Get Relief for Eczema on Feet

By Laura Dolgy (see bio below)

Do you suffer from eczema on ankles or toes or elsewhere on your feet? Perhaps you’re experiencing blisters on the soles of your feet? If so, you’ve come to the right place. This week, we’re sharing the perfect eczema on feet treatment guide. Not only will we discuss the possible causes and symptoms, but we’ll also provide some recommendations on the best natural treatments. Check it out below!

Please keep in mind that although these treatments can relieve eczema, we are in no way medical professionals. If you’re experiencing severe eczema symptoms like an infection, it is best to seek medical advice immediately.

Not only is eczema on toes, ankles and heels uncomfortable, but it can be extremely irritating as well. Not to mention, it can be difficult to treat, as the area is moister than other parts of the body. You’ll be surprised to know that there are actually several different types of foot eczema, each with their own symptoms.

Types of Eczema on Feet

Although there are several different types of eczema on toes, ankles and heels, it’s important to know that it can be caused by a variety of both external and internal factors. This can include change in diet, allergens like dust mites, pollen or latex and even an unhealthy gut.

Knowing which kind of eczema you have is important to treatment, as you’ll become more familiar with your triggers and learn ways to avoid or limit them.

Contact Dermatitis

Although this type of eczema is more apparent on hands, arms or legs, contact dermatitis can also appear on the feet. This eczema usually appears swollen and red and can cause blisters or cracked skin.

Most cases of foot contact dermatitis are caused by allergens found in socks, boots or shoes. For example, both latex and polyester (common materials found in clothing) can be a common trigger. Although not as common, eczema on toes and eczema on ankles can also be associated with contact dermatitis. It’s also common during spring and summer pollen months for contact dermatitis to appear when walking barefoot in the grass or among flowers and weeds.

Nummular Eczema

This type of eczema is characterized by plaque on the feet and can be triggered by stress, diet, and external factors like different climates. The patches can appear on as eczema on ankles and toes, or elsewhere on feet, and usually last a few weeks or months.

Dyshidrotic Eczema

This type of eczema, also known as pompholyx eczema is most commonly seen on the soles of the foot. This type of eczema causes irritating and painful blisters, redness, and swelling which can make walking difficult.

Although eczema on toes and eczema on ankles can be associated with these types of eczema, it’s important to differentiate your symptoms from athlete’s foot, which is a fungal infection. Although symptoms may look similar, athlete’s foot usually appears on the top of the foot or between the toes (rather than on the bottom).

For more information, check out our blog post: Is it Foot Eczema or Athlete’s Foot?

Eczema on Feet Treatment

Whether you’re suffering from eczema on feet, eczema on toes or eczema on ankles, there are a variety of treatments that can be used to find relief from itching, inflammation and pain.

Hypoallergenic Socks

If you are suffering from contact dermatitis, it’s important to know which allergen might be triggering your eczema. As previously mentioned, both latex and polyester found in everyday clothing are common triggers. To avoid those materials, it’s best opting for clothing that is hypoallergenic and latex free, like these Hypoallergenic Socks. Not only are these socks 100% organic cotton, but they also avoid spandex in order to ensure a material that is sensitive to those with contact dermatitis as well as itchy feet. Also, because the area is moister than other parts of the body, these socks have been specially designed to be moisture wicking as well.

Wet Wrapping

If your eczema is particularly severe, then we definitely recommend wet wrapping with these socks. If you’ve never heard of wet wrapping, then we encourage you to check out our blog post: Our Eczema Trials: Wet Wrapping. This method is great to do overnight for relief during the night that carries into the next day.

Moisturize

For eczema that is insanely itchy or inflamed, you’ll want to invest in a gentle and nourishing moisturizer like this Organic Manuka Skin Soothing Cream. Not only is this cream/ointment concoction perfect for the most sensitive skin, but it also contains anti-bacterial properties to help keep skin well protected and to ward off infection. This cream works really well with the wet wrapping therapy described above as it’s thick and emollient.

Elimination Diet

If you have tried all the above and you still cannot find relief, then perhaps it’s time to start healing from within. Many eczema sufferers have been able to reduce their flare ups or eliminate their eczema just by diet alone. Although an elimination diet might seem scary or unrealistic, it’s important to know whether certain foods are triggering your eczema.

To learn more about elimination diets, make sure to check out our blog post: Our Eczema Elimination Diet Success (How You Can Do It Too!)

We also encourage you to read through our most helpful resources in our Start Here for Eczema Relief guide.

Do you suffer from eczema on feet? Let us know how you find relief in the comments below!

Bio: Laura is a contributor and content developer for It’s An Itchy Little World. She is in no way a medical professional. Her comments, suggestions, and reflections are not intended to replace any medical advice. Always seek the help of a medical professional before undertaking any diet or lifestyle changes. Please see It’s An Itchy Little World’s disclaimer for information about affiliate links and more.