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.
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See your healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis.
If your rash worsens or persists, let your healthcare provider know.
Athlete’s Foot
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Athlete’s foot, also calledtinea pedis, is a common foot infection due to a fungus.
The rash most commonly occurs between the toes.
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The top of the foot is usually unaffected in athlete’s foot.
Athlete’s foot is often passed from foot to foot in locker rooms.
The longer you wait, the worse and more itchy the rash will become.
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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.
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For preventative measures, always ensure that your feet are dry before you put on socks or shoes.
While less common, it is also possible for older children and adults to catch HFMD.
Not everyone experiences all of the symptoms of HFMD.
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Some people may not have symptoms at all.
HMFD is most commonly because of anenteroviruscalledcoxsackievirus A16.
There is no specific treatment for HFMD and no vaccine to prevent it.
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Hand washing is the best strategy for prevention.
You may need symptomatic treatment, including pain medication for comfort and fluids to avoid dehydration.
Cellulitis
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Cellulitisis a serious bacterial skin infection that can affect any part of your body, including your foot.
This infection happens when bacteria enter through a break in the skin.
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.
It can progress to a limb-threatening infection or may enter the bloodstream, potentially causing a life-threatening infection calledsepsis.
Consuming or touching nickel, cobalt, or chromium salts can also trigger dyshidrotic eczema.
You may be prescribed topical steroids, topicalcalcineurininhibitors (TCIs), orphototherapyto dump the rash.
What is a COVID foot rash?
Some people with COVID develop a skin condition on their toes similar tochilblains.
Treatment may include topical corticosteroids or topical antihistamines.
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The rash may also blister.
A number of possible allergy-triggering substances can be present in the materials used to make your shoes.
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.
During this time you’ve got the option to transmit scabies to others.
Scabies is sparked by coming into skin-to-skin contact with someone who has scabies.
It can sometimes be sexually transmitted.
How to Prevent Foot Rashes
Different methods must be used to prevent different types of rashes.
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.
Most common skin rashes that affect your feet can be treated with over-the-counter or prescription medication.
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[Updated 2022 Dec 2].
American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to prevent athlete’s foot.
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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):160163. doi:10.7861/clinmedicine.18-2-160
American Academy of Family Physicians.Cellulitis.
National Eczema Association.Dyshidrotic eczema.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hygiene related diseases: athlete’s foot (tinea pedis).
