Shoe Contact Dermatitis Pictures - 25 Photos & Images

Shoe contact dermatitis can be defined as skin manifestations on the feet caused by the wearing of shoes, boots and/or sandals. This often occurs because the skin on the feet reacts to particular substances (allergens) found in footwear.

Shoe contact dermatitis usually begins on the top surface of the big toe and spreads to the upper surfaces of the foot. Dermatitis may also be found on the sole of the foot, the side of the feet and heels and the legs.

Symptoms of contact allergic dermatitis may include swelling, redness, blisters or cracks in the skin, burning, itchiness and pain. The allergy can develop over a long period of time as the skin on the feet is repeatedly exposed to a certain allergen found in the shoe. However, it is not unusual to suddenly become allergic to a substance after months or years of exposure.

Shoe contact dermatitis should clear rapidly once the offending allergen is removed. This will mean not being able to wear the offending shoes ever again unless the allergen can be removed, e.g. allergy to a nickel buckle could be resolved by replacing with a non-nickel buckle.

Over-the-counter creams and ointments containing mild topical steroids, such as hydrocortisone, may be used to help control itching, swelling, and redness. In more severe cases, a prescription topical steroid may be required, as well as antibiotic medication if the skin becomes blistered, painful and infected.