Chemical burn rash???

[klr301]

Hello.

I have included pictures of my feet to illustrate this odd rash....

I have had this rash in one whole cylce before.  It started on the insides of my ankle about a year ago and since has moved on to my 3rd,4th,and 5th digit toes on both of my feet! As you can see it is bright red and has a definite shape on the three toes.  I also have tiny small red bumps that extend from my big toe up the tendon on the top of my feet.

This rash burns and itches like fire!! After about a week it turns to thick grayish scales that peel off in small sheets and expose tender bleeding skin beneath.  My feet are constantly in pain and sore.  

I am a bartender and wear all leather tread safe shoes with black this socks both of which i've never had a problem before.  Advice i have received from friends include psoriasis, athelets foot and dermatitis.  Can you please shed any light onto this taxing problem i've had?

Thanks for you time,
K

[carolo43]

There ya go!  Black socks!  I'll betcha a dollar to a donut you are allergic to the dye in those socks.......just as I am!  

[carolo43]

PS.....I was a bartender as well and the black socks were a total no-no for me as well as all colored socks.  White only is all that worked.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms and picture it can be contact dermatitis or eczema. Wash the areas several times with fresh water. 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.

For mild-moderate symptoms a weak steroid may be used (e.g. hydrocortisone as dermacort), whilst more severe cases require a higher-potency steroid (e.g. clobetasol propionate, fluocinonide). Also wear cotton socks or stop wearing socks for some days.
If still the symptoms do not improve then please get a clinical examination done by a dermatologist.

I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted in case you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.

[klr301]

I can't seem to figure this out.  What once was a fiery sunburn type rash that itched to no end is now a dark salmon color with no itch and is completely scaled over!  The best way i can desribe it is reptile skin.

Please help!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello.
It can be eczema. Use the above stated treatment and if the symptoms persist then please get a biopsy skin done from a dermatologist. Hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.