Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsAthlete’s FootPoison Ivy, Oak, SumacHand, Foot, and Mouth DiseaseCellulitisDyshidrotic EczemaShoe Contact DermatitisScabiesPrevention
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Athlete’s Foot
Poison Ivy, Oak, Sumac
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
Cellulitis
Dyshidrotic Eczema
Shoe Contact Dermatitis
Scabies
Prevention
A rash on top of your foot or anywhere on your foot can have several causes. Common foot rashes include fungal or bacterial infections, allergic reactions, contagious skin conditions, and more.
Although foot rashes may have similar characteristics, they require different treatments. It’s important to determine what type of foot rash you have so you can get the right treatment. See your healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis. If your rash worsens or persists, let your healthcare provider know.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoReproduced with permission from © DermNet and © Raimo Suhonendermnetnz.org2023.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photo
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet and © Raimo Suhonendermnetnz.org2023.
Symptoms
The most common symptom is cracked, flaking, peeling skin between the toes or on the side of the foot. Other symptoms can include:
Chronic athlete’s foot causes a scaly rash that can be mistakenfor dry skinor eczema, with a “moccasin” type look, where the skin on the bottom and sides of your feet is dry and scaly.
The top of the foot is usually unaffected in athlete’s foot.
Causes
As the name implies, athlete’s foot is common among athletes because the fungus is often found in warm, damp areas around pools and in public showers. Athlete’s foot is often passed from foot to foot in locker rooms.
Factors that increase your risk for athlete’s foot include:
Treatment
If you think you have athlete’s foot, treat it sooner rather than later. The longer you wait, the worse and more itchy the rash will become.
Mild forms of athlete’s foot can usually be treated withover-the-counter anti-fungalpowder or cream. You should apply the medication twice a day.
If the infection doesn’t clear up, your healthcare provider may prescribe an oralanti-fungal medication.
For preventative measures, always ensure that your feet are dry before you put on socks or shoes.
If you recurrently get fungus infections, clean and sanitize your socks and sneakers or purchase new ones to avoid reinfection from fungus spores. And if you are getting it from public showers or lockers, wear flip-flops to protect your feet whenever you might be potentially exposed.
Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, and Poison Sumac
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoDarren415 / Getty Images
Darren415 / Getty Images
The main symptom of poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac rashes is an itchy and blistering rash that can emerge any time from a few hours to several days after exposure to the plant oil.
Signs of a severe reaction that require immediate medical care include:
Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac plants have a type of oil in their leaves, stems, roots, and fruit calledurushiol. If you are sensitive to it, which most people are, you can get a rash on areas of skin that come into contact with any part of these plants or with the oil (if the oil gets on fabric, for example).
If you have a poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac rash that isn’t too severe, it will usually go away on its own in one to three weeks without treatment. In the meantime, the best treatment is to relieve the itching so you aren’t tempted to scratch the rash, which can lead to infection.
A few ways to treat a rash from a poisonous plant include the following:
If you have a severe reaction, your healthcare provider will prescribe a steroid ointment or oralprednisone.
If you think your skin has been exposed to poison ivy, immediately wash off the exposed area with warm water and soap to remove the urushiol. Make sure you wash any clothes or sheets that you might have touched before you washed the oil off your skin. After you do this, you may still develop symptoms, but your reaction to the oil may be less severe if you are exposed to it for less time.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoReproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2023
Reproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2023
Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common viral infection that usually affects children under the age of 5. While less common, it is also possible for older children and adults to catch HFMD.
The first symptoms of HFMD are usually:
In one to two days, a rash on the soles of the feet and palms of the hands may develop, as well as painful sores inside the mouth.
Not everyone experiences all of the symptoms of HFMD. Some people may not have symptoms at all.
There is no specific treatment for HFMD and no vaccine to prevent it. Hand washing is the best strategy for prevention.
You may need symptomatic treatment, including pain medication for comfort and fluids to avoid dehydration.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoReproduced with permission from © DermNet New Zealanddermnetnz.org2023.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet New Zealanddermnetnz.org2023.
Cellulitisis a serious bacterial skin infection that can affect any part of your body, including your foot. This infection occurs when bacteria enter through a break in the skin.
The main symptom of cellulitis is a painful rash with red, warm, swollen, or tender skin that may blister and then scab. You may also develop a fever, chills, or swollen lymph nodes from the infection.
Sometimes a small abscess (pus pocket) can produce a bad-smelling odor.
Cellulitis can spread quickly and needs to be treated right away. A healthcare provider may swab your skin or do a blood test to find out what kind of bacteria is causing the infection.
You will be treated with oral antibiotics in mild cases, or intravenous antibiotics in severe cases.Your healthcare provider will ask you to monitor the size of the rash to ensure it is clearing up and doesn’t continue spreading after treatment.
Cellulitis can worsen. It can progress to a limb-threatening infection or may enter the bloodstream, potentially causing a life-threatening infection calledsepsis.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoWirestock / Getty Images
Wirestock / Getty Images
Dyshidrotic eczemaiseczema on the feet, toes, palms, and fingers. It is more common in women than in men.Other names for dyshidrotic eczema include foot-and-hand eczema, vesicular eczema, andpalmoplantareczema.
While all forms of eczema cause itching and redness, dyshidrotic eczema has some unique features, including:
People withcontact dermatitisoratopic dermatitis, or a close family member with dyshidrotic eczema are most at risk for developing the condition.
Treatment for dyshidrotic eczema can include soaking the feet (or hands) in cool water several times a day before applying a rich moisturizer or skin barrier repair cream.
In more severe cases, a healthcare provider may drain the blisters or give a Botox injection in the affected area to reduce sweating. You may be prescribed topical steroids, topicalcalcineurininhibitors (TCIs), orphototherapyto clear the rash.
What is a COVID foot rash?Some people with COVID develop a skin condition on their toes similar tochilblains. Known asCOVID toes, it consists of swelling, itching, pain, and burning.The skin may develop bumps and purple blisters that can pus. Treatment may include topical corticosteroids or topical antihistamines.
What is a COVID foot rash?
Some people with COVID develop a skin condition on their toes similar tochilblains. Known asCOVID toes, it consists of swelling, itching, pain, and burning.The skin may develop bumps and purple blisters that can pus. Treatment may include topical corticosteroids or topical antihistamines.
Shoe contact dermatitis is generally an itchy and peeling rash on the balls of the feet, bottoms of the toes, or heels. The rash may also blister.
The shape can be symmetrical on both feet because the material is often in the same location in both shoes.
A number of possible allergy-triggering substances can be present in the materials used to make your shoes. The allergens can be found in any part of footwear, including rubber, adhesives, leather, dyes, and metals.
If you have an allergic reaction to your shoes, the first thing you should do is minimize your contact with the allergen.This can be frustrating, especially if you’ve just purchased the shoes, but it’s important to avoid further irritation. The reaction will only worsen if you keep wearing the shoes.
Once you stop wearing the shoes, the reaction will typically clear up on its own. A cool compress and anti-itch cream, such as hydrocortisone or calamine, can make you feel more comfortable,
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoReproduced with permission from © DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Symptoms of scabies include intense itching and a pimple-like skin rash that can affect various parts of the body, including the feet. Symptoms can take three to eight weeks to develop, but sometimes symptoms can start a few days after contact. During this time you can transmit scabies to others.
Treatment is recommended for the person who has scabies, and also for anyone living in their household, sexual partners, and anyone else they regularly have skin-to-skin contact with.
The steps for treatment include the following:
Everyone being treated should get treatment at the same time to prevent re-infestation. If itching still occurs more than four weeks after treatment, it may be necessary to repeat the treatment steps.
When to See a Healthcare ProviderContact your healthcare provider if:The foot rash is painful or significantly interferes with their daily activities.The foot rash doesn’t get better with the recommended treatment.A child or infant develops a skin rash or blisters.Seek medical attention right away if the rash worsens or you develop swelling, fever, or difficulty breathing.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Contact your healthcare provider if:The foot rash is painful or significantly interferes with their daily activities.The foot rash doesn’t get better with the recommended treatment.A child or infant develops a skin rash or blisters.Seek medical attention right away if the rash worsens or you develop swelling, fever, or difficulty breathing.
Contact your healthcare provider if:
Seek medical attention right away if the rash worsens or you develop swelling, fever, or difficulty breathing.
How to Prevent Foot Rashes
Different methods must be used to prevent different types of rashes.
To avoid fungal infections:
Learn to recognize poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac, so you can avoid these plants. Cover your skin if you are in an area where these plants are common.
For contagious rashes such as HFMD and scabies, practice good hygiene.
To reduce the risk of cellulitis, take care of any open wounds. Also be aware that certain behaviors, including intravenous drug use and body piercings or tattoos, can increase the odds of developing cellulitis.
Summary
You can develop a rash on your foot due to a skin infection, as is the case with athlete’s foot and cellulitis. You can also develop a rash on your foot due to an allergic reaction, as is the case with contact dermatitis.
Most common skin rashes that affect your feet can be treated with over-the-counter or prescription medication. If you develop a rash on your foot, it’s important to treat it as soon as possible so that it does not get worse or spread to someone else if it’s contagious.
