Foot rash: Causes, symptoms, and treatments

A foot rash can occur due to an allergic reaction or infection. Most foot rashes, such as athlete’s foot and contact dermatitis, are treatable with over-the-counter (OTC) medications.

However, other types of foot rashes, such as cellulitis may require medical intervention.

In this article, we list a few common causes of foot rashes along with their symptoms and treatment options.

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a highly contagious fungal infection that develops on the feet.

A fungus called Trichophyton causes athlete’s foot. This fungus thrives in warm, moist environments, such as shower floors and the inside of shoes.

Athlete’s foot often leads to itchy, burning skin between the toes. Other symptoms of the condition include:

• dry, scaly, or cracked skin
• flushed or raw skin
• weak, discolored toenails
• cracked or oozing blisters on the feet

Treatment

Most people can treat athlete’s foot with an OTC antifungal treatment, usually in the form of an oral tablet or a liquid or cream. More severe infections may require prescription-strength medication.

Topical steroids, such as hydrocortisone, can help reduce inflammation and relieve itching and soreness.

Contact dermatitis is a rash that occurs when a substance irritates the skin or produces an allergic reaction.

Substances that may cause contact dermatitis can include:

• metals, such as nickel
• makeup
• latex
• frequent washing or contact with water
• bleach

Treatment

People can avoid the substance that they think is causing contact dermatitis to see whether their rash clears within 1–3 weeks. Antihistamines and topical corticosteroids may help relieve symptoms.

Poison ivy, oak, and sumac grow in both wooded and marshy areas. These plants produce sap that contains an allergen called urushiol.

Urushiol can trigger an allergic skin reaction called contact dermatitis. About 50–75% of adults in the United States are allergic to urushiol.

Symptoms of a poison ivy, oak, or sumac rash include:

• flushed, itchy skin
• bumps or blisters on the skin
• swollen, tender skin
• difficulty breathing
• fever

Treatment

Poison ivy, oak, and sumac rashes usually clear up by themselves within a few weeks.

If someone believes that they have had exposure to urushiol, they can remove the oils immediately by washing themselves and their clothes with soap and water.

OTC topical treatments, such as calamine lotion and hydrocortisone, can help relieve itching and swelling. A doctor may prescribe an oral antihistamine to lessen the allergic reaction.

Dyshidrotic eczema, or dyshidrosis, is a common form of eczema that causes itchy blisters on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

According to the National Eczema Association, dyshidrotic eczema is twice as common in females as males.

Symptoms can include:

• deep blisters on the toes, palms, edges of the fingers, and soles of the feet
• flushed, itchy skin
• scaly, cracked, or flaking skin
• swollen, tender skin

Treatment

There is currently no cure for dyshidrotic eczema. Treatments for this skin condition involve reducing symptoms and preventing secondary infections and other complications.

A doctor may prescribe a topical steroid to reduce swelling and itching. Botox injections can lessen sweating and excess moisture in the hands and feet, which can prevent infections.

At-home treatments for dyshidrotic eczema include:

• soaking the hands and feet in cool water
• applying a cold compress to the affected skin
• using moisturizer or cream that repairs the skin barrier

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a skin condition that occurs due to coxsackievirus and enterovirus infections. HFMD is highly contagious, and people can contract it by:

• touching a person with the infection
• touching objects or surfaces that carry the virus
• breathing air that contains the virus particles

Although HFMD is most common among young children under the age of 5, anyone can develop the infection.

HFMD usually leads to small spots appearing on the hands and feet, as well as mouth sores. Other symptoms include:

• painful blisters
• fever
• sore throat
• loss of appetite
• pain when eating or swallowing

Treatment

There are no specific treatments for HFMD. People may be able to manage symptoms with OTC medication that reduces fever and pain.

Drinking cold liquids can help keep people hydrated while soothing a sore throat.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most people with HFMD get better within 7–10 days.

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection that develops in the deep layers of the skin and on the lower legs and feet. Symptoms include:

• skin that appears swollen
• skin that feels warm, tender, or painful to the touch
• skin dimpling
• blisters
• fatigue
• fever or chills
• cold sweats
• nausea or vomiting
• swollen, tender lymph nodes

People with light skin tones may also notice reddened skin in the affected area.

Treatment

Cellulitis can develop suddenly and can be life threatening without treatment.

Doctors usually prescribe antibiotics to treat the bacterial infection responsible for cellulitis. Other beneficial at-home treatment options include:

• keeping the affected leg or foot raised to reduce swelling
• taking OTC pain medications to relieve pain and reduce fever
• avoiding scratching or itching the affected skin
• keeping the area clean and dry

Scabies is a skin condition that occurs when microscopic scabies mites burrow into the upper layer of the skin. These mites then feed on skin cells and lay eggs. Symptoms of scabies usually develop within 4–8 weeks.

A scabies infestation can lead to a skin rash and intense itching. The affected area of skin may develop pimple-like blisters or thick, crusty scales.

