What Makes the Soles of Your Feet Turn Red?

What Causes the Bottom of Your Feet to Turn Red?

It's not unusual for the bottom of your feet to become red from time to time. But if you develop a persistent red rash or swelling on the soles of your feet, it likely signals an underlying condition that requires treatment.

Poor Circulation and Erythromelalgia

Reddening of the feet, especially the soles and toes, can arise from poor blood circulation. Without adequate blood flow, the extremities don't receive enough oxygen. This causes erythromelalgia, a condition characterized by red, hot and burning feet.

Contributing factors to poor circulation include obesity, smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes and varicose veins. See your doctor to rule out vascular diseases and implement lifestyle changes to improve circulation.

Athlete's Foot

A fungal infection on the feet known as athlete’s foot leads to scaling, flaking, cracking and redness on the soles and between the toes. Moist public areas like swimming pools, locker rooms and showers allow the fungus to spread.

Practice good foot hygiene, keep feet dry, use antifungal powder and use over-the-counter antifungal creams to clear up an infection. See your dermatologist if symptoms worsen or persist despite home treatment.

Allergic Reactions

Skin allergies from new shoes, socks or detergents can prompt red, itchy soles and feet. The reaction may be limited to the feet or part of a wider spread rash.

Avoid the irritant when possible and take an oral antihistamine to control allergic symptoms. If swelling or skin pain accompanies the redness, seek emergency care.

When to See Your Doctor About Red Feet

Schedule an appointment with your doctor if you experience any of the following alongside red feet:

Ongoing Pain and Tenderness

Sensations of burning, tingling or shooting pain in your feet may indicate nerve damage, especially if accompanied by numbness or loss of feeling.

Diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, alcoholism and autoimmune diseases are common causes of nerve pain. Getting an accurate diagnosis and treatment can help minimize permanent nerve damage.

Swelling and Inflammation

Inflammation underlying the redness may suggest a systemic infection, cellulitis, injury or gout. Swelling can also arise from fluid retention related to heart, kidney or liver disorders.

Identifying and properly treating the root cause of swelling and inflammation helps prevent complications. Quick medical intervention is key.

Skin Changes Like Cracks, Blisters and Ulcers

Skin disorders may lead to thick, painful calluses on your heels or balls of your feet. Fissures, blisters and open foot ulcers can also develop and appear red.

These skin changes indicate ongoing irritation, friction and pressure on your feet. Custom orthotics and shoes can help offload pressure points contributing to lesions. See a podiatrist to treat any open wounds.

Unexplained Weight Loss

Losing a significant amount of weight without trying can accompany worrisome foot symptoms. This may result from malnutrition related deficiencies or an underlying chronic condition.

Get proper testing and nutritional counseling. Report any unusual symptoms outside of your feet as well, since rapid unintentional weight loss is cause for medical evaluation.

Home Care for Red Feet

Mild redness of your soles often responds well to at-home treatments. But see your doctor if symptoms worsen or don’t improve within a couple weeks using conservative care methods.

Rest Your Feet

Avoid standing or walking for prolonged periods to minimize pressure on reddened areas. Elevate your legs and feet when possible to promote circulation.

Apply Cold Compresses

Ice packs, gel packs and even bags of frozen vegetables held against red areas can alleviate inflammation and discomfort temporarily.

Try Over-the-Counter Topicals

Lotions and ointments with soothing botanical ingredients like aloe vera, calendula and comfrey promote healing. Anesthetic sprays and foams can provide relief too.

Wear Clean, Dry Socks and Shoes

Let your feet air out when home. Choose moisture-wicking socks and alternate pairs of well-fitted shoes day-to-day.

Soak Your Feet

Enjoy occasional foot baths using mild Epsom salt soaks to ease swelling, relax muscles, draw out inflammation and keep skin in good condition.

When to Visit a Podiatrist for Red Soles Treatment

Schedule an urgent podiatry assessment if you have painful, swollen and reddened feet accompanied by worrisome symptoms. A podiatrist can evaluate, diagnose and create a treatment plan which may include:

Medications

Oral or topical corticosteroids fight inflammation while antifungal medications clear fungal infections. Antibiotics treat bacterial infections contributing to redness and swelling.

Orthotic Devices and Custom Footwear

Supportive insoles, braces, pads and specialized therapeutic shoes help redistribute foot pressure to ease irritation.

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy

Sound waves directed at damaged tissue stimulates blood vessel and tissue regeneration to heal chronic inflammation and sores.

Surgery

Sometimes surgery becomes necessary to drain infection, remove diseased tissue or correct underlying foot deformities causing recurring redness and pain.

When to Go to the Emergency Room

Seek emergency medical care if you have painful inflammation in your feet along with:

Numbness or Tingling

Loss of feeling or abnormal foot sensations can indicate a nerve issue needing rapid evaluation.

Uncontrolled Bleeding

Excessive bleeding from your feet may suggest a significant wound, circulatory disorder or bleeding problem requiring hospital intervention.

Difficulty Walking

Inability to walk or stand due to foot pain prompts an ER visit to assess for fracture, severe sprain or potential surgical emergency.

Fever, Chills or Vomiting

These constitutional symptoms accompanying hot, swollen and reddened feet can signal a systemic infection or illness necessitating admission for testing and intravenous antibiotics.

Preventing Recurrent Red Soles Flare Ups

Proper foot care helps stave off frequent bouts of painful red feet after receiving treatment. Try these preventative tips:

Stick to Supportive Footwear

Wear shoes with adequate cushioning, stability features, breathability and roomy toe boxes. Have your gait analyzed to determine best shoes for your feet.

Keep Feet Clean and Dry

Practice good hygiene, wash feet daily, dry carefully between the toes and apply moisture-wicking powder to prevent fungal or bacterial infections.

Moisturize Frequently

Use gentle, fragrance-free lotions and creams daily to prevent cracking and keep skin resilient.

Protect Feet

Wear water shoes when using public showers or pools. Don’t go barefoot outdoors to avoid injury and limit sun exposure which can worsen some rashes.

Inspect Feet Routinely

Check your feet a few times per week for any changes needing medical care like persistent redness, swelling, ulcers or suspicious marks.

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.