Red spots on feet may be caused due to a wide range of reasons. Given below is some information on the skin conditions that may lead to formation on red blotches on legs.
The skin is the largest organ of the human body. Since the skin is constantly exposed to the allergens or irritants present in the environment, if not well-cared for, it may start showing signs of inflammation or damage. Harsh weather conditions can also affect the texture and the color of the skin. Though one’s skin may develop spots due to exposure to sun, skin eruptions could also be caused due to certain medical conditions. Most of us feel disheartened on spotting rashes. Spots or any signs of skin damage on the face or spots on other parts of the body must not be ignored. Though red spots on one’s face would affect one’s facial beauty, red spots on feet, arms or torso may arise due to serious skin conditions. If you suffer from recurring episodes of skin eruptions that are accompanied by other symptoms such as redness, burning sensation or itching, consult a dermatologist soon. Here’s some information on the conditions that may cause red spots on one’s feet.
Causes of Red Spots/Patches on Feet
As mentioned earlier, red itchy spots on feet may be attributed to a wide range of reasons. Those who don’t pay enough attention to the aspect of personal hygiene may be more susceptible to skin infections. At times, wearing ill-fitting footwear can also lead to formation of blisters on feet. Here are some of the conditions that could cause red bumps or spots on one’s feet.
Allergic Reaction: Red spots on the skin may be indicative of hives. Hives is a skin eruption characterized by red itchy welts on the skin. When one consumes foods or drugs that one may be allergic to, the immune system responds and histamines are released into the blood. The release of histamines leads to the formation of welts that have a pale center and a red margin. The spots could even be an allergic response to insect bites.
Athlete’s Foot: Athlete’s foot, which is also referred to as Tinea pedis, is a fungal infection that affect the feet. It is characterized by red, itchy and flaky skin. Since fungi grow well in moist regions, people who sweat profusely or wear closed shoes for long stretches of time, are more susceptible to this infection. Since this condition is contagious, the infection may spread to others if they come in direct contact with an infected person or use their personal items such as shoes, socks or towels.
Eczema: Eczema refers to a group of inflammatory skin conditions. There are many types of eczema that lead to skin eruptions over various parts of the body. Dyshidrotic eczema is another condition that may lead to skin eruptions on feet. Eczema leads to formation of blisters or cracked skin that is usually accompanied by itching. Scratching the affected skin can make one prone to a secondary bacterial infection, which in turn, may lead to development of red pustules.
Psoriasis: Red spots that may be covered by silvery scales are usually indicative of psoriasis. This condition is associated with the changes in the life cycle of the skin cells. Psoriasis is characterized by rapid buildup of new skin cells on the surface of the skin. Formation of thick scaly skin could also be accompanied by symptoms such as itching, soreness or a burning sensation.
Blood Spots: Certain vascular changes could also lead to the formation of blood spots. Red skin spots could be a result of rupturing of blood capillaries. These small dot-like red spots are referred to as petechiae. Inflammation of blood vessels, low blood platelet count or injuries that lead to hemorrhages of capillaries could lead to formation of such spots. Use of blood thinners or certain drugs may also make one more susceptible to developing such skin spots.
Bullosis diabeticorum: People suffering from diabetes may also suffer from blisters on feet. The formation of blisters on legs or feet could affect those suffering from diabetic neuropathy. Diabetes can also affect the small blood vessels that supply the skin with blood and lead to vascular changes. Diabetic dermopathy is one such condition that is characterized by development of light brown or red scaly patches on the legs. These patches are not itchy.
Besides the aforementioned skin conditions, one could even develop blisters on feet due to wearing tight footwear. At times, one may develop an allergy on wearing shoes made from certain materials. So, make sure that you wear the right type of footwear. Refrain from wearing closed shoes at all times. If you do notice lesions or red spots on skin, consult a dermatologist soon. The treatment would vary depending on its underlying cause. While antifungal creams would need to be applied topically in case of athlete’s foot, antihistamines would be prescribed for allergic rashes. Medicated creams or lotions need to be applied for the treatment of eczema and psoriasis. Since scratching over the affected skin can lead to a secondary bacterial infection, however itchy it may feel, try to refrain from scratching over the rash.
