Causes of eczema on the foot

Eczema of the foot can have many different causes.Often this type of disease is genetically determined (also in combination with neurodermatitis, psoriasis and other skin diseases). Stress is generally considered a reinforcing factor in the development of such eczema. A so-called contact allergy can also be a possible trigger.

In most cases, strong skin reactions with reddening, blistering, scaling of the skin surface and itching appear about 48 hours after the contact with the allergy trigger. Typical triggers of a contact allergy are, for example, metals such as nickel or cobalt, which are used in costume jewelry but also in clothing, and various cosmetics and other personal care products. The most common type of eczema on the foot, however, is dyshidrotic eczema of the foot.

This subspecies of the disease is found exclusively on the hands or feet of those affected. External factors that directly affect the affected skin areas also play an important role: frequent hand washing, increased work in liquids or contact with strong cleaning agents can trigger severe dyshidrotic eczema of the hands, for example. Since the soles of the feet are exposed to constant mechanical stress, whether from walking or simply wearing socks or shoes, the intactness of the skin is particularly important.

Eczema on the soles of the feet is therefore particularly problematic. They not only hinder walking, but also tend to heal less well due to the constant mechanical irritation. There are various reasons and causes for eczema on the sole of the foot.

A possible cause of eczema on the sole of the foot is dishydrotic eczema. This disease mainly affects the soles of the feet and the palms of the hands and is characterized by small blisters arranged in groups and containing a clear liquid. It is also characterized by severe itching and pain.

The localization of the eczema often makes healing difficult. Foot baths, light therapies, as well as cortisone creams and – in severe cases – an internal cortisone therapy with tablets belong to the common treatment methods. Another possible cause of eczema of the sole of the foot is allergic contact eczema.

This can be caused, for example, by textiles, costume jewelry or other materials that come into contact with the sole of the foot. Allergic contact eczema is characterized by symptoms such as itching, redness of the skin, cracked skin, small blisters or nodules called papules. In the case of an allergic contact eczema on the sole of the foot, the triggering allergen should be avoided, e.g. fashion jewelry. Local treatment with cortisone ointments is also recommended. In contrast to allergic contact eczema, which only occurs in the case of an allergy to a certain substance, toxic contact eczema can develop on contact with substances toxic to the skin.