Treatment

People cannot treat scabies with at-home remedies. A doctor must prescribe topical medications that kill scabies mites.

After starting treatment, people will need to disinfect their bedding, clothing, and any other fabrics that they regularly use. Doing this will help prevent recurring infestations.

People should contact their healthcare provider if their foot rash is painful or significantly interferes with their daily activities.

Parents and caregivers should see a healthcare provider if a child or infant develops a skin rash or blisters.

It is important for a person to seek medical attention straight away if their rash does not improve with treatment or they develop a fever.

There are numerous possible causes of foot rashes, ranging from allergic reactions to infections. Most cases clear up on their own, but OTC medications can help relieve swelling, itching, and pain during recovery.

A person should speak with a doctor if they have a foot rash that does not respond to treatment or they develop signs of an infection.

Foot rash: Causes, symptoms, and treatments

A foot rash can occur due to an allergic reaction or infection. Most foot rashes, such as athlete’s foot and contact dermatitis, are treatable with over-the-counter (OTC) medications.

However, other types of foot rashes, such as cellulitis may require medical intervention.

In this article, we list a few common causes of foot rashes along with their symptoms and treatment options.

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a highly contagious fungal infection that develops on the feet.

A fungus called Trichophyton causes athlete’s foot. This fungus thrives in warm, moist environments, such as shower floors and the inside of shoes.

Athlete’s foot often leads to itchy, burning skin between the toes. Other symptoms of the condition include:

• dry, scaly, or cracked skin
• flushed or raw skin
• weak, discolored toenails
• cracked or oozing blisters on the feet

Treatment

Most people can treat athlete’s foot with an OTC antifungal treatment, usually in the form of an oral tablet or a liquid or cream. More severe infections may require prescription-strength medication.

Topical steroids, such as hydrocortisone, can help reduce inflammation and relieve itching and soreness.

Contact dermatitis is a rash that occurs when a substance irritates the skin or produces an allergic reaction.

Substances that may cause contact dermatitis can include:

• metals, such as nickel
• makeup
• latex
• frequent washing or contact with water
• bleach

Treatment

People can avoid the substance that they think is causing contact dermatitis to see whether their rash clears within 1–3 weeks. Antihistamines and topical corticosteroids may help relieve symptoms.

Poison ivy, oak, and sumac grow in both wooded and marshy areas. These plants produce sap that contains an allergen called urushiol.

Urushiol can trigger an allergic skin reaction called contact dermatitis. About 50–75% of adults in the United States are allergic to urushiol.

Symptoms of a poison ivy, oak, or sumac rash include:

• flushed, itchy skin
• bumps or blisters on the skin
• swollen, tender skin
• difficulty breathing
• fever

Treatment

Poison ivy, oak, and sumac rashes usually clear up by themselves within a few weeks.

If someone believes that they have had exposure to urushiol, they can remove the oils immediately by washing themselves and their clothes with soap and water.

OTC topical treatments, such as calamine lotion and hydrocortisone, can help relieve itching and swelling. A doctor may prescribe an oral antihistamine to lessen the allergic reaction.

Dyshidrotic eczema, or dyshidrosis, is a common form of eczema that causes itchy blisters on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

According to the National Eczema Association, dyshidrotic eczema is twice as common in females as males.

Symptoms can include:

• deep blisters on the toes, palms, edges of the fingers, and soles of the feet
• flushed, itchy skin
• scaly, cracked, or flaking skin
• swollen, tender skin

Treatment

There is currently no cure for dyshidrotic eczema. Treatments for this skin condition involve reducing symptoms and preventing secondary infections and other complications.

A doctor may prescribe a topical steroid to reduce swelling and itching. Botox injections can lessen sweating and excess moisture in the hands and feet, which can prevent infections.

At-home treatments for dyshidrotic eczema include:

• soaking the hands and feet in cool water
• applying a cold compress to the affected skin
• using moisturizer or cream that repairs the skin barrier

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a skin condition that occurs due to coxsackievirus and enterovirus infections. HFMD is highly contagious, and people can contract it by:

• touching a person with the infection
• touching objects or surfaces that carry the virus
• breathing air that contains the virus particles

Although HFMD is most common among young children under the age of 5, anyone can develop the infection.

HFMD usually leads to small spots appearing on the hands and feet, as well as mouth sores. Other symptoms include:

• painful blisters
• fever
• sore throat
• loss of appetite
• pain when eating or swallowing

Treatment

There are no specific treatments for HFMD. People may be able to manage symptoms with OTC medication that reduces fever and pain.

Drinking cold liquids can help keep people hydrated while soothing a sore throat.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most people with HFMD get better within 7–10 days.

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection that develops in the deep layers of the skin and on the lower legs and feet. Symptoms include:

• skin that appears swollen
• skin that feels warm, tender, or painful to the touch
• skin dimpling
• blisters
• fatigue
• fever or chills
• cold sweats
• nausea or vomiting
• swollen, tender lymph nodes

People with light skin tones may also notice reddened skin in the affected area.

