If you stay out in the sun a little too long, it’s pretty easy to determine why your feet may appear redder than normal. But what if sunburn isn’t the underlying cause of your foot redness? In today’s blog, we explore three reasons why your feet may appear red.
Why Are My Feet Red?
If your feet are red, pink or blushed, it could be a sign of one of these three underlying issues:
1. Athlete’s Foot – Athlete’s foot or another type of infection can lead to red patches of skin on the foot or ankle. This redness is oftentimes accompanied by dry skin, cracked skin, tenderness and a burning or itching sensation. Athlete’s foot is the most common example of a fungal infection that primarily affects the feet and the skin between your toes. This fungal infection is more common in gyms, locker rooms and warm areas where people tend to walk around with bare feet. Athlete’s foot doesn’t typically resolve on its own, but it can be effectively treated with topical medications, so talk to a foot specialist or your primary care doctor if you suspect that you’re dealing with athlete’s foot.
2. Allergic Reaction – Some people will have an allergic reaction to certain substances or additives, and symptoms can be most noticeable on your feet. For example, if you are allergic to grass, pollen or a cosmetic additive that you might find in soap or bath lotion, you may notice that your feet turn red and itchy. Topical creams and medications can help manage the allergic reaction, and you can avoid using products with certain additives in the future, but if your reaction is tied to something that is difficult to avoid in nature, talk with your doctor about how to avoid an allergic reaction going forward.
3. Vascular Conditions – There are a number of vascular conditions that can lead to reddening feet. Blot clots, venous insufficiency or peripheral artery disease are all conditions that can lead to reddened feet and suggest that there is an issue with how blood is moving in and out of your feet. These vascular conditions also tend to present with pain, swelling or temperature differences in the feet, and it’s important that you get to the bottom of what’s causing these symptoms, as vascular conditions can be deadly. Early detection and treatment can greatly reduce the risk of a major health issue tied to your vascular condition.
So if your foot redness isn’t tied to sunburn, there’s a good chance you’d benefit form a consultation with a foot and ankle specialist in your area like Dr. Silverman. Let us help treat your underlying issue and restore your foot to a healthy state. For more information, reach out to Dr. Silverman by filling out this contact form.