Less foot odor observed with socks coated in zinc oxide nanoparticles

Zinc oxide nanoparticle-coated socks produced less foot odor when compared with uncoated socks, according to a presentation at the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology virtual congress.

“Bromodosis and pitted keratolysis have negative impacts on the quality of life, especially for military personnel,” Punyawee Ongsri, MD, RTN, of the department of dermatology, faculty of medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Thailand, said. “The antibacterial efficacy of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs), along with their safety and compatibility with human skin, makes them a suitable additive for textiles, including socks.”

In a double-blinded, randomized controlled trial, 148 cadets were randomly assigned to wear either ZnO-NP-coated socks or uncoated socks during a 14-day field training course. Cadets completed questionnaires evaluating behavioral risk factors as well as self-assessments of foot odor levels. Dermatologists also performed foot examinations with reassessments made at the 14-day training completion.

Study results showed cadets in the coated sock group demonstrated less foot odor compared with baseline (P = .009), while cadets in the uncoated sock group produced more intense foot odor with a greater negative effect on daily life (P = .042). Further examination revealed an increased development of pitted keratolysis in the uncoated sock group compared with the coated sock group, but the difference was not significant.

“ZnO-NP-coated socks proved their efficacy in preventing bromodosis and inhibiting the development of pitted keratolysis; they improved quality of life and afforded a high level of user satisfaction without reported side effects,” Ongsri said. “These socks could be utilized as a primary prevention for military personnel.”