Bottom of feet turn white when wet….not a callous

Posted by noelle25 @noelle25, Jul 26, 2023

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!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Skin Health Support Group.

@noelle25

I’m the OP
My feet are back to looking normal 100%
Time and gentle pampering are the key
The cause, like was discussed in previous posts, was over exfoliating the skin on the feet, especially the aggressive, steel grater type foot files
Skin on the bottom of your feet are meant to have callouses
Removing all of them results in skin trauma and your body trying to repair itself, resulting in the way my feet looked in the photos
This took a few month BTW so be patient

Jump to this post

Hi Noelle ,

this has happened to me, please can you advise what oils / moisturisers you used.

Thank you

REPLY

Anything I had on hand. Oils, moisturizers of any brand. Don’t over think it.
The main point is to let your feet heal after the trauma of over exfoliation. Time and patience are your friends.

REPLY
@kron567

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!

Jump to this post

Hey Kron567,
Could you please tell me what did you use, because I have the same problem..

REPLY

I have the same problem, over exfoliated part of my feet and now the skin is just like the pictures shown here. I also have hyperhidrosis which make things even worse.
Can anyone help? Did you ever get rid of it and if yes how long did it take and how did it heal?

REPLY

If you have access to seeing a dermatologist that should help.
At times with sweaty feet there can be a bacterial overgrowth condition
that responds to antibiotic lotions or creams applied topically.
The doctor may shine a special Woods lamp that shows fluorescent
residual to aid in diagnosis.

REPLY
@seniormed

If you have access to seeing a dermatologist that should help.
At times with sweaty feet there can be a bacterial overgrowth condition
that responds to antibiotic lotions or creams applied topically.
The doctor may shine a special Woods lamp that shows fluorescent
residual to aid in diagnosis.

Jump to this post

@seniormed thank you for your answer! Do you recommend visiting a dermatologist or a podiatrist?

REPLY

I have the same issue but I used to sweat a lot I was able to get a topical antibiotic that helped with the sweating now I’m trying to clear up the macerated skin. I exfoliate and apply urea cream I guess it just takes some time if anyone has any advice please let me know

REPLY
@leevy22

I have the same problem, over exfoliated part of my feet and now the skin is just like the pictures shown here. I also have hyperhidrosis which make things even worse.
Can anyone help? Did you ever get rid of it and if yes how long did it take and how did it heal?

Jump to this post

I thought I had hyperhydrosis as well my socks would be soaked at the start of my day. If possible see if you can get a topical antibiotic

REPLY
@stephaniew11

I thought I had hyperhydrosis as well my socks would