Salt Lake City Allergic Contact Dermititis

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The skin on your feet can be sensitive to exposure to certain substances. If you wear shoes or boots that are made with a substance that irritates the foot, this can cause a reaction. Your feet can become red and irritated, or show other symptoms of an allergic reaction.

When you suffer from allergic contact dermatitis, it is important to see a foot doctor to determine if the problem is an allergy or another type of foot issue, such as a bacterial infection.

Once you’ve ruled out other causes, your podiatrist can help you to treat the reaction to the allergen and identify what is causing your feet to become irritated. Elizabeth E. Auger, DPM provides help with allergic contact dermatitis to patients in three convenient locations around the Salt Lake City area, so call as soon as you suffer a reaction to an allergen.

How do I Know if I have Allergic Contact Dermatitis in Salt Lake City?

There are many substances in shoes that can trigger an allergic reaction.  This could include rubber accelerators found in rubber compounds used to make sandals, rubber toe shoes, and other types of footwear. It could also include chromates used to tan leather; dimethyl fumarate that is used in shoe boxes to prevent mold; and formaldehyde used to tan white leather.

Whether you are exposed to these or other substances that irritate the foot, you can experience a variety of uncomfortable symptoms as the skin of your foot reacts to the allergen.

Symptoms of Allergic Contact Dermatitis

Symptoms of allergic contact dermatitis will vary depending upon how your body reacts to the allergen. You could experience blisters; cracked skin; itchiness; burning; and pain. Sometimes, you will have an immediate allergic reaction to an allergen when wearing new shoes. In other situations, your skin may be repeatedly exposed to an allergen and a reaction can develop over time.

How Does Dr. Auger Treat Salt Lake City Allergic Contact Dermatitis?

When you have an allergic reaction and you go see a foot doctor, finding out if your symptoms are actually allergic contact dermatitis is the first key step. Dr. Auger will conduct testing to rule out bacterial or fungal infections; other types of dermatitis such as atopic or irritant contact dermatitis; and other skin issues such as lichen planus.

A patch test, or allergy test, can also be performed. This type of test involves exposing the foot to allergens found in shoes to see what triggers a reaction. Once the allergen causing the problem is identified, it can be removed so your foot is no longer exposed. To treat the current reaction, options can include creams, ointment, topical steroids, and sometimes antibiotics.

Contact  Elizabeth E. Auger, DPM Today

Allergic contact dermatitis may not seem serious, but it can be painful and cracks in the skin or swelling could result in infection. You need to get the right help from a foot doctor to identify the allergen and treat your allergic reaction. Dr. Auger offers same day treatment to patients, serving all of Salt Lake City with 3 locations in West Jordan, Millcreek, and Sandy. Call today to schedule your appointment.