The skin on the feet becomes red, itchy, and inflamed as a result of foot eczema.
Dermatitis, another name for eczema, is a common ailment, especially in young children.
Eczema affects 10-20% of children, and while the majority of them outgrow it by the age of ten, 3% of adults continue to experience it on occasion.
The toes, heel, sides, and ball of the foot are where eczema commonly develops, though it can affect any region of the foot.
Eczema on the feet typically results from friction, dampness, or an allergic reaction.
While there isn't a specific therapy for foot eczema, there are ways to manage the condition's itching, irritation, and moisture loss.
Typical Forms Of Foot Eczema
There are several different varieties of foot eczema, with atopic dermatitis being the most prevalent. Here, we'll examine the most typical forms of foot eczema, their origins, and symptoms before moving on to the most effective eczema treatments.
- Initial Atopic Dermatitis
Foot eczema of this type is most frequently atopic dermatitis. Since it is a chronic disorder, its duration is considerable.
Atopic dermatitis symptoms frequently experience "flare-ups" and remissions. Usually beginning before the age of two, it can last until adulthood and, in some cases, through adolescence.
Why does atopic dermatitis develop?
Atopic dermatitis can induce foot eczema, however the actual etiology is uncertain. It is assumed that the immune system overreacts to specific allergens or irritants, either inside the body or outside of it, leading to inflammation.
Eczema patients' skin becomes dry as a result of their inability to retain moisture, which increases the risk that specific triggers will cause an allergic reaction. Filaggrin, a protein that keeps a strong, protective skin barrier in place and prevents moisture loss, may be lacking in the skin, which makes it simpler for germs and viruses to enter the skin. According to studies, at least one filaggrin gene mutation can cause at least 50% of all cases of severe eczema.
You are also more likely to develop atopic dermatitis if you have asthma and/or hay fever. The "atopic trio," a grouping of these three allergy diseases, frequently co-occurs.
Additionally, there is a possible genetic relationship between having family members with any of the atopic triad and an increased risk of developing foot eczema and atopic dermatitis.
It's critical to keep in mind that atopic dermatitis cannot be spread from one person to another.
2. Foot dyshidrotic eczema
Dyshidrotic foot eczema, also known as Dishydrosis or Pompholyx, results in the development of tiny, deep blisters on the palms of your hands, the soles of your feet, and the sides of your feet.
When it only affects the feet, the condition is known as Pedopompholyx.
The first symptom of dyshidrotic eczema is severe scratching that may feel like burning on the fingers, toes, and soles of the feet.
Then, little blisters that may be fluid-filled appear. The blisters may become highly painful and begin to flow pus if the skin becomes infected, especially if you scratch a lot. Large blisters may develop in severe cases.
Dyshidrotic eczema blisters often disappear within a few weeks; during the healing process, the skin usually dries up and splits.
Dyshidrotic eczema is thought to be brought on by a fungus, an allergic reaction to metals or soaps, stress, seasonal allergies, and excessive perspiration. It is typically genetic and typically affects individuals between the ages of 20 and 40.
- Nummular Eczema
Skin lesions in the shape of coins are the first sign of nummular eczema.
This condition, often referred to as Nummular Dermatitis or Discoid Eczema, results in the development of coin-shaped spot patches that may leak or crust over. The skin around the lesions gets irritated and turns red or brown. The patches might or might not itch.
Nummular eczema may manifest as a reaction to some metals, skin trauma such as a burn or insect bite, inflammation in other parts of the body, dry skin, inadequate blood flow, or other factors.
Unlike other forms of foot eczema, nummular eczema does not seem to have a hereditary component. Additionally, it rarely returns and typically goes away entirely within a year. Men aged 55 to 65 and women between the ages of 13 and 25 are typically affected. Children may be impacted as well.
- Dermatitis from contact
The two types of contact dermatitis are allergic contact dermatitis, which is brought on by an immunological reaction to an irritant like metal or latex, and irritating contact dermatitis, which happens when a chemical or other similar substance irritates your skin.
Contact dermatitis symptoms typically appear relatively rapidly after exposure to the irritant and include skin that is red, itchy, and blistered, maybe with pus. The foot rash section has extensive information on both types of contact dermatitis.
For sensitive skin prone to rashes, experts recommend DrLuigi medical footwear made of natural materials. It is important to wear shoes in which your feet can breathe.