Skin diseases on the feet can be caused by various things, ranging from irritation, allergic reactions, to infections. Some of these diseases are mild, some are serious. Treatment also varies depending on the underlying cause.
Skin diseases on the feet can cause symptoms in the form of pain and the appearance of a red rash, as well as cracked and peeling skin on the feet.
Generally, these complaints are mild and can heal by itself. However, you need to be careful if the skin disease on the feet does not go away or even gets worse.
Types of Skin Diseases on the Feet that You Need to Know
There are several skin diseases on the feet that are most common, including:
1. Athlete's foot
Athlete's foot or water fleas is a skin disease caused by a fungal infection. This disease is usually experienced by those who often spend time in wet and humid environments, such as swimmers, or who like to do saunas.
Complaints that can arise due to water fleas are red rashes on the soles of the feet, cracked skin, and blisters.
2. scabies
scabies or scabies is a skin disease on the feet caused by lice Sarcoptes scabies. Itching may appear in the area where the tick is hiding and get more itchy at night.
scabies can spread quickly through physical contact, so it needs to be treated immediately. This disease is generally treated using creams or ointments, such as permethrin, to kill lice and their eggs.
3. Dyshidrotic eczema
Dyshidrotic eczema orpompholyx is a skin disease that generally occurs on the soles of the feet and toes. The cause of this disease is not known with certainty. However, there are several factors that are thought to cause dyshidrotic eczema, namely exposure to certain metals, allergic reactions, and feet that are often moist.
Symptoms of this disease are the appearance of a watery rash on the feet that feels itchy or hot, then dries up and scaly to cause cracked skin.
Treatment for dyshidrotic eczema can be done using cold compresses and applying moisturizer.
4. Blister
When you walk for too long, wear shoes that are too small, or your feet feel damp and sweaty, these can trigger fluid-filled pockets in your feet. This condition is also known as a blister.
Blister is not a serious skin disease on the feet and can be treated independently at home. Blisters that form on the feet can shrink on their own. To avoid the pain that arises due to friction, you can use a plaster.
If the blister has burst, apply an antibiotic ointment and cover it with a bandage to prevent infection.
5. Fisheye
Fish eye is a thickening of the skin due to friction or repeated pressure on the feet. This disease can also occur due to wearing shoes that are too narrow.
Fisheyes are generally mild and are characterized by the appearance of hard or soft lumps on the skin that are painful when pressed. If it does not cause symptoms and does not interfere with daily activities, fish eye can heal without treatment.
Treatment for the five foot diseases in the skin depends on the underlying cause. For example, skin diseases on the feet caused by allergies to certain metals or the weather, can be treated by avoiding triggering factors.
Meanwhile, skin diseases on the feet due to fungal infections can be treated with antifungal ointments. You can also help the healing process by regularly washing your feet with unscented soap and avoiding scratching the sore feet.
If the skin disease on the feet does not go away or gets worse, don't hesitate to consult a doctor. Your doctor can prescribe an ointment or cream to treat skin conditions on your feet.