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ALLERGIES AND CONTACT DERMATITIS

Contact dermatitis is a reaction on the skin to a substance the person is allergic to. Allergic reactions are fairly common on the feet and ankles. Contact dermatitis is recognizable by small raised nodules that are red and itchy. They can be anywhere on the foot an ankle and between the toes.

The most common causes include the dyes, leather and rubbers used in shoes. Allergens in shoes are at their highest when they are new and many have a reaction upon wearing new shoes.

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. a her

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 - controlling moisture and heat in shoes

Solutions:

• Begin by switching to white cloth or canvas shoes
• If cloth or canvas shoes do stop the problem, use hypoallergenic shoes, such as shoes made with hemp

• Copper socks
• Topical corticosteroid cream and/or medical care
• Wear synthetic socks that are made to wick moisture away from skin
• Place cedar shoe trees in shoes after each wearing so shoes always fully dry out

Activities:

If unable to wear hypoallergenic or cloth shoes due to wanting to dress more formally for a certain occasion, use foot anti-perspirant on sole of foot, use topical cream on areas normally sensitive and wear moisture wicking socks