Contact dermatitis is a reaction on the skin to a substance to which a person is allergic. A reaction can be on the feet and ankles or between the toes. It appears as small raised nodules that are red and itchy. The most common causes include reaction to the dyes, leather and rubbers used in shoes. Allergens in shoes are at their highest when they are new.
The condition can worsen with exercise and general shoe wear because heat that develops while wearing shoes is often trapped in the shoe. Perspiration causes the allergen to carry through to the skin.
Other names or similar foot conditions:
- Sometimes confused with athlete’s foot or fungal infections
Symptoms:
- Red, itchy nodules
- May appear to be due to one pair of shoes vs. another
Signs to look for:
- Red, itchy nodules
- Information about whether the person recently started wearing new shoes
Possible Causes:
- Allergic reaction to dyes, leather, rubbers or the pesticides associated with them used in shoes
- Hyperhidrosis (excessive perspiration)
Goals:
- Treat the dermatitis
- Prevent further outbreaks with shoes made from cloth, canvas or hemp
- Preventative measures – control moisture and heat in shoes
How We Help:
Shoes:
- Begin by switching to white cloth or canvas shoes
- If cloth or canvas shoes do not stop the problem, use hypoallergenic shoes, such as shoes made with hemp
Other:
- Wear copper, bamboo or silver socks that provide protection from allergens and wick moisture away from the skin
- Topical corticosteroid cream and/or medical care if necessary
- Foot anti-perspirant and/or powder with zinc oxide nanotechnology
- Avoid cotton socks as they retain moisture
- Place cedar shoe trees in shoes after each wearing so shoes always fully dry out
This information does not constitute a diagnosis of your condition and does not take the place of a doctor’s care. The information has been compiled from sources available to the general public and referenced below. Copyright 2005-2010 Carole Romig
Sources Image: A. Decker, S. Albert, Contemporary Pedorthics Text: PodiatryChannel.com, R. Cailliet, MD, Foot and Ankle Pain, hmc.psu.edu