OpenHealth Q&A

Get answered by medical professionals

Issues with Peeling and Painful Foot Skin

7/10/2025, 11:30:35 PMMale25-34

I’m experiencing a rather troubling issue with one of my feet, which has persisted for several years now. Typically, I find that this condition worsens during certain times of the year, and this year's flare-up is particularly severe. The affected area feels unusually warm and is causing significant discomfort, which hinders my ability to walk. Upon closer inspection, I notice small red spots that appear like bumps. Over time, these areas harden and eventually split, leading to deeper cracks in the skin. When I resist the urge to peel the skin, it becomes uncomfortably tight, resulting in more pain. Unfortunately, I have an appointment with a dermatologist, but it’s still four weeks away. Does anyone have any insight into what might be causing this or suggestions for treatment until I can see the doctor? Thank you!

ArthritisFibromyalgiaRheumatology

Answers (1)

Cony

7/10/2025, 11:30:55 PM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you are dealing with a persistent and uncomfortable skin condition on your foot, characterized by peeling, painful spots, and cracking. The warmth and discomfort, especially if the condition worsens in certain seasons, suggest that this could be related to a few possible skin issues, such as contact dermatitis, a fungal infection, or even psoriasis. It’s commendable that you are taking steps to address this through a dermatologist appointment.

Key Points:

  • The symptoms you describe indicate a significant skin condition that requires professional assessment but can be managed in the meantime to alleviate discomfort.
  • Skin issues can often be exacerbated by environmental factors, so identifying any potential triggers can be helpful.

Here’s a practical approach you can take until your appointment:

  1. Moisturize Regularly:

    • Use a thick, emollient moisturizer or barrier cream (like petroleum jelly or thick lotions with urea) multiple times a day, especially after washing your feet. This can help prevent the skin from becoming tight and cracking.
  2. Avoid Peeling:

    • As tempting as it might be, try to resist peeling the skin. Instead, let it heal naturally; excessive peeling can deepen cracks and increase the risk of infection.
  3. Wear Appropriate Footwear:

    • Choose shoes that provide comfort and support. Avoid tight shoes or those that could aggravate the skin condition. Open-toed options or sandals might be beneficial if they do not cause further irritation.
  4. Minimize Irritation:

    • Limit exposure to any potential irritants such as harsh soaps or certain fabrics. Opt for mild, fragrance-free soaps and detergents to wash your socks and shoes.
  5. Keep Feet Clean and Dry:

    • Wash your feet daily with gentle soap and dry them thoroughly, making sure to get into any folds of skin. Excess moisture could lead to fungal growth which can worsen your condition.
  6. Consider an Over-the-Counter Anti-itch Cream:

    • If you experience significant itching or discomfort, you could try an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream to help with inflammation and itchiness.
  7. Monitor Symptoms:

    • Keep an eye on the appearance and sensations of the affected area. If you notice increased redness, swelling, or signs of infection (such as pus or fever), it would warrant urgent care prior to your dermatologist visit.

Conclusion:

While managing this condition at home, stay hopeful for your upcoming dermatologist appointment, where you will receive a thorough examination and treatment plan tailored to your needs. Remember to keep track of any changes in symptoms, as this information will be valuable for your dermatologist. If you need further clarification or updates, don't hesitate to ask.

Related Questions

When Should You Take Persistent Swollen Lymph Nodes Seriously? Reflecting on Five Years of Uncertainty

I am a 28-year-old woman, and five years ago, I began to experience significant health issues following the loss of a loved one. This period of immense stress triggered outbreaks of hives and rashes, which medical professionals attributed to anxiety or possibly an allergic reaction. In conjunction with this, I developed a distinct type of rash on my scalp, later diagnosed as psoriasis. This scalp issue has persistently lingered, primarily affecting the back of my head with recurrent flare-ups. More troubling is that I noticed a noticeable lump on the back left of my neck around the same time. After raising this concern with my physician, it was suggested that it was likely a swollen lymph node resulting from the scalp psoriasis drainage. An ultrasound confirmed the presence of enlarged lymph nodes, and I was reassured that it was merely inflammation, nothing to worry about. However, fast forward to today, that initial "bump" has transformed into a hard, solid mass. Unlike a typical swollen lymph node, it is firm enough to grip. Over the past year, a second lump of a similar size emerged just above the first, also towards the base of my skull on the same side. While these lumps are generally not painful, I have begun to experience increased discomfort. It feels as though they may be pressing against or getting tangled with surrounding muscles. Certain movements of my neck trigger waves of nausea accompanied by peculiar pain that radiates to where these lumps are located. This situation feels unsettling and strange. I've mentioned these growths to my healthcare provider multiple times, but each time, they have responded with a lack of concern. In fact, my dentist seemed to be the most worried about it. The reactions I have received from other medical professionals have often felt dismissive, leaving me discouraged. With the high costs of medical visits, it is disheartening to feel I might be wasting their time. After a while, I ceased pursuing answers, yet the anxiety surrounding it persists. So, I find myself navigating uncertainty and have a few questions: 1. When is it appropriate to go back to a doctor regarding these lumps? 2. How can I effectively communicate my concerns and ensure that they are taken seriously without coming across as overly anxious? 3. Has anyone else dealt with similarly stubborn, hard lymph nodes that have increased in number and size? I would be grateful for any advice, personal experiences, or support. I’m torn between feeling like I might be overreacting and the fear that I could be overlooking something significant.

