Did you know that over 10% of people suffer from foot odour? This common yet pesky problem is often worsened by factors like warm weather or wearing closed shoes for extended periods. Sweat and bacteria combine to create an unpleasant smell that’s embarrassing for you and noticeable to those nearby. Luckily, you can treat smelly feet with the right footcare product and practices.

What Causes Smelly Feet?

There are lots of factors that contribute to foot odour, ranging from environmental to personal. These include?

• Hot weather that causes sweating
• Exercising in closed shoes or trainers
• Standing all day
• Being overweight
• Hormonal changes (puberty, pregnancy, menopause)
• Certain medications (antidepressants)
• Hyperhidrosis, a condition causing excessive sweating

How do you treat smelly feet?

1. Soak your feet

A weekly foot soak can do wonders. Mix half a cup of Epsom salt in warm water and soak your feet for 20 minutes. This helps remove moisture from the skin and prevents bacterial growth. You should then wash your feet daily with soap—antibacterial soap is even better.

2. Keep your feet dry

Bacteria thrive in moisture, so keeping your feet dry is essential. Carry an extra pair of socks to swap out if yours get sweaty. Let your shoes air dry overnight instead of stashing them in a cupboard. For added protection, use a foot powder like Kroko Foot Powder, which contains anti-bacterial and anti-fungal ingredients to keep your feet and shoes dry and odour-free.

3. Let your feet breathe

Whenever you can, remove your socks and shoes to give your feet some fresh air. Choose sandals on hot days and avoid closed shoes when the weather permits. But be cautious in communal wet areas, like gym showers, because walking barefoot can expose you to infections.

4. Disinfect your shoes

Alternate your shoes to give each pair time to air out. Clean your insoles and use a disinfectant spray to get rid of any bacteria. Kroko Foot and Shoe Spray is great for removing foot odour as it deodorises and disinfects your shoes and feet. Bonus: It also works on gym bags and shin pads!

5. Choose the right shoes

Get shoes made from natural fabrics like cotton or leather that allow your feet to breathe. Don’t use synthetic materials that trap moisture and promote bacterial growth. Make sure your shoes fit properly—tight shoes reduce airflow, making foot odour worse.

6. Practice good hygiene

Regular hygiene practices are crucial for stopping smelly feet. Use a pumice stone to remove dead skin, which bacteria feed on, and clean between your toes where bacteria often hide. Trim and clean your toenails regularly to prevent bacterial buildup.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you’ve tried these tips and still struggle with foot odour, it may be time to consult a medical professional. In some cases, prescription treatments or medication might be necessary.

As the winter chill dissipates and the vibrant sights and sounds of spring arrive, it’s time to get your feet ready spring and for wearing open shoes. Having your feet in thick socks and shoes over winter can leave them looking neglected, so here are 5 footcare essentials to put a spring in your step.

1. Exfoliate your feet

Start by giving your feet a really good exfoliation to get rid of all those dead skin cells. Before exfoliating, soak your feet in warm water and Epsom salts for 15 to 20 minutes. Lightly scrub your heels with a pumice stone, a really good footcare essential to have at home. Soak, clean and dry your feet thoroughly, especially between the toes. You could also combine Epsom salts with some olive oil to make a paste that can be rubbed over the foot to exfoliate the skin if you don't have a pumice stone.

2. Moisturise your feet

Before going to bed in the evening apply heel balm like Kroko Heel Balm which is specially formulated with Urea and Vitamin D to lock in moisture. Another alternative is petroleum jelly but this can be messy. For extra moisturising, wear socks over the heel balm to lock in the moisture while you sleep.

3. Trim your toenails correctly

Treat yourself to an at-home pedicure. Cut your toenails. It is important,to cut them properly or you could risk painful ingrown toenails. Use good quality, clean clippers and cut your nails straight across, leaving them long enough for the corners to lie loosely against the skin on the sides. Don’t cut them too short, don't round the edges, or cut them into a V-shape.

