Shoe
Contact Dermatitis
What is
it?
Shoe
contact dermatitis is a skin inflammation on the foot
that occurs when a substance used in the shoe triggers
an allergic reaction.
Who gets
it?
Shoe
contact dermatitis occurs in a small percentage of the
population.
What
causes it?
Shoe
contact dermatitis is caused by an allergic reaction
to a substance in shoes. It can also be caused by an
ingredient in over-the-counter foot powders. The most
common causes of shoe contact dermatitis are dyes,
leather, shoe rubber, adhesives, trim, and biocides,
which are pesticides used on the rawhides to kill
living organisms.
What are
the symptoms?
The
symptoms of shoe contact dermatitis can range from a
mild, itchy rash to severe itching, swelling, and
small blisters. In severe cases, open sores can result
in bacterial skin infections.
How is it
diagnosed?
To diagnose
shoe contact dermatitis, your doctor will take a
complete medical history and perform a physical
examination. To identify the allergen, he or she may
perform a patch test. The doctor will place a small
patch on your skin for a period of two days. The patch
contains some common allergens that cause shoe contact
dermatitis. After the patch is removed, the doctor
will check for a reaction over the next few days.
What is
the treatment?
If you test
positive for shoe contact dermatitis, your doctor will
instruct you to stop wearing your old leather shoes
and socks, and switch to cloth or canvas shoes.
Patients with severe dermatitis may need to wear
special hypoallergenic shoes. Your doctor may also
recommend that you apply a topical cream or ointment
to relieve itching and heal the rash. Bacterial skin
infections are treated with antibiotics.
Self-care
tips
The only
way to prevent shoe contact dermatitis, if you have
this sensitivity, is to stop wearing shoes that
contain substances that cause the reaction.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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