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Found Soles Of Feet Warm And Red After Removing Shoes. Cause?
Question: A foot problem. I have just taken off my shoes and found that the soles of my feet are red and rather warm - actually hot. I am 65 and have just gotten over a bout of fungus now under control. Just wondering what might be the cause.
Hi XXXXXX
Thanks for your query
Going through your history, I can think of two possibilities. The first is that the redness that you have developed might be a part of the fungal infection that you had. Fungal infections of the foot usually take a long time to heal, as the skin over feet is thicker as compared to rest of the body. Course of oral and topical antifungal has to be continued for at least 3 to 4 weeks in some cases. So if you have taken the complete treatment, then chances of reinfection would be rather less. However, if there is itching along with whitish scales over the feet, then it can be a sign of ongoing infection for which you might need to apply a topical antifungal like terbinafine cream.
Now the second possible cause of redness and warmth that comes to my mind is a slight allergic reaction, which can develop due to any kind of body infection or due to intake of drugs. Hope you have not been taking any oral painkillers or antipyretics recently. Now as far as the drugs that you are taking, both atorvastatin and finasteride are quite safe and essential drugs as far as skin allergies are concerned, so I would recommend that you continue with these. Next is to rule out any mild viral infections in the form of cough,cold,abdominal discomfort or urinary infections. Any kind of body infections can lead to mild skin allergies leading to redness, warmth and itching over hands and feet. If you feel this is the case. Then primarily treatment of the underlying condition followed by an intake of oral antihistamines like benadryl can help.
However, there is one thing that you should be careful about. If the redness progresses to rest of the body, then you should see a physician soon.
Hope it helps
If you have any other query, please let me know.
Dr Geetika Paul
Thanks for your query
Going through your history, I can think of two possibilities. The first is that the redness that you have developed might be a part of the fungal infection that you had. Fungal infections of the foot usually take a long time to heal, as the skin over feet is thicker as compared to rest of the body. Course of oral and topical antifungal has to be continued for at least 3 to 4 weeks in some cases. So if you have taken the complete treatment, then chances of reinfection would be rather less. However, if there is itching along with whitish scales over the feet, then it can be a sign of ongoing infection for which you might need to apply a topical antifungal like terbinafine cream.
Now the second possible cause of redness and warmth that comes to my mind is a slight allergic reaction, which can develop due to any kind of body infection or due to intake of drugs. Hope you have not been taking any oral painkillers or antipyretics recently. Now as far as the drugs that you are taking, both atorvastatin and finasteride are quite safe and essential drugs as far as skin allergies are concerned, so I would recommend that you continue with these. Next is to rule out any mild viral infections in the form of cough,cold,abdominal discomfort or urinary infections. Any kind of body infections can lead to mild skin allergies leading to redness, warmth and itching over hands and feet. If you feel this is the case. Then primarily treatment of the underlying condition followed by an intake of oral antihistamines like benadryl can help.
However, there is one thing that you should be careful about. If the redness progresses to rest of the body, then you should see a physician soon.
Hope it helps
If you have any other query, please let me know.
Dr Geetika Paul
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
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Dr. Shanthi.E
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