eczema (dermatitis)

This condition, otherwise known as dermatitis account for a large proportion of skin diseases. The most common occurring on the feet is contact dermatitis, meaning inflammation of the skin as a result of contact with an external factor, usually something within the shoe or perhaps a reaction to nylon stockings.

Note in the picture below the contact dermatitis as a result of sensitivity to rubber sole inserts.

The resulting inflammation itself can be debilitating and is characterized by:

acute symptoms

• redness
• swelling
• formation of small blisters
• oozing
• scaling
• itching

  chronic symptoms

• scaling
• skin thickening
• fissuring
• lichenification (leathery appearance of skin)

As bad as all that looks and feels, the bigger problem is the possibility of developing a secondary bacterial infection with a spreading cellulitis. This is particularly dangerous in the debilitated patient or the diabetic or the patient with poor circulation.

Allergic eczema This dermatitis, by one estimate affects upwards of 4% of the population. It is more prevalent among people who have asthma or hay fever. In these individuals the condition usually starts in infancy and continues into adulthood. This condition is also known as atopic dermatitis and there is a strong familial tendency.

Contact dermatitis This is the most common type seen on the foot. Although in most cases it occurs from direct contact with an irritant, factors such as stress, profuse sweating, a dry environment, and an exposure to hot and cold environments can set it off.

Winter itch is a type of dermatitis that generally occurs on the lower legs. It is the result of diminished moisture in the air which then dries out the skin. It creates a great amount of itching, but because the skin on the lower legs can be thin to begin with, there is a high incidence of 'tearing' the skin by scratching and thus a tendency to infection, even possibly a very slow healing wound. The problem with using cortisone cream on this type of dermatitis is that cortisone will only further thin the skin.

Neurodermatitis This dermatitis usually has emotional origins. This can be particularly bad because the patient will constantly scratch so bad that the eczema will break open and become infected. Note the debilitating case of neurodermatitis below.

Other factors that will set off eczema in general include changes in estrogen levels in women, food reactions such as from dairy products, eggs, soy, wheat or peanuts.

It is helpful to know when the outbreaks occurred. Did it happen after playing with the neighbor’s dog, or after spending the afternoon in the park being exposed to ragweed and other grasses? Did you just wear a new pair of shoes or socks?

Even knowing the factors that can set it off, it may be difficult to prevent eczema flare-ups. For no apparent reason the area may start to itch and your normal reaction is to scratch. The problem is that the scratching further inflames the skin and many times will make the rash worse or may spread it beyond its original borders.

Cortisone creams The simple solution is to try over the counter hydrocortisone creams or prescription grade cortisone creams if the over the counter brands do not work. Just be aware of the fact that chronic use of topical cortisone creams has a tendency to thin out the skin. They can be supplemented with oral antihistamine, but only for short periods of time, to reduce the itch and inflammation. Should the skin become mildly infected adding a topical antibacterial cream like Neosporin or bacitracin can be helpful.

Vitamin A and E lotion As a first of line of defense for preventative measures, applying lotions containing vitamin A and E can soothe and calm the skin making a flare-up less likely.

Lidocaine gels For those whose main complaint is constant itching, using a lotion which is cortisone free but instead contains topical lidocaine may be a better alternative as the lidocaine will take away the itching without thinning out the skin. Elderly patients and those with "thin" skin need to be particularly aware of this.

Should the area become grossly infected, oral antibiotics may be necessary. It also should go without saying that removing the external irritant in the case of contact dermatitis is also mandatory.

Bathing frequently is helpful as soap and water help dry out any "weeping" wounds and contrary to what you may have read, actually moisturizes the skin. When you bathe, use lukewarm water and a mild non-irritating soap.

Immediately after bathing apply liberal amounts of moisturizer to the affected areas. I always tell my patients, that is is not so much what you apply to hydrate your skin (as there are dozens of products on the market), but rather how often you apply the lotion. Three times a day during flare ups is not excessive.

Add one of these to your bath: Some experts recommend adding one of the following to your bath. One half to one cup of baking soda or, 1 to 2 cups of Aveeno (colloidal oatmeal sold in stores) or 1 to 2 cups of finely ground oatmeal bought in the grocery store and then run through your coffee grinder.

Shea butter Some people have very sensitive skin and unfortunately most creams and emollients are made from petroleum by products and have many synthetic ingredients added to them to change the smell or consistency of the cream. For those of you in that category, one option is to try all natural shea butter. This compound has been around for years and is very effective.

Fish oil or fish oil capsules can also be very helpful. The inflammation associated with eczema occurs because your body produces unusually high levels of compounds called prostaglandins. Fish oil is known to reduce this inflammation.

Primrose oil British researchers found that evening primrose oil also provides significant relief from eczema as it is rich in omega-6 fatty acids which are chemically similar to the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil.

Because of the unique nature of feet constantly being enclosed in shoes, or if barefoot, being exposed to irritants on the ground, proper cleansing and avoidance of the materials or chemicals that have set off the eczema are mandatory.

Recurrence rates can be very high in the feet.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes eczema on the feet?

Eczema is an inflammatory skin reaction often triggered by irritants in shoes, stockings, or the environment. Contact dermatitis is the most common type on the feet and may result from materials like rubber, nylon, or chemicals.

What are the symptoms of eczema?

Acute symptoms include redness, swelling, blisters, oozing, scaling, and itching. Chronic cases may show skin thickening, fissures, and a leathery appearance.

What types of eczema can affect the feet?

Common types include allergic eczema, contact dermatitis, winter itch, and neurodermatitis. Each may be triggered by irritants, stress, sweating, dry environments, temperature changes, or food sensitivities.

Why is eczema on the feet sometimes dangerous?

The biggest risk is secondary bacterial infection or spreading cellulitis. This is especially concerning in diabetics, debilitated patients, or those with poor circulation.

How can eczema on the feet be treated?

Treatment includes cortisone creams, moisturizers, antihistamines, lidocaine gels, and removing external irritants. Frequent bathing with mild soap, consistent moisturization, and avoiding triggering materials are essential for preventing flare‑ups.

REFERENCES

Mayo Clinic

MedlinePlus

American Academy of Dermatology