“I have white spots on the bottom of my feet. What could these be?”
I have been noticing some white spots just on the bottom of my feet. I can't tell what they are. They don't hurt or anything. What could it be? They look like blisters but don't feel like blisters.
23 Answers
There are reasons for ‘white spots’ to appear at the bottom of your feet. I recommend an evaluation with a podiatrist.
Without seeing you in the office there is no way of knowing based on this description however the most common cause for this sort of condition is athlete's foot or foot fungus. If this is the case, your podiatrist or dermatologist could determine if you would need a topical antifungal cream or antibacterial ointment to start with.
White spots can be several various dermatologic rashes or conditions. The first thing I ask patients is if you have any new shoes or socks or are using a cleaning product that may come in direct contact with your skin. Some of the most common conditions are:
1. dry skin (xerosis) --> treatment would be consistent use with an OTC lotion such as Vaseline, aquaphor, or amlactin.
2. athlete's foot (tinea pedis) --> while this most commonly is red, peeling skin that itches or burns, it can range from wet or peeling tissue in between the toes or small blisters/pustules; dry your feet well and try an OTC anti-fungal cream. If on plantar skin, powders work better in between the toes.
3. contact dermatitis/allergic reaction to something you are exposed to or possibly systemic (in your body such as eczema) will respond to an OTC steroid like hydrocortisone.
If the skin does not improve, you can call a dermatologist or podiatrist to assess and they may rx a stronger topical.
1. dry skin (xerosis) --> treatment would be consistent use with an OTC lotion such as Vaseline, aquaphor, or amlactin.
2. athlete's foot (tinea pedis) --> while this most commonly is red, peeling skin that itches or burns, it can range from wet or peeling tissue in between the toes or small blisters/pustules; dry your feet well and try an OTC anti-fungal cream. If on plantar skin, powders work better in between the toes.
3. contact dermatitis/allergic reaction to something you are exposed to or possibly systemic (in your body such as eczema) will respond to an OTC steroid like hydrocortisone.
If the skin does not improve, you can call a dermatologist or podiatrist to assess and they may rx a stronger topical.
It's best to be evaluated by a specialist
More than likely athletes foot, try overcounter meds first
It sounds like some type of dermatitis (skin inflammation) or possibly a fungal infection (athletes foot). You need to consult with a Board Certified Podiatric Surgeon or Dermatologist for evaluation and treatment.
If they are small blisters it may be eczema or fungus
Need an eval.
Could be an early fungal condition.
Sometimes athletes foot can be seen as little blisters and not be that itchy either. I would recommend seeing someone for this because there are other types of skin infections it could be that would need treatment.
Any colored spots on the sole of your feet should be evaluated by your local Podiatrist. There are many skin conditions that may be involved including contact dermatitis and etc.
If white spots are fluid-filled, they may have serous or pustular exudate. There are many differentials. A few are:
-Pompholyx *eczema* and *palmoplantar pustulosis* can cause an acute vesico-*pustular* eruption on hands and feet. Usually becomes chronic recurrent
-Palmo plantar pustular psoriasis associated with Psoriasis and collagen diseases
See a dermatologist or podiatrist for definitive diagnosis and testing.
-Pompholyx *eczema* and *palmoplantar pustulosis* can cause an acute vesico-*pustular* eruption on hands and feet. Usually becomes chronic recurrent
-Palmo plantar pustular psoriasis associated with Psoriasis and collagen diseases
See a dermatologist or podiatrist for definitive diagnosis and testing.
It could be dry skin, blisters from friction, fungal infection or some other skin disorder condition. You can see a dermatologist or podiatrist to determine the issue/
Could be callus, corns, or blocked sweat ducts.
If you have no idea why these developed, they could be piezogenic papules, otherwise known as normal fat bundles, which our soles are made up of. See your doc is something doesn't seem right
If your feet sweat often, you can develop this type of problem. I recommend you be evaluated by a podiatrist for a complete history and physical examination so working diagnosis can be established and treatment then be initiated
Could be a superficial dermatitis or fungal infection. I would recommend in person evaluation to be certain. May try an Epsom salt soak and see if it helps and start an over the counter anti fungal cream
Depends on the location. Could be multiple things. I would have them looked at.
Without pictures, this is very difficult to diagnose. It could be a yeast infection, but then again, it might be psoriasis. My suggestion would be to find a podiatrist or dermatologist to give you an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Rod Tomczak, MD, DPM, EdD
Rod Tomczak, MD, DPM, EdD
It could be Athlete's Foot/a fungal infection, or it could be something else, but there is no real way to tell without having it evaluated
This could possibly be a Tinea pedis (athletes foot infection). I recommend that you wear leather or mesh-made tennis shoes and cotton socks, because they will allow the feet to stay dry and breathe better. Plastic or manmade materials used in shoes and/or nylons will worsen the condition. There are over-the-counter medications like Lotrimin or Clotrimazole creams that are indicated for the treatment of fungal infections of the feet and inter-digital spaces of the feet. I recommend changing socks daily and rotating the wearing of your shoes if you have sweaty feet. Rotation of the shoes will allow them - the shoes - to dry out.
They may be infectious or due to another skin abnormality. Your podiatrist will be able to determine what they are and whether they need treatment.
White spots are very nonspecific. They can secondary to friction, moisture, pigmentation changes to the skin cells, etc. The best way to know for sure would likely require a biopsy. I would advise having a professional evaluation to determine.