14 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Penn Medicine.What is athlete’s foot?InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-.Overview: Athlete’s foot. [Updated 2022 Dec 2].American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to prevent athlete’s foot.U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Outsmarting poison ivy and other poisonous plants.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Poison ivy, oak, and sumac: how to treat the rash.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.HFMD symptoms and complications.Sullivan T, de Barra E.Diagnosis and management of cellulitis.Clin Med (Lond). 2018 Apr;18(2):160–163. doi:10.7861/clinmedicine.18-2-160American Academy of Family Physicians.Cellulitis.National Eczema Association.Dyshidrotic eczema.Koschitzky M, Oyola RR, Lee-Wong M, Abittan B, Silverberg N.Pediatric COVID toes and fingers.Clinics in Dermatology. S0738081X20302510. doi:10.1016/j.clindermatol.2020.12.016Matthys E, Zahir A, Ehrlich A.Shoe allergic contact dermatitis.Dermatitis.2014 Aug;25(4):163-71. doi:10.1097/DER.0000000000000049Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Scabies.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hygiene related diseases: athlete’s foot (tinea pedis).Yale Medicine.Cellulitis.
14 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Penn Medicine.What is athlete’s foot?InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-.Overview: Athlete’s foot. [Updated 2022 Dec 2].American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to prevent athlete’s foot.U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Outsmarting poison ivy and other poisonous plants.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Poison ivy, oak, and sumac: how to treat the rash.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.HFMD symptoms and complications.Sullivan T, de Barra E.Diagnosis and management of cellulitis.Clin Med (Lond). 2018 Apr;18(2):160–163. doi:10.7861/clinmedicine.18-2-160American Academy of Family Physicians.Cellulitis.National Eczema Association.Dyshidrotic eczema.Koschitzky M, Oyola RR, Lee-Wong M, Abittan B, Silverberg N.Pediatric COVID toes and fingers.Clinics in Dermatology. S0738081X20302510. doi:10.1016/j.clindermatol.2020.12.016Matthys E, Zahir A, Ehrlich A.Shoe allergic contact dermatitis.Dermatitis.2014 Aug;25(4):163-71. doi:10.1097/DER.0000000000000049Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Scabies.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hygiene related diseases: athlete’s foot (tinea pedis).Yale Medicine.Cellulitis.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Penn Medicine.What is athlete’s foot?InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-.Overview: Athlete’s foot. [Updated 2022 Dec 2].American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to prevent athlete’s foot.U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Outsmarting poison ivy and other poisonous plants.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Poison ivy, oak, and sumac: how to treat the rash.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.HFMD symptoms and complications.Sullivan T, de Barra E.Diagnosis and management of cellulitis.Clin Med (Lond). 2018 Apr;18(2):160–163. doi:10.7861/clinmedicine.18-2-160American Academy of Family Physicians.Cellulitis.National Eczema Association.Dyshidrotic eczema.Koschitzky M, Oyola RR, Lee-Wong M, Abittan B, Silverberg N.Pediatric COVID toes and fingers.Clinics in Dermatology. S0738081X20302510. doi:10.1016/j.clindermatol.2020.12.016Matthys E, Zahir A, Ehrlich A.Shoe allergic contact dermatitis.Dermatitis.2014 Aug;25(4):163-71. doi:10.1097/DER.0000000000000049Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Scabies.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hygiene related diseases: athlete’s foot (tinea pedis).Yale Medicine.Cellulitis.
Penn Medicine.What is athlete’s foot?
InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-.Overview: Athlete’s foot. [Updated 2022 Dec 2].
American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to prevent athlete’s foot.
U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Outsmarting poison ivy and other poisonous plants.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Poison ivy, oak, and sumac: how to treat the rash.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.HFMD symptoms and complications.
Sullivan T, de Barra E.Diagnosis and management of cellulitis.Clin Med (Lond). 2018 Apr;18(2):160–163. doi:10.7861/clinmedicine.18-2-160
American Academy of Family Physicians.Cellulitis.
National Eczema Association.Dyshidrotic eczema.
Koschitzky M, Oyola RR, Lee-Wong M, Abittan B, Silverberg N.Pediatric COVID toes and fingers.Clinics in Dermatology. S0738081X20302510. doi:10.1016/j.clindermatol.2020.12.016
Matthys E, Zahir A, Ehrlich A.Shoe allergic contact dermatitis.Dermatitis.2014 Aug;25(4):163-71. doi:10.1097/DER.0000000000000049
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Scabies.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hygiene related diseases: athlete’s foot (tinea pedis).
Yale Medicine.Cellulitis.
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