet will sweat, which is a perfect environment for bacteria to grow.

In particular, the brevibacterium bacteria that live in between the toes and in a damp, salty environment could produce a foul smell on the feet. It is also the same bacteria used in the cheese creation like Entrammes, Muenster, and Limburger cheeses.

Smelly Feet And Fungal Foot Infection in Thai Navy Cadets

In 2018, a study found a high prevalence of fungal foot infection in Thai navy cadets. Researchers used this data to test their socks on the navy cadets. According to the lead study author Dr. Punyawee Ongsri, he wanted to find a way to prevent bacterial and fungal infections and the diseases it could cause.

He added that previous studies on zinc oxide nanoparticles have shown its antibacterial properties that they think could be used in the new technology they are creating that can be used in the real-life setting.

Military personnel have complained about bromodosis and pitted keratolysis, so the researchers decided to trial their coated socks on 148 cadets at the Thai Naval Rating School. About 38.5% of naval cadets in Thailand complain about these two feet infections, based on the 218 study.

They were divided into two groups wherein they were randomly selected on who wears the coated socks ad the standard socks. The naval cadets were assigned a 14-day field training course to assess if foot odor levels lessened. Their behavioral risk was also evaluated, while dermatologists performed foot examinations on them.

ZnO-NP-Coated Socks Lessened Foot Odor

At the end of the experiment, those cadets who only wore their standard socks and those who wore coated socks were assessed. The study showed that the cadets who wore the ZnO-NP-coated socks had significantly lower levels of foot odor comp[ared to those who only wore the standard socks who experienced a greater negative impact on their daily lives, the researchers said.

They also discovered that those wearing the uncoated socks were more likely to develop pitted keratolysis than those wearing the ZnO-NP-coated-socks.

Dr. Ongsri said that their study proves the antibacterial properties of ZnO-NP-coated socks and its efficacy in preventing bromodosis and pitted keratolysis.

That means that it could provide a novel solution for the feet diseases that military personnel usually experience. The researchers continue to study other textiles to treat and prevent fungal growth.