4. Inspect toenails for changes

Take some time to inspect that your toenails haven’t thickened or changed in colour. If so, this could be an indication of a fungal infection which needs to be treated by a medical professional. A good way to prevent fungal infections is by keeping your feet clean and dry. Add some Kroko Foot Powder to your feet and shoes as this absorbs the sweat and kills the bacteria that result in fungal infections. Or try the refeshing, cooling Kroko Footspray Your feet to keep your feet fresh, dry, odour-free and spring-ready!

5. Wear proper footwear

Your shoes must be comfortable. This doesn’t mean they must be completely worn and tattered. If they are, it’s time for a spring clean and to treat yourself to some new shoes. Shoes mustn’t squash your toes as this causes corns and calluses. If you are already battling with corns or calluses, then Kroko has a range of effective products for you to try. Kroko Corn and Callus Remover ointment, the best-selling remedy, has been used to effectively treat corns for decades. Or try the all-in-one solution, Kroko Medicated Corn Plasters, a dose of medicament in a donute shaped corn cap with a wrap-around plaster. Kroko CornFix, is an innovative liquid application for corns and comes packed with 6 Corn Protectors.

Try these footcare essentials and see and feel the difference.

The evocative crocodile logo and stylishly retro product design make Kroko an instantly recognisable footcare brand in South African pharmacies. With the first Kroko product being on the market since 1936, almost 90 years, this heritage month we are remebering our roots and sharing some of the insights into what has kept Kroko a popular South African brand for all this time.

We have ensured the Kroko brand remains true to its customer-first roots, extending the range of foot care products from focusing on corns and calluses to everything to do with caring for your feet. The flagship product, Kroko Corn and Callus Remover (or Krokodil Salf as it is affectionately known) remains a pharmaceutical favourite, with the original formulation as effective as ever.

The MD recalls fondly how her father - a pharmacist, entrepreneur, and road runner - acquired the product and established the company. My father, was always on the lookout for good products he could buy, develop and market. He bought the original product, Kroko Corn and Callus Remover from two pharmacist sisters who formulated it in the 1930s. At that stage he also owned the well-known Prep shaving range for sensitive skin, and only ever sold well-formulated, effective problem-solving products he used and believed in. He continued to manufacture Kroko locally, supporting the local business, retaining the original, retro, metal ointment tin. We have remained true to this ethos, and all products manufactured under the Kroko brand help solve a particular skincare problem.

My father was an avid runner, competing in 10 Comrades Marathons and earning his Green Number. This meant, in addition to his knowledge of corns, calluses and other skincare issues as a pharmacist, he personally understood foot discomfort, the need for quick effective treatments and the importance of caring for one’s feet.

For years, the company focused on corn and callus removal, adding a corn plaster and corn protector to the range. In recent years, the range has expanded to eleven products which help treat foot and skin care problems - wart removal, eradication of foot odours, fixing cracked skin, and even attending to minor cuts and scratches. Among Kroko’s latest additions are the liquid SkinFix, HeelFix, FingerFix and SkinFilm – the latter an innovative liquid plaster that is a game-changer for hygienically covering minor wounds.

Committed to quality healthcare, Kroko products are approved by The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) – an entity of the National Department of Health that ensures consumer health and well-being. From its humble beginnings, Kroko is now available in DisChem, Clicks and more than two thousand independent pharmacies in South Africa as well as Namibia and Botswana, with plans to extend to East and Southern Africa.

Kroko is an interesting brand in that if you suffer from corns, calluses, or other foot-related health issues, you will know the brand well. It is the go-to product for most pharmacists. But if you don’t have any foot health issues, you may still recognise the logo, even if you haven’t used it personally, just because it has been around for so long. We are entrenched in the industry and even though others have emulated our products (the highest form of flattery!), we remain the brand leader for treating corns and calluses.

The Kroko family journey spans nine decades, supporting the creation of South African jobs while providing long-term relief for common foot and skin health challenges. Proudly South African!

