Itchy feet

[jjlschwab]

for as long as i can remember my feet have been very itch they get red and bumpy and the skin feels wet until i wash it then it becomes extremely dry and cracks. the doctors have told me nothing except to wear cotton socks. my mother said that it started when we moved from hawaii and that was when i first started wearing shoes and socks up to that point i went barefoot mostly and didnt even own shoes just flip flops. I need some help please

[Dr_Aparna]

Hi,
This seems to be an eczema. Foot dermatitis is one of the common problems observed by a dermatologist. It refers to predominant involvement of feet in the eczematous process. Foot wear can be implicated as a cause for the eczema only if the eczematous process is restricted to the pattern of the foot wear.

The term eczema is broadly applied to a range of persistent skin conditions. These include dryness and recurring skin rashes which are characterized by one or more of these symptoms: redness, skin edema (swelling), itching and dryness, crusting, flaking, blistering, cracking, oozing, or bleeding.

Dermatitis is often treated by glucocorticoid (a corticosteroid steroid) ointments, creams or lotions. They do not cure eczema, but are highly effective in controlling or suppressing symptoms in most cases.

You are advised cotton socks to prevent contact with the allergen, in this case footwear. This can be tested to be confirmed by doing a skin patch test.
Also wollen and synthetic fibres can irritate the skin and aggravate the condition.

ref:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eczema
ref:http://www.e-ijd.org/article.asp?issn=0019-5154;year=2008;volume=53;issue=2;spage=68;epage=69;aulast=priya