What Causes Itching And Swelling After Wearing Socks And Boots?

Posted on Fri, 28 Mar 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 28 Mar 2014 Answered on

Tue, 15 Apr 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Its an itchy and swollen after wearing socks and boots, but al of a sudden i was so itchy that i could not resist to keep on scratching till it got swollen. I dont know whether its an insect bite or an allergy. Please help!!

Answered by Dr. Jorge Brenes-Salazar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: Allergic dermatitis Detailed Answer: Dear patient, Although there is lots of lotion obscuring the skin below, I can see some tense swelling of the sking, like an orange peel, which would be more consistent with either acute allergic or contact dermatitis, to a component of the garments you were wearing (either the socks or the boots, particularly if there is wool or leather in any of the two). Topical hydrocortisone at 1%, dyphenhydramine topical cream at 1% or oral over the counter cetirizine should make the symptoms better. Avoid those garments and similar ones that may contain the same fabrics. Hope this helps, yours truly, Dr Brenes-Salazar MD Mayo Clinic MN

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Jorge Brenes-Salazar (25 hours later)

This is how it looks after 24 hours, as you can see it clearly can you tell me what actually happened. What can I use to make it muchbetter. Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Jorge Brenes-Salazar (20 hours later)

Brief Answer: See below Detailed Answer: Thanks XXXX it does appear as a localized allergic reaction. You can use hydrocortisone at 1% along with diphenhydramine cream 2 times a day; it should resolve within the next few days, avoid the shoes and socks you were wearing at the time it happened. Best regards, Dr Brenes-Salazar MD Mayo Clinic MN

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar