Can soaking feet in povidone-iodine solution eliminate foot odor?

Generally, if foot odor is caused by bacterial or fungal growth on the feet, soaking feet in povidone-iodine solution can help eliminate the odor. However, if the foot odor is caused by other factors, this method may be ineffective. Consultation with a physician is recommended before use. Detailed explanation is as follows:

If foot odor is caused by bacteria or fungi breaking down sweat and shed epidermal keratin on the feet to produce odor-causing substances, soaking feet in povidone-iodine solution can exert antibacterial and disinfectant effects. It can kill parasitic microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi on the feet, thus alleviating or improving foot odor symptoms. Povidone-iodine has broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and can inhibit various pathogens; therefore, it is suitable for treating foot odor caused by such reasons.

However, if foot odor is due to other causes, such as wearing non-breathable shoes and socks for prolonged periods or excessive foot sweating, soaking feet in povidone-iodine alone may not completely resolve the odor. In such cases, other treatment methods should be combined, such as improving lifestyle habits, switching to breathable shoes and socks, and keeping the feet dry, in order to more effectively alleviate foot odor symptoms.

In daily life, when using povidone-iodine for foot soaking, it is important to ensure an appropriate concentration to avoid skin irritation or damage caused by excessive concentration. Additionally, the duration of foot soaking should not be too long to prevent excessive dryness or other discomforts of the skin on the feet.