Atopic dermatitis (the most common form of eczema) can occur anywhere on the body, including the feet.
When it affects the feet, it is the most common on the ankles and the skin on the feet.
It can cause symptoms like serious itching, redness, oozing and discolored or thickened skin.
Few research exists on the frequency to which atopic dermatitis appears on the feet, but a study showed that, among nearly 3,300 participants with the disease, almost 10% had a feet eczema.
Here are five important things to know about atopic dermatitis on the feet, including common triggers and how to manage it.
1. Your shoes count
One way to reduce or prevent symptoms of atopic dermatitis on your feet is to wear the right shoes. “Mediocre shoes that cause repetitive friction and friction can worsen atopic dermatitis on the feet,” explains Patricia Oyetakin, MD, dermatologist based in Atlanta.
Pay attention to your socks, also says Susan Massick, MD, dermatologist and associate professor of dermatology at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus. “Some fabrics can worsen itching, especially if you have allergic or irritating contact dermatitis,” explains Dr. Massick.
Choose thin and smooth socks when possible. If you have to wear thick socks for work or another reason, wear a lining under them in polypropylene, merino wool, silk or nylon. These materials help flourish with your feet.
“Excess sweat can irritate the fiery skin, making it more painful and itching,” said Dr. Oyetakin.
2. Atopic dermatitis on the feet may look like the athlete’s foot
The athlete’s foot, a common fungal infection, causes itching, burns and scaly skin and cracked between the toes.
These symptoms may resemble atopic dermatitis and can be wrongly diagnosed, explains Oyetakin. While the athlete’s foot generally affects the area between your toes, atopic dermatitis can appear anywhere at the foot, says Massick.
It is important to get the right diagnosis so that you can get the best treatment. “Treatments for the athlete’s foot will not treat underlying eczema, and treatments for eczema can worsen the athlete’s foot,” explains Massick.
3. Symptoms may vary considerably from person to person
Symptoms of atopic dermatitis on the feet can go depending on the duration of the duration, your complexion and your skin type.
“Symptoms can also vary from person to person, minimum symptoms and light itching with serious itching, pain and difficulty walking,” explains Massick. “”[Your skin] May appear red and ignited in the acute phase but may seem thickened, caller, scaly and hyperpigmented with a long -standing eczema. »»
For some, atopic dermatitis can cause additional skin folds in the soles of the feet, but others do not do it.
In addition, hyperpigmentation (skin plates that are darker than the skin around it) is more common than redness in people with chronic atopic dermatitis or with darker skin, Massick explains. But different tones of skin can also reveal pink, red, purple, brown or gray skin.
4. Barefoot and sandals increase your risk of symptoms of atopic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis prevents the skin from protecting itself from triggers, and also prevents your immune system from reacting normally to bacteria and irritants. These two factors mean that the feet are first -rate targets for symptoms, especially if you frequently wear sandals or make bare feet. Symptoms of atopic dermatitis may appear on the feet when exposed to triggers such as soap, water, dirt, perspiration, bacteria, rough surfaces or very high or low temperatures.
5. Do not jump your feet when using a treatment or a moisturizer
There are many treatment options for atopic dermatitis, and it is important to use them wherever your atopic dermatitis occurs, including feet. “Some people can skip these areas and focus only on the face, body, arms and legs,” explains Oyetakin.
Your doctor may prescribe a topical treatment, such as a topical steroid cream, to manage your symptoms. Use it only as indicated and be sure not to apply it more than prescribed, because the overuse of topical steroids can lighten your skin over time.
If the creams do not cut it, you have other options. “Stubborn eczema on the feet may require systemic treatment if topical treatments do not work,” explains Oyetakin. These may include oral immunosuppressants or injected biologicals.
Besides the treatments, be sure to keep your feet clean and hydrated, explains Massick. “The key to the treatment of the MA is to reduce inflammation and improve moisture and hydration of dry skin, which will help itching, heal the cracks and cracks and will improve symptoms,” she says.
The point to take away
- Atopic dermatitis of the feet occurs in about 10% of people with this type of eczema and can cause discolored or thickened skin, severe itching, redness or oozing.
- Feet eczema can be triggered by perspiration, bacteria and extreme temperatures, but you can avoid triggers by wearing thin and smooth socks and support shoes that prevent friction.
- The symptoms of the advertisement on the feet vary considerably and depend on your complexion and your duration of the state, but all types of symptoms can be treated with topical creams and oral and injected drugs designed to reduce inflammation.
