Why Are My Feet Red? Causes & Treatments for Red, Irritated Feet

Causes of Red Feet and How to Find Relief

It can be alarming when the soles of your feet turn red. This discoloration can indicate various foot conditions, from mild to serious. Understanding the common causes of red feet and how to properly care for them is key to finding relief.

Common Causes of Red Feet

There are many possible reasons the bottoms of the feet may become red and irritated. The most frequent include:

Athlete's Foot (Tinea Pedis)

This fungal infection thrives in warm, moist places like pools, showers, and locker rooms. It causes scaling, flaking, redness and intense itching on the soles and between the toes. Antifungal creams usually clear it up within a few weeks if treated promptly.

Contact Dermatitis

Skin contact with an irritant like harsh soaps, dyes, poison ivy or nickel jewelry can trigger red, burning rashes on the feet. Avoid the offending irritant and use corticosteroid cream to reduce inflammation.

Eczema

Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that can flare up on the feet, causing red, extremely itchy patches. Gentle moisturizers, steroid creams, and avoiding irritants can help manage flare-ups.

Sunburn

Too much sun exposure can burn the thinner skin on the tops and soles of feet. This results in redness, pain, swelling, blisters and peeling. Treat with cool compresses, aloe vera and OTC pain medication.

Insect Bites

Mosquito, bee, wasp and spider bites often appear on feet and ankles. Bites lead to red bumps that may swell, itch and ooze fluid. Applying ice, elevating the feet and taking antihistamines provides relief.

Foot Odor and Sweat

Excessive foot sweat breeds bacteria that causes odor and skin irritation. This can lead to red feet along with peeling, cracks and scaling. Wear moisture-wicking socks, use antibacterial foot powder and soak feet to combat odor.

Plantar Warts

These small, hard skin growths on the soles are caused by viral infection. Plantar warts look like thick, rough red or brown calluses. At-home treatments include salicylic acid patches and freezing kits. Severe cases may need removal by a podiatrist.

Corns and Calluses

Thick, hardened areas of skin develop on feet due to friction and pressure. Corns and calluses are often yellow in the center with red rims where the skin is irritated. Trimming them gently with a pumice stone or callus shaver helps reduce discomfort.

Circulatory Problems

Conditions like peripheral artery disease, diabetes, blood clots, varicose veins or poor circulation can cause red, painful feet. See a doctor promptly if the feet are persistently red, swollen or inflamed.

When to See a Doctor

While home treatment can alleviate many minor causes of red feet, it's important to visit a doctor if:

• Redness is severe, widespread and/or lasts more than 2 weeks
• You have open sores, oozing blisters, or skin ulcers
• Symptoms are accompanied by swelling, bleeding or pus
• You have recurring athletes foot or plantar warts
• Foot pain prevents walking or standing
• Home treatments bring no improvement

Seeking timely medical care can diagnose and treat any underlying conditions. It also prevents the problem from worsening or spreading.

General Home Treatment for Red Feet

While waiting to see a doctor, the following tips can help soothe red, inflamed feet:

Rest Feet

Avoid standing or walking as much as possible to give feet a rest from further irritation and pressure.

Clean Gently

Wash feet daily using a mild, natural cleanser and lukewarm water. Pat dry softly with a towel.

Use Cold Compresses

Apply cold compresses or ice packs wrapped in a thin towel to minimize swelling and burning sensations.

Keep Feet Exposed

Let your feet air out as much as possible without socks or shoes to prevent moisture buildup.

Moisturize

Massage plain moisturizers like petroleum jelly or shea butter into feet to soothe dryness and cracking.

Try Soaking

Soak feet in cool water mixed with Epsom salts, chamomile tea or oatmeal to ease inflammation.

Apply OTC Medications

For athletes foot or eczema, use anti-fungal creams or hydrocortisone as directed.

Take OTC Pain Relievers

Ibuprofen, naproxen or acetaminophen can temporarily ease red, painful feet.

Elevate Feet

Rest feet above heart level on pillows to improve circulation and decrease swelling.

Avoid Irritants

Stop using products, socks or shoes that seem to aggravate feet during flare-ups.

Prevention Tips for Red Feet

Practicing good foot hygiene and protective care can help prevent recurring red feet issues:

Wash and Dry Feet Daily

Cleanse feet daily with soap and water, drying thoroughly especially between the toes where moisture gets trapped.

Moisturize Frequently

Use rich moisturizing creams or petroleum jelly to keep calluses and cracking at bay.

Exfoliate Gently

Use a foot scrub or pumice stone once a week to slough off dead, irritated skin.

Wear Clean Socks and Hosiery

Choose moisture-wicking fabrics and change socks daily to avoid bacteria and fungal growth.

Rotate Shoes

Alternate between different pairs of shoes to prevent excess friction and pressure on feet.

Wear Properly Fitting Shoes

Choose supportive shoes with adequate room in the toe box to minimize irritation.

Protect Feet Outdoors

Cover feet outdoors and wear sunscreen on top of feet to shield from sunburn.

Disinfect Home Showers/Pools

Prevent fungal infections by regularly cleaning and disinfecting home showers, pools, locker rooms etc.

See a Podiatrist

Get periodic foot check-ups to assess any underlying conditions and treat corns, warts, and calluses.

Manage Health Conditions

Work with your doctor to properly control chronic illnesses like diabetes that impact foot health.

When to See a Podiatrist

Consulting a podiatrist is advisable if you experience frequent or severe bouts of red, irritated feet. See a podiatrist for:

• Ongoing athletes foot, warts, corns or calluses
• Ingrown or thickened toenails
• Plantar fasciitis heel pain
• Bunions, hammertoes or other deformities
• Signs of bacterial infections
• Swollen, painful feet due to circulatory issues
• Diabetic feet prone to complications

A podiatrist can diagnose any underlying foot condition, provide professional treatment, and recommend specialized products and care techniques to get symptom relief and keep feet healthy long-term.

When to See a Dermatologist

Consulting a dermatologist may be recommended if you have:

• Eczema, psoriasis or other chronic skin conditions of the feet
• Allergic reactions and rashes
• Signs of skin infections
• Skin ulcers or blisters
• Abnormal moles/growths on feet

A dermatologist can properly diagnose skin conditions through medical tests. They can prescribe topical medications and other treatment to clear up red, inflamed feet while preventing recurrence.

The Takeaway

Red feet are often caused by common conditions like athlete's foot, sunburn, calluses or insect bites. While home treatment can help in mild cases, chronic or worsening red feet should be evaluated by a doctor. Catching any underlying medical issue early and getting proper therapy ensures your feet return to a healthy, comfortable state.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.