Athlete’s foot is a common skin condition that impacts people who wear closed shoes for extended periods of time or otherwise can be picked up by going barefoot in public changerooms, showers or swimming pools. The fungal infection thrives in warm, damp conditions, so we advise people who wear closed shoes to ensure they air out sweaty feet or if using public areas make sure to wear shoes or flipflops to prevent further spread. As the seasons change, warmer conditions can lead to a rise in fungal skin infections. Here are some tips on how to prevent athlete's foot as the weather warms up.

What is athlete’s foot?

This is a contagious fungal infection that usually starts between the toes of someone who has sweaty feet or who has picked up the infection from the floor, shared towels, or clothing. The signs of athlete’s foot include:

• Scaly, peeling, or cracked skin between the toes
• A burning or stinging sensation
• Itchy feet, particularly after removing socks and shoes
• Dry, scaly skin from the bottom of the foot extending to the sides of the foot
• Inflamed skin which could be red, purple, or grey in colour
• Blisters on the feet

How to prevent athlete’s foot?

Athlete’s foot can be an uncomfortable skin condition that often returns. There are ways to prevent the start of an infection, as well as to prevent the fungal infection from spreading from person to person.

Keep feet clean and dry:

If you’re wear closed shoes for work, try to go barefoot or wear sandals as often as possible outside of these hours. After wearing closed shoes, clean your feet thoroughly with warm, soapy water – especially between the toes - before drying them. If you tend to have sweaty feet, then buy socks made from natural materials like cotton as these limit the amount of moisture. It is important to change your socks every day so you always put on clean socks. Alternate your shoes to give them time to dry out before wearing them again.

Protect your feet:

Athlete’s foot is a contagious infection so try to protect your feet when you’re out in public places. If you’re using public pools, public showers, or public locker rooms, remember to wear waterproof sandals to prevent contracting athlete’s foot. If you live with other people, never share shoes, towels, or linen that haven’t been washed.

Use a foot powder:

Use a proven anti-fungal and anti-bacterial foot powder like Kroko Foot Powder to prevent sweaty and smelly feet. This helps prevent infections by absorbing sweat and killing bacteria. Kroko Foot Powder keeps feet hygienically fresh and odour-free by removing moisture and adding a refreshing minty fragrance.

Corns are a small patch of thickened, dead skin that has a hard central core. These occur at pressure points on the tops or the sides of the toes where the foot comes in contact with a shoe and friction is caused. The discomfort caused by corns impacts everyday activities and can even make the simple act of walking painful. Although not a serious medical condition, corns can be extremely uncomfortable. Kroko corn and callus remover has been on the market for almost 90 years and is our flagship product. While this treatment is effective there are also a number of ways people can avoid developing corns in the first place. Here are 5 tips and tricks for preventing and treating corns and calluses.

Tip 1: Wear the right shoes.

Wearing ill-fitting shoes can cause corns to develop on the toes, particularly if the shoes you are wearing have a narrow toe box or are pointed.  Ditch shoes that cause any pinching or rubbing when walking.

Tip 2: Get the size right.

It’s not just about trying on shoes, you really shoe measure your feet before trying on new shoes.  There should be a half-inch between the longest toe and the front of the shoe. It’s also best to shop at the end of the day when feet are most swollen. Top tip - buy running shoes 1 size bigger.

Tip 3: Replace shoes regularly.

When shoes are worn regularly, the soles wear down which reduces protection from the shock of walking on hard surfaces. Worn linings on shoes can chafe the skin, causing corns, calluses or blisters so replace shoes when needed.  

Tip 4: Wear socks

Socks provide a protective layer between your feet and your shoes. Good quality socks will prevent the friction that leads to corns. If you’re wearing shoes that don’t suit socks, consider wearing no-show or “secret’” socks to help reduce friction. If you’re an athlete, try to invest in quality socks that will provide the necessary cushioning. You can now even buy "blister socks" which really do help prevent corns and calluses as well as blisters.

Tip 5: Check your posture.

People who walk with improper posture or walk too heavily on the inner or outer edge of the foot, can get corns. Check your posture and if necessary, see a chiropractor to align your body and gait.

How do you treat corns?

