In the HVAC world, dirty sock syndrome refers to the presence of an odor from the air conditioner that, well, smells much like dirty socks. No dirty socks are present, fortunately, but what is present and causing that odor is bacteria and mold.
Poor indoor air quality can increase the chances of getting "Dirty Sock Syndrome". Having the coils, drain pan, and drain line cleaned regularly may help solve this problem. An ERV/HRV - Fresh Air Ventilation System can also help - more on that later. But installing a UV System is the best answer.
Just don't ignore Dirty Sock Syndrome if it goes away on its own! When the shoulder seasons are over, the smell often lessens or goes away completely. This doesn't mean you're off the hook. All the junk on your coil is still there, and it will stink again when the conditions are right.
Dirty Sock Syndrome is caused by the buildup of mold and bacteria on your air conditioner. Specifically, this buildup occurs in the system's evaporator coil, which is housed in the indoor A/C unit. Most indoor air conditioner units are located in a home's basement. Basements are typically cool, damp, and dark.
Dirty sock syndrome isn't usually dangerous, and it isn't going to kill you. However, you should still address it before it becomes a bigger problem.
The high levels of bacteria growth on the feet can keep the skin cells from regenerating and repairing the skin tissues of your feet. The bacteria thriving on your dirty, sweat-filled socks may cause enzymes and nutrients in your body to degenerate, causing irritation and infections.
Wearing socks all of the time is generally regarded as perfectly healthy if done properly. There are myths that wearing socks 24/7 can lead to fungal growth and result in foul smelling feet.
Many of us like to whiff smelly things. It's a form of what psychologists call 'benign masochism'. The minor thrill of a nasty smell has been likened to the adrenaline rush we get from rollercoasters.
Usually made out of fibers that don't allow your feet to breathe properly, certain materials can make your feet even hotter than the rest of your body. The hotter it gets, the more your feet sweat. Once sweating and bacteria growth gets out of control the stink starts to build.
You should clean your ac coils, including the evaporator and condenser coils twice a year. Once in the spring before your turn on the system for the summer, and once in the fall before you shut it down for the winter.
Use Hot Water for Infected Laundry
For white cotton socks, you can use chlorine bleach along with hot water to disinfect the fabric. For colored socks and clothes that cannot be washed in hot water and should not be exposed to chlorine bleach, use a non-chlorine disinfecting method.
Anyone can get athlete's foot, so it's important to wear clean, dry socks and change them daily. In addition, keeping your feet clean removes any bacteria and dead skin that may have accumulated and could cause an infection.
If the smell coming from your AC smells like dirty socks or stinky feet, this is another indication of a moisture issue. Your filters may be dirty or your drainage system clogged, causing too much moisture or standing water in your AC unit that eventually starts to smell like sweaty feet.
Sweaty sock syndrome occurs as shiny, red patches on the weight-bearing surfaces of the feet. The skin appears tight and smooth. Occasionally, painful cracks (fissures) may be present. Even though children may complain of heavy sweating, the skin feels dry and scaly.
It's often described as musty and earthy, and may even smell like rotting vegetables or plants. You might notice a musty smell, but not be able to see any mold growing. In this case, you should look for areas that might be exposed to water. Mold needs moisture to grow.
A simple smelly feet remedy is to use an antiperspirant on your feet. The deodorant you use on your underarms to keep them dry can be every bit as good on sweaty feet. Spray deodorants can be easiest for this, although roll-ons allow you target the area more accurately.
Use a surgical-grade antibacterial soap found at your pharmacy. We recommend Betadine Skin Cleanser, pHisoderm® or Hibiclens. Dry your feet thoroughly, especially between your toes.
The sweat substance produced by the apocrine glands is fatty. Bacteria on the skin act on sweat and break it down to odorous fatty acids. Therefore the sweat produced by apocrine glands is likely to cause a fouler odor. Knowing this, the question of how to get rid of smelly balls becomes easier to answer.
“There may be an increased risk of skin infection, especially if the socks used are made of synthetic material like nylon. Body temperature can rise due to excessive use of socks,” he said.
Sleeping sockless won't negatively impact your health, but as discussed above, if you have insomnia, Raynaud's syndrome or menopausal night sweats, wearing socks could help alleviate some of your symptoms.