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Bottom of feet turn white when wet….not a callous
After using a metal foot file tool at home, certain parts of the bottom of my feet turn white and the area is slightly raised when they are wet, mainly the skin that was treated with the file. No itching, burning or any other symptoms. I’m not sure what this is. I’ve researched online and found others with the same problem, but no one has an answer. When feet are dry they look fine, just a slight discolouration, a little darker than the rest of the skin on the feet. I’ve tried otc anti fungal cream, Vicks Vapor rub and currently trying hydrogen peroxide and vinegar soaks. Nothing seems to be working.
What is this and how do I treat it. Have a dr.s appointment in a few weeks, but just wondering if anyone has had this and how I can treat it. Thanks!
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Possibly related to excessive perspiration in footwear.
Try open summer sandals and antiperspirant lotion.
I only wear open footwear, so this is not the case. My feet are dry and there is no odour. Hygiene is very important to me.
Totally disagree
How can you disagree if you don’t even know me? You’re ignorant.
Hi Noelle - It looks from the photos like you got a little vigorous with the file, and riled up the skin, which was probably callused. Your body just needs to finish shedding and replacing the old skin. Since you are worried about the look, and trying (possibly) too many different things to try to make them look "normal" - this is just prolonging the irritation.
I would suggest you try massaging them with a nice oil after you wash them in mild soap each evening, then putting on cotton socks to keep the oil in contact. Baby oil, or even vegetable or olive oil from the kitchen are good choices. In the morning, just rub it in.
In the future, be more gentle with yourself - perhaps use a sugar/oil or salt/oil scrub to remove the rough skin. If you need something more aggressive, try a pumice stone or an abrasive pad like is used in a salon. Walking in beach sand is also excellent for wearing down rough spots! These take longer than metal, but are gentler on your skin.
Can you try this for the weekend and let us know if it helps?
Sue
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4 ReactionsHi Sue,
Thank you for your reply!
Yes, I was a bit overzealous with the metal file, which I’ve never used before, and never will again. I usually use the options you listed. The metal file was amazing though, haha! My feet were not overly calloused and I take care of my feet, with oils and creams as you mentioned. I am in flip flops most of the time so the skin on my feet breathe, much to the disappointment of the previous poster I’m sure. That’s was just rude, but whatever!
I’m just concerned because I’ve read posters on other forums with the same issue and they haven’t been able to figure out the problem after years, even after seeing a podiatrist and dermatologist.
It’s been a couple of months now and I’m not sure if this will go away on its own. I have been applying coconut oil daily and will continue to do that until I see my doctor later next month. Beach walking is also on the agenda, but not until vacation time in October! 🙂
Again, thank you for your reply and kind advice. I appreciate it!
It may help if you see an experienced dermatologist and they make the diagnosis such as pitted keratolysis usually well treated with clindamycin gel or lotion.
It can recur in warm weather.
Hi seniormed,
Initially I thought it was Pitted Keratolysis, but my skin doesn’t have any pits/holes, foul odour or itchiness. I don’t think this is what it is.
Whatever this is it’s related to the exfoliation of my feet. I’ve never experienced any issues otherwise, even when I wore closed footwear at work. I’m not working now so I’m in slides or flip flops. Feet breathe and are pampered!
I’ve attached a picture of my foot when dry. Looks completely different than when wet. The callouses are thick and grow back quick when I “gently” try to exfoliate now. It’s like the skin is overcompensating for the damage apparently done by using the steel grater. ??? 🤷🏻♀️
I have this!!! Had it for almost 8 months and guess what I used also? I’ve literally seen every gp going tried steroid creams fungal you name it I’ve had it I got obsessed with foot care and ended up really taking too much skin off now it’s damaged . Is there a way to contact you privately. Cheers look forward to hearing from you!
Hi kron567,
After heeding Sue’s advice, I am seeing some improvement! I stopped self treating with antifungals, peroxide, vinegar, even Vicks lol.
I saw my GP recently and she thinks I was just too aggressive with the exfoliation and really aggravated the skin. She thinks it’s just trying to repair itself and build up a new callous. She didn’t think it was fungal or any other infection.
She said to just continue moisturizing and remove any hardened skin gently.(not a steel foot file)
It’s not completely gone, but I’d say 60% better. I think with time this will heal.
Try just pampering with oils and creams and letting the skin on your feet repair itself.
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