Pocky keratosis is the main cause of foot odor in Thai navy students. Photo: Bayhu19/Shutterstock.com

There are various risks in the military, and foot odor is one of the most common problems in the military. In order to eliminate the ping pong ball on the feet of the trainees, the Royal Thai Air Force has been issuing socks coated with zinc oxide nanoparticles, and the results are refreshing.

This unpublished study was published at the European Society of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Congress held online from October 29 to 31, 2020. The authors of the study explained how nearly 40% of Thai navy cadets develop foot lesions, of which bacterial infection called pitted keratosis is one of the most common infections.

Caused by bacteria that erode the keratin in the soles of the feet, pit keratosis is characterized by small pot marks and a unique cheese flavor. Given that zinc oxide nanoparticles have been shown to have antibacterial properties, the researchers decided to test their efficacy in treating this malodorous disease.

A total of 148 naval cadets were assigned to participate in the two-week training course, and half of them received nanoparticle-covered socks during the exercise. The level of foot odor was evaluated at the beginning and the end of the trial, and the results showed that at the end of the treatment, the pungent taste of people who used the treated socks was reduced. In contrast, students who did not provide special footwear did not see this change in their foot fragrance.

In order to ensure the robustness of this discovery, the trainees were required to wear designated socks for at least eight hours a day during the two-week study period and were clearly instructed not to use any type of deodorant on their feet.

More importantly, only 15.7% of the students wearing nanoparticle-infused socks continued to experience sunken keratolysis during exercise, compared with 40.5% of the students wearing ordinary socks.

In explaining the motivation behind this stinking study, the lead author, Dr. Punyawee Ongsri, revealed in a statement, “During the completion of the naval officer’s internship in the medical department, I saw a large number of military personnel’s foot infections. I want to find A way to prevent and treat these fungal and bacterial infections and related diseases."

"These socks can provide new primary prevention options for military personnel and those who are vulnerable to these embarrassing and unpleasant conditions. We are continuing to research other textiles, hoping to treat and prevent the growth of bacterial and fungal infections."

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