Treatment

Cellulitis can develop suddenly and can be life threatening without treatment.

Doctors usually prescribe antibiotics to treat the bacterial infection responsible for cellulitis. Other beneficial at-home treatment options include:

• keeping the affected leg or foot raised to reduce swelling
• taking OTC pain medications to relieve pain and reduce fever
• avoiding scratching or itching the affected skin
• keeping the area clean and dry

Scabies is a skin condition that occurs when microscopic scabies mites burrow into the upper layer of the skin. These mites then feed on skin cells and lay eggs. Symptoms of scabies usually develop within 4–8 weeks.

A scabies infestation can lead to a skin rash and intense itching. The affected area of skin may develop pimple-like blisters or thick, crusty scales.

Treatment

People cannot treat scabies with at-home remedies. A doctor must prescribe topical medications that kill scabies mites.

After starting treatment, people will need to disinfect their bedding, clothing, and any other fabrics that they regularly use. Doing this will help prevent recurring infestations.

People should contact their healthcare provider if their foot rash is painful or significantly interferes with their daily activities.

Parents and caregivers should see a healthcare provider if a child or infant develops a skin rash or blisters.

It is important for a person to seek medical attention straight away if their rash does not improve with treatment or they develop a fever.

There are numerous possible causes of foot rashes, ranging from allergic reactions to infections. Most cases clear up on their own, but OTC medications can help relieve swelling, itching, and pain during recovery.

A person should speak with a doctor if they have a foot rash that does not respond to treatment or they develop signs of an infection.

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Eruptions in the form of bubbles

Vesicle (synonym – vesicle) is the primary element of skin rashes that appears on intact skin due to various reasons. It is a cavity bounded by a lid and bottom, and rises above the skin surface. It is located in the epidermis – the surface layer of the skin. The vesicle is filled with transparent, sometimes turbid (serous) or mixed with blood (serous-hemorrhagic) contents. Size – more often up to 0.5 cm in diameter. There are single and multi-chamber bubbles. Sometimes they open, the contents expire, erosions form at this place, which, after healing (epithelialization), leave no traces. Large, more than 0.5 cm in diameter, elements similar in structure are called bubbles (or bullae).

Causes of blisters:

• prickly heat – a pathological condition of the skin, accompanied by the appearance of many blisters with transparent contents on closed areas of the body and in natural skin folds. The disease develops due to excessive overheating and sweating. Vesicles are scattered or grouped (more often in the folds of the skin – inguinal, intergluteal; in the armpits, under the mammary glands). Sometimes the contents of the bubbles become cloudy and suppurate, the elements are surrounded by a zone of redness; in severe cases, they can merge and form weeping foci.
• herpes simplex – viral disease affects the area of ​​the lips, nasolabial folds, another part of the face, can be located in the oral cavity. Vesicles have cloudy contents and are surrounded by a reddish corolla (a zone of hyperemia). Swelling and redness visits the patient even before they appear. Rashes bring pain and discomfort in the affected area, may be subject to fusion. After some time, they dry up, crusts form on the surface, sometimes small ulcers. The disease may be accompanied by a rise in temperature.
• chickenpox (or shingles) – a disease of a viral nature (causative agent – herpes zoster virus). The rash is staged: first papules appear (raised reddish-pink skin densities), and then they are converted into vesicles, first with a transparent, and then cloudy content. These elements subsequently dry out with the formation of brown crusts. It is localized throughout the body, occurs on the scalp, mucous membranes of the mouth, eyes and genitals. Rashes have a wave-like character, which corresponds to a surge in temperature reaction. The rash passes without a trace if it is not injured by scratching, otherwise scars may remain.
• felinosis or cat-scratch disease – parasitic disease, vector – domestic cats. At the site of a scratch inflicted by a pet, or its bite, after two weeks (incubation period), a small papule (a seal that rises above the skin surface) is formed with a zone of redness, which then transforms into a vesicle or pustule (abscess), followed by the formation of a crust. A characteristic feature of the clinic is regional lymphadenitis (damage to the lymph nodes) two weeks after the rash; axillary and ulnar are more often involved in the process, less often – cervical and inguinal. The temperature reaction is expressed.
• scabies – a contagious disease caused by the scabies mite. The way of transmission is contact. Clinic – more often in the skin between the fingers, on the wrist, genitals, the tick makes moves; at the affected sites, a rash appears in the form of papules with a reddish corolla, which can transform into vesicles and be accompanied by itching. Scratching the affected areas can lead to infection of the rash.
• allergic reaction (contact and food allergy) – manifests itself in the form of contact dermatitis. Rashes may look like bubbles with transparent contents, redness and swelling around; accompanied by severe itching, while, as a rule, the general condition of the patient is not disturbed. When an allergen is identified, eliminated, or antihistamines are taken, the rash is neutralized.
• autoimmune diseases (pemphigus, bullous pemphigoid, dermatitis herpetiformis) is a pathology in which the body’s immune system fights its own healthy cells, as well as body tissues.