Foot Issues After Trip to the Philippines
I am a 33-year-old male, standing at 6 feet 5 inches and weighing 190 pounds. I currently reside in the United States, but the incident I'm referring to occurred during my visit to the Philippines. While enjoying some family time in Zambales, I opted for a beach getaway, steering clear of the bustling life in Manila. Throughout my time at the beach, I spent a lot of time barefoot, and eventually, I noticed a troubling sensation in my feet: pain and itching. Oddly enough, I was the only one affected, which struck me as peculiar. Our activities included beach walks and swimming in both the ocean and the pool. Perhaps unrelated, but I later developed symptoms of illness, such as a sore throat, fever, and nausea. Fortunately, I had acquaintances in the area who connected me with a doctor; they arranged for prescriptions for antibiotics and throat medication, but they were unaware of my foot issues at the time. Upon my return to Manila, I observed that my feet began to improve. The red spots I had noticed transformed into small holes, then proceeded to peel before healing quickly. I am still left puzzled and haven't been able to find conclusive information online regarding what might have caused my symptoms. Additionally, I was born with club feet, leading to surgical interventions where doctors broke and reshaped some bones in my feet, resulting in my unusually high arches and unique foot structure. With this context in mind, I am genuinely interested in understanding what could have triggered my foot discomfort.
Answers (1)
2/2/2026, 4:30:41 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you experienced a combination of foot discomfort and systemic illness after your trip, which is understandably concerning. Based on your description, the symptoms you experienced on your feet—pain, itching, red spots that progressed to holes—could be due to several factors, including skin infections, insect bites, or exposure to irritants commonly found in tropical environments, such as sand or waterborne pathogens.
Explanation:
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Possible Causes:
- Skin Irritation/Infection: Prolonged barefoot exposure on the beach may have led to an infection or irritation, especially if you walked in muddy or sandy areas where bacteria or fungi are common.
- Insect Bites: Beaches in tropical areas can have insects that bite, leading to localized reactions with itching and redness.
- Fungal Infections: Conditions like athlete's foot can develop in warm, wet environments.
- Prior Structural Issues: Considering your history with club feet and resulting changes in foot structure, you may be more sensitive to certain irritants.
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Recovery Observation: The fact that your symptoms improved upon returning and after peeling is a positive sign, suggesting your skin was healing and potentially responding to the change in environment.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Any Recurrences: Pay attention to your feet for any recurring symptoms. Document any new changes, such as different colors, textures, or sensations.
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Skin Care:
- Keep your feet clean and dry. Use mild soap and ensure thorough drying, especially between toes.
- Moisturize your feet regularly to avoid dryness and cracking, especially given the high arches.
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Avoid Irritants:
- When at the beach or in similar environments, consider wearing water shoes or sandals to protect your feet from irritants, sharp objects, or insects.
- Be cautious about applying any topical medications or creams if your skin is broken, as they might irritate.
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Seek Professional Evaluation: If symptoms recur or worsen, or if you notice other concerning signs like increased pain, swelling, or systemic symptoms reappearing (like fever), it may be beneficial to see a healthcare professional for a thorough examination. Given your unique foot structure and past surgeries, having a specialist evaluate your feet could offer additional insights.
Feel free to reach out if you have additional questions or need further clarification! Your well-being is important, and it's great that you're seeking to understand and care for your health.
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