ArthritisLupusCrohn's Disease
Male25-34
21 minutes ago

Duration of Pneumonia: What to Expect

As a 47-year-old woman, my health journey recently took a challenging turn. I contracted Covid in October, which was confirmed through a clinic test. Just a week after my diagnosis, I found myself in the emergency room due to worsening symptoms. The doctor performed a chest x-ray that led to a pneumonia diagnosis. Following that, I underwent a treatment plan with Azithromycin antibiotics, and I felt a significant improvement within about two weeks. However, by the end of March, I returned to my physician for persistent chest tightness and shortness of breath during physical activities. After conducting another x-ray, it turned out that pneumonia was still affecting me—or had resurfaced. In May and again on June 19, follow-up x-rays confirmed that pneumonia remained detectable. Consequently, I had to take two additional courses of antibiotics. The fatigue I’m experiencing is overwhelming to the point where it hampers my daily functioning. I’ve noticed that while I don't have a persistent cough, my ability to breathe is compromised when I'm active. Simple tasks like climbing stairs have become quite laborious. Fortunately, my office job allows for some adaptability, yet I've had to take sick leave this week due to extreme tiredness. I am also scheduled for a CT scan to provide a more detailed evaluation, but my appointment date is still pending. Is it normal for pneumonia to linger this long? I’m beginning to feel worried and suspect that there might be other underlying issues. Is it common for illnesses similar to pneumonia to be misdiagnosed? For context, I am about 50 pounds overweight, had a stent inserted in my left anterior descending artery in 2022, and deal with diverticulosis along with recurrent flare-ups. Otherwise, my medical history is not significant.

Crohn's DiseaseCOPDRheumatology
Male25-34
31 minutes ago

Understanding the Unusual Spots in My Friend's Ear

While I was examining my friend’s ear using a camera, I noticed a couple of peculiar features in her right ear—a few holes along with a red and white spot. She assured me that she wasn’t experiencing any pain, but this was an unusual find since I hadn’t seen anything like it during our last cleaning session. I’m curious about what could be causing this anomaly.

Internal MedicineRheumatology
Male25-34
31 minutes ago

Questions About Rheumatology Consult

I’m a 31-year-old female, standing at 5'5" and weighing 190 pounds. For over three years, I have been suffering from joint pain and persistent fatigue. My current medications include Synthroid 75 mcg, NP Thyroid 60 mg, Celexa 20 mg, and Wellbutrin 150 mg. I typically consume 2-3 alcoholic drinks per week, and I do not smoke or use illicit drugs. To summarize my situation, despite being on thyroid medication for three years, my joint pain and extreme tiredness remain unresolved. Given my family history, particularly my mother’s rheumatoid arthritis, my primary care physician ran some blood tests in October 2024. The results showed: - ANA 1:640 homogeneous - EBV Ab VCA IgG 21.7 U/mL (normal range: 0-17.9) - EBV nuclear antigen Ab IgG 89.5 U/mL (normal range: 0-17.9) These were the only abnormalities detected in my blood work; my ESR and C-reactive protein levels were within normal limits. I had a follow-up appointment with a rheumatologist today, and she seemed unconcerned about any potential autoimmune issues. She suggested that my joint pain could be attributed to carpal tunnel syndrome, despite the fact that my symptoms affect not just my wrists but also my fingers, ankles, and feet. Additionally, she attributed my fatigue to depression and possible sleep apnea. When I mentioned that I try to exercise when my energy allows—despite the overwhelming fatigue she seemed to dismiss my efforts, rolling her eyes as if she doubted my commitment to staying active. The entire visit lasted less than 30 minutes. Is this a common experience in rheumatology? Should I consider seeking a second opinion, or am I overreacting? I’m feeling quite disheartened by this situation.

ArthritisThyroid DisordersRheumatology
Male25-34
1 hour ago

Seeking Insights: Differentiating Symptoms After Childbirth

Hello everyone, my wife, who is 27, delivered our baby on July 4th, but afterward, she experienced a spinal headache as a result of her epidural. On July 6th, she underwent a blood patch, and up until yesterday, it seemed like she was improving, although she continued to have considerable neck pain that hindered her ability to turn her head. Currently, she has developed a fever of 101 degrees accompanied by chills, and her neck discomfort has intensified. Over the past few days, her Apple Watch has detected a lower heart rate and a decrease in her respiratory rate, but considering she recently gave birth, I thought this might be normal. Our baby had minimal complications at birth, although the delivery nearly required a vacuum due to heart rate decelerations. While there were initial concerns regarding hemorrhaging, that issue was resolved with a shot, and no further follow-up has been necessary. For her recovery, she is taking Buspar and Metoprolol in addition to iron supplements, folic acid, and a prenatal vitamin. I recognize that I might be overly anxious about her condition, but I would appreciate any insights or differential diagnoses that could rule out meningitis. Additionally, I was at the emergency room today due to severe throat pain, where I was informed that I have a viral infection, with tests for Covid and strep returning negative results. I hope some of you can ease my anxiety or guide me regarding potential next steps. I’m also open to any questions as I might not have included all details!

ArthritisCrohn's DiseaseCOPD
Male25-34
1 hour ago