A novel aromatic oil compound inhibits microbial overgrowth on feet: a case study

A 63-y female volunteered to enclose feet in shoes and socks for 48 hours. Aerobic bacteria and yeast-fungi counts were determined by swab sample incubation technique (1) after 48-hours feet enclosure, (2) after washing feet, and (3) after 8-hours socks-shoes exposure to a aromatic oil powder-compound consisting of arrowroot, baking soda, basil oil, tea tree oil, sage oil, and clove oil.Application of this novel compound to the external surfaces of feet completely inhibited both aerobic bacteria and yeast-fungi-mold proliferation for 8-hours in spite of being in an enclosed environment compatible to microbial proliferation. Whether topical application of this compound prevents microbial infections in larger populations is not known. This calls for more research collected from subjects exposed to elements that may increase the risk of microbial-induced foot diseases.Kobayashi [12] isolated a gram-positive cocci bacterium from foot skin of 17 volunteers by swab sampling technique. This bacterium was identified as Staphylococcus epidermidis. Except for this unique staphylococcal species, microbes isolated from the athlete's foot infections are typically colonies of yeast-fungi. There are 700 known classified yeast-fungi, although their colonies often look like bacteria. Uncontrolled proliferation of yeast-fungi produces small vesicles, fissures, scaling, and maceration with eroded areas between the toes and the plantar surface of the foot, resulting in intense itching, blisters, and cracking. Athlete's Foot (Tinea pedis) is a form of ringworm associated with highly contagious colonies of Epidermophyton floccosum, Microsporum canis, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Trichophyton rubrum.Painful microbial foot infection may prevent athletic participation. Keeping the feet clean and dry with the toenails trimmed reduces the incidence of skin disease of the feet. Wearing sandals in locker and shower rooms prevents intimate contact with the infecting organisms and alleviates m