holes in the balls and heels of feet

[supersquirell70]

i do not what causes this they dont burn but occasionally itch. i used to surf and it started then. the balls of my feet look like mini collanders and i dont know what is wrong or how to fix. it does get worse if i swim or bath or shower to long, almost like a sponge. is it something i picked up from living in hawaii for 3 years?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be dyshidrotic eczema. Wash the areas several times with fresh water and do not use any cosmetic products at the sites. You can apply some calamine lotion at the rash as it will help in soothing the skin. You can take some OTC oral antihistamine medications like Benadryl or Claritin and see if it helps.

Also use mild steroid cream and good quality moisturizers to prevent moisture loss from the skin.

If still the symptoms do not improve then please get a clinical examination done by a dermatologist. It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[supersquirell70]

can anyone answer the question i  posed or am i fishing in the dark?