Bright Red Painful Sock Rash

Yesterday, I started feeling like my boot was rubbing a sore on my inner right ankle. When I checked, there was a painful red rash that matched the pattern of the upper part of the sock. Both socks were damp but only the right, inner ankle was affected. It looks and feels like a chemical burn but there was no odor or known chemical exposure
Here's a photo on my website.

http://barrykooda.com/leg/1.jpg

At the moment, I'm washing it then using peroxide followed my Neosporin cream.
Anyone have an ideas?
Thanks!
BK

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
I cannot confirm anything without examination but it sounds like irritant contact dermatitis. Irritant dermatitis, the most common type of contact dermatitis, involves inflammation resulting from contact with acids, alkaline materials such as soaps and detergents, cosmetics, or other chemicals.

Avoid using any lotions and creams over the skin for the meantime. Wash it with a mild cleanser with moisturizing properties like Cetaphil. Pat  it dry. Then apply a good hypoallergenic moisturizer over the area and see if this improves.If the symptoms still persist then you can apply mild steroid like dermacort. Application of mild corticosteroid cream and oral antiinflammatories like ibuprofen/acetaminophen are also helpful.

If the irritation persists then pls get it evaluated from a dermatologist.

I hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts.Kind regards.

[barrykooda]

Thanks!
I'll follow your suggestions and watch for any changes.