Feet Allergies

When you think of allergies, do you envision puffy, sensitive eyes, sneezing, headaches, and sinus issues? Those are symptoms of allergies, but the skin on your feet can have allergies as well.

There are actually two kinds of skin allergies: primary irritant dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis. Both are caused from outside substances coming into contact with the skin. The difference between the two is that the primary irritant dermatitis is a non-allergic reaction whereas the allergic contact dermatitis is an allergic sensitization to various substances.

Primary irritant dermatitis occurs by prolonged exposure or contact to various substances like water, chemicals, oils, or other irritating substances. Even though some oils and substances are not harmful if used properly, if used improperly, they can cause the skin to become irritated. One is not necessarily allergic to the substance, it just irritated the skin by too much exposure or improper use.

Allergic contact dermatitis occurs from substances that sensitize the skin. Inflammation occurs every time the skin on the foot comes into contact with the substance. Think of a person who has peanut allergy. When they come in contact or eat a peanut, an allergic reaction happens. People can be allergic to materials in shoes or dyes in socks.

Common items people can be allergic to in shoes:

• Glue
• Leather chemicals
• Rubber chemicals
• Dyes
• Metal eyelets
• Shoe decorations 

Make an appointment to see me for a diagnosis if any of the following symptoms occur, as these may be a sign of a skin allergy or other skin conditions like eczema. I can do a patch test to determine cause of the skin allergy.

• inflammation 
• swelling
• redness
• blisters
• cracks in the skin
• burning
• pain
• itchiness
• skin becomes thick, red and scaly

Citation:
Image by hillary h. (2008). allergy medicine. which to choose? Flickr. Retrieved from http://www.flickr.com/photos/hillaryandanna/2948222108/
Shoe Allergies - a resource for all those allergic to their shoes. (2012). Shoe allergies. Retrieved from http://shoeallergies.50webs.com/allergy.htm
Vittori Foot and Ankle Specialist. (2012). Allergies. Retrieved from http://www.vittorifootclinic.com/library/1754/Allergies.html