On average, American families purchase seven pairs of shoes annually. Shoes are made with leather, rubber and other synthetic or processed materials. In addition, cements and dichromates are used in tanning; dyes, rubber additives, anti-mildew agents, formaldehyde, nickel eyelets and nickel arch supports are added during the manufacturing process. These shoe materials can cause contact dermatitis of the foot with redness, itchiness, and small blisters, usually occurring within 24 to 72 hours of exposure to the irritant.[1]
Try moist compresses and cool moist soaks for five to ten minutes first, followed by air-drying. Then try moisturizing cream with glycerin and alpha-hydroxy acids. If they don’t work, you need topical corticosteroid cream or ointment prescribed by your foot doctor.
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