While these tips might work for most, corns and calluses can still occur, particularly for those who compete in long-distance running. These are best treated with one of Kroko’s tried-and-tested products.

• Kroko Corn and Callus Remover: This tried and trusted remedy has been helping remove corns since 1936. This is a quick and painless cream ointment application for the removal of corns and calluses.

• Kroko CornFix: This a liquid corn removal treatment with an applicator and 6 corn plasters with foam doughnut-shaped rings. CornFix is painted onto the corn and it works by eating away hard, calloused skin and improves the renewal process for smoother, softer feet over time.

• Kroko Medicated Corn Plasters: These are soft foam rings filled with a dose of salicylic acid in an adhesive corn plaster for the symptomatic treatment of corns, warts and inter-digital corns and calluses.

• Kroko Corn Protectors: These are doughnut-shaped foam ring protective corn plasters which help reduce the pressure on painful corns and calluses when wearing shoes or socks.

There’s no doubt that winter has arrived which means that, alongside trying to keep warm, it’s time to ensure that one’s skin is protected and moisturised so it doesn’t become chapped and cracked so here are some tips to protect your hands this winter.

“The biggest culprit to cracked hands and fingers in winter is the lack of moisture in the air,” commented Lynsey Hammond, MD of Kroko, manufacturers of quality foot care and hygiene products. “The humidity in the air drops during winter. As it gets colder, indoor heating is increased which dries out the air, and we wash and sanitise hands more frequently to prevent spreading the flu virus. There are simple ways to prevent your skin from dehydrating which can cause it to flake or even crack. If it does get to this, there’s a great Kroko product that can address this simply and effectively.”

Protect your hands this winter with these 5 simple tricks:

Moisturise hands frequently

With the moisture in the air diminishing, it’s important to lock in the moisture in your hands whenever you can. We also tend to wash ourhands more in winter to prevent colds and flu. So after you wash your hands apply a rich moisturiser to seal in the natural oils. At night, you could even wear cotton gloves after applying the moisturiser to enhance the absorption.

Avoid hot water

Protect your hands and prevent them from drying out avoiding excessively hot water. It’s tempting to increase the temperature of your bath, shower, or even tap water when washing hands to warm up in winter. The problem is that very hot water will strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dehydration and fissures. Rather drop the temperature a bit or shorten your showers to prevent this loss of moisture.

Stay hydrated

In summer, you naturally tend to drink more water as you lose fluids by sweating. In winter, we often forget to drink water as we aren't as thirsty but our skin needs just as much liquid to remain healthy in these cooler months, particularly in dry parts of the country. Remember to stay hydrated by keeping a bottle of water with you at all times, and try to limit alcohol and caffeine which could impact your water content. If you have a humidifier, consider using it to counteract the nighttime dryness.

Minimise the heating

There’s nothing better than a roaring fire on cold winter days and nights, but too much of this can dry out the skin. Artificial heaters are also great for keeping warm, but your hands will feel the effect of too much use. Where possible, try to use warm clothing and blankets rather than artificial heating and fires to increase the temperature – this will benefit your skin and your energy bill!

Use Kroko’s FingerFix

Despite your best intentions, your fingers could crack this winter which means administering a fast-acting healing solution like Kroko’s FingerFix. This is a colourless treatment to protect, cover, and help heal cracked skin on fingers. Kroko’s FingerFix protects the cracks and wounds, preventing the cracks from reopening while hygienically allowing for natural healing. There is no need for bulky plasters Kroko FingerFix is unobtrusive and ensures your hands are happy and healthy this winter.

Beyond healing cracked fingers during the winter months, FingerFix is a great solution for people who suffer from dry hands generally, and those in the habit of picking at the skin on fingers and hands. FingerFix has also proved to be the perfect healing solution for those who use their hands predominantly in their line of work, as well as those who have to wear close-fitting surgical gloves. Chefs, butchers, doctors, carpenters, anglers, artists, office workers… FingerFix is the first choice for many professionals! 

