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Sweat and odor creams for feet
Last reviewed: 03.07.2025
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In case of foot sweating which bothers many, in addition to careful daily hygiene and foot baths, dermatologists recommend using foot cream against sweat and odor. The problem of bromodosis – unbearable odor with constant foot sweating – occurs if the feet remain damp for a long time, and is the result of the activity of bacteria living on our skin.
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Indications sweat and foot odor creams
It is advisable to use foot creams against sweat and odor in case of hyperhidrosis of the feet, that is, increased activity of the eccrine sweat glands located on the soles of the feet, and excessive sweating.
It should be borne in mind that sweaty feet contribute to infection of the skin of the feet with pathogenic fungi and the development of mycoses.
Release form
Here are some names of foot creams against sweat and odor: FormaGel, Algel, Nepotin 911, DEOcontrol, Gevol.
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Pharmacodynamics
The active component of the FormaGel product is an aqueous solution of formalin - formaldehyde, which reduces sweat secretion and dries the skin - due to its tanning properties, destroys bacteria - due to the denaturation of microbial proteins, removes odor - due to the binding of ammonia urea (released with sweat).
Foot cream against sweat and odor Algel contains trichloroaluminum, i.e. aluminum chloride, as well as glycerin, extracts of sage, chamomile and green tea. But it is aluminum chloride that reduces the intensity of sweat secretion - by forming a film on the surface of the skin and thus blocking the outlet ducts of the sweat glands.
Nepotin 911 cream consists of such components as antibacterial and antifungal agent triclosan, camphor, menthol, extracts of sage, green tea and linden flowers. The presence of triclosan, which is part of some antifungal ointments, provides an additional positive effect of this product.
The pharmacodynamics of DEOcontrol cream is based on the drying effect of talc and zinc oxide, the antiseptic properties of hexamine (urotropine) obtained from formaldehyde and the deodorizing qualities of essential oils (lavender and tea tree).
In addition to the already mentioned zinc oxide, the action of the Gehwol deodorant cream is provided by aloe vera and essential oils of manuka (slender-sperm broom) and jojoba. The first of them helps to destroy bacteria, and the second improves the condition of the skin of the feet, as it contains antioxidant vitamin E.
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Dosing and administration
All foot creams against sweat and odor should be applied in a thin layer to clean, dry skin and only to areas where hyperhidrosis is observed.
After applying the gel cream Formagel, it is necessary to keep it on the skin for half an hour, and then wash it off (but without soap). Such a one-time procedure should be enough for a week. If the effect does not appear, it is allowed to use this product daily for two to three days (once a day).
Algel cream is used in a similar way, but it is not washed off, but allowed to dry after application. The duration of the effect from a single application is on average three days. Then the treatment of the legs is repeated.
Nepotin 911 and DEOcontrol are used once daily, and Gevol is used twice a day (morning and evening).
Use sweat and foot odor creams during pregnancy
The use of foot creams against sweat and odor during pregnancy remains questionable, since only the instructions for FormaGel state that it is prohibited to use it during pregnancy and lactation. There is no official data regarding the possibility of pregnant women using Algel, Nepotin 911 and DEOcontrol.
Contraindications
Foot cream against sweat and odor FormaGel and DEOControl are not used in case of inflammation or damage to the skin of the feet, as well as in cases of increased skin reaction to formaldehyde.
Contraindications to the use of other creams included in the review are limited to the presence of hypersensitivity to their components.
Side effects sweat and foot odor creams
Manufacturers of the cream against sweat and odor FormaGel indicate that the use of this product may cause side effects such as redness, burning and swelling of the skin. Long-term use may lead to increased dryness of the skin and exfoliation of the epidermis.
Foot creams against sweat and odor Algel, DEOcontrol and Nepotin 911 can also dry out the skin excessively and cause itching in the areas where the products are applied.
Overdose
According to the instructions, an overdose can only occur when using FormaGel cream, which results in skin irritation.
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Shelf life
The shelf life of FormaGel is 5 years; Nepotin 911, DEOcontrol and Gevol – 3 years; Algel – 2 years.
Attention!
To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Sweat and odor creams for feet" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.
Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.