Preparing for Comrades: The athlete's toolkit for tackling foot care woes

South Africa’s great climate and beautiful natural resources support a vibrant running community, with trail and road running races popular countrywide. As the Comrades Marathon approaches, many runners are preparing to compete in The Ultimate Human Race, and along with increasing endurance, foot care will need to be a priority.

The almost 90km Comrades Marathon is considered one of the world’s toughest but most prestigious road races in the world. It takes months of preparation, but something as simple as a blister, corn, or callus can put a runner off their game and affect their finish time. With a 12-hour cutoff, every minute counts! To support all the athletes competing, we’re sharing some tips on keeping feet healthy ahead of – and after – the race.

Get the right footwear

For marathon runners, the most important investment is the right pair of running shoes. Shes need to offer support, cushioning, and stability. Shoes should be snug but not too tight, with your toes free to move so most runners wear a size bigger than their normal shoe size. If you can afford it, it’s best to have a backup pair for rotation during training.

Wear quality socks

An often overlooked but similarly important investment is good running socks that fit well. Socks that are too tight can also cause corns and calluses.  Ill-fitting, wet cotton socks will lead to several foot health challenges including blisters. Acrylic brands that are lightweight and breathable are a good option. You can even buy special anti-blister socks.

Keep your feet clean and dry

Before slipping your feet into socks and shoes, clean them with soap and water Dry them thoroughly – particularly between the toes. People who wear closed shoes and sweat heavily can be more prone to fungal infections too so it’s important to keep your feet as dry as possible.

Keep your toenails short

Many runners are familiar with the sight of black toenails after hours of training, and while this isn’t always avoidable, the risk can be diminished. Cut your toenails regularly as longer toenails will press into your socks and running shoes, causing inflammation of the nails.

Use quality foot powder

A runner’s best foot care product is a quality foot powder which absorbs moisture in the shoe and prevents blisters. Kroko Foot Powder has anti-fungal ingredients to help prevent fungal infections and athlete’s foot. The purified talc and zinc stearate will help absorb excess moisture. For best results, sprinkle the powder directly onto the foot as well as in the shoes.

Strengthen and stretch your feet

Prevent foot injuries by stretching your feet and toes such as flexing and pointing toes or rolling a tennis ball underfoot. Another great exercise for feet is standing with both feet flat on the floor, and then slowly lifting the big toe only on each foot. This improves circulation, strengthens feet, and can reduce the risk of cramps when running. A magnesium supplement will also help prevent cramps in the feet and other muscles.

Treat corns and calluses early

Many experienced marathon runners develop corns and calluses. Calluses are thick, hardened layers of skin that develop when the skin tries to protect itself against friction or pressure like from running shoes. It’s best to treat these quickly with effective products that yield results. Kroko’s flagship corn and callus remover has been the go-to treatment since 1936 and is tried and trusted by athletes and marathon runners caring for their feet. Kroko also has medicated Corn Plasters, Corn Protectors, and CornFix – an innovative liquid application with corn protectors included in the pack.

Kroko’s corn and callus treatments are a runner’s best friend!

The Kroko team would like to wish all Comrades Marathon runners success in this year’s race.

Kroko is with you every step of the way!

Warts are a common affliction and mostly affect children and teenagers, although people of any age can get them. They can cause significant discomfort or embarrassment. Otherwise warts can just be a minor inconvenience. The good news is that warts are easily removed with an over-the-counter remedy from your pharamacy or purchased online.

What are common warts?

Common warts are fleshy skin growths. Warts spread through person to person contact and summer is the time when they are most contagious. The virus is contagious and easily spread in wet environments such as swimming pools and change rooms, school playgrounds and gyms. Warts do go away over time but it can take a few years for them to fall off naturally so it is best to treat warts early and before they spread.

What types of warts are there?

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the virus which causes warts. This virus thrives in warm, moist weather conditions, making them particularly common during the summer months. There are many kinds of warts with the most prevalent being:

• Common warts have a rough surface, are greyish-yellow or brown and are found on the fingers, elbows, knees, or the face.
• Filiform warts are small, long, narrow growths with finger-like projections that often appear on eyelids, lips, face, or neck.
• Flat warts are small, smooth growths that tend to form in clusters on the face, back of the hands, or legs.
• Periungual warts appear as thickened skin around the nails and can cause painful splits in the skin.
• Plantar and palmar warts are warts on the soles of the feet (plantar) or the palms of the hands (palmar). Standing or walking exerts pressure and makes the warts hurt.
• Mosaic warts are palmer or planter warts which form in clusters.

What are wart treatments?

There are many different ‘old wives’ wart treatments and these range in effectiveness and many of them are medically unproven. Home remedies include everything from clear nail polish and duct tape to sliced garlic, oil, and raw potato. Warts can also be removed by a doctor or skin specialist but this is an expensive option and not always a permanent solution. There can be some scarring.

What is the best wart remover?

Kroko WartFix is a tried-and-tested at-home solution for common wart removal which is both cost-effective and simple. This is a flexible liquid application which forms a waterproof covering over the wart. Apply WartFix directly to the wart, not the surrounding skin and keep reapplying it twice a day until the wart falls off which can take up to two weeks. Please follow the on-pack directions for best results and take care to protect the healthy skin around the wart, as directed.

If you are unsure about your wart or concerned in any way, please seek the advice of a medical professional.

Buy Kroko WartFix Online

The start of a new school year is a flurry of activity as learning and sports get underway. There are many demands on young learners mentally and physically, but parents and caregivers can help the little ones put their best foot forward by considering foot health.

“School years are a crucial time for a child’s development and, as they grow, maintaining foot health becomes even more important,” explained Lynsey Hammond, MD of Kroko, manufacturers of quality footcare products. “Many people don’t realise that foot health is connected with posture and alignment. Taking care of the feet will protect the spine and neck in later years.”

She says time spent travelling to and from school, as well as time at school itself, puts a lot of pressure on young feet. “In South Africa, many young children have to travel far distances to get to and from school – either barefoot or in ill-fitting shoes - as well as playing on the hard ground for sports or on the playground. They sit at school desks for a large part of the day, which means proper foot health for correct posture. We’ve put together useful foot care tips for caregivers to help their children start the year right.”

1. Choose the correct-sized shoes and socks

Most school children are required to wear socks and school shoes throughout the day. If the shoes are not the right size and don't fit well it can really be detrimental to feet. When a child wears the wrong-sized shoes, they can suffer from blisters, pressure sores, ingrown toenails, and deformities like hammer toes – not to mention future posture problems. Sock size, too, can impact their overall discomfort. Children’s feet are constantly growing, so it’s important to measure the feet fairly regularly. If a child is suffering from feet challenges, there is Kroko SkinFilm for minor cuts and scratches, and HeelFix for dry and damaged heels.

2. Keep the feet dry

In South Africa’s hot summer, and with feet trapped in socks and school shoes, there is a risk of sweating. Make sure children’s feet are kept clean and dry by changing socks and airing out shoes. Also remember to dry between toes after washing. If feet are left wet, there is a risk of fungal infections, athlete’s foot, or corns. Kroko Foot Powder or Kroko Shoe & Foot Odour spray is a great option if a child suffers from excessively sweaty feet; as it keeps feet hygienic and fresh.

3. Let those feet breathe

Encouraging active children to rest is not always easy, but if they’ve had a busy day at school on the playground and sports field, then it’s important to let the feet rest and heal. Pushing it too far can result in pain and discomfort. By resting their feet, children will be ready for another day of adventures, and a life of healthy living! It’s also important for children to go barefoot some times. There are thousands of nerve endings in each foot and walking barefoot on wet grass or soft sand helps to develop new neurological connections. Just ensure they’re walking on surfaces that are safe for bare feet and not too hot.

KROKO’s pharmaceutically formulated foot care products are designed for foot hygiene, the treatment of corns and calluses, and cracked heels. The product range also includes remedies for warts, cracked skin, minor cuts and scratches.

Keep updated on all Kroko news by following Krokofootcare on Facebook or kroko_footcare on Instagram. Kroko – with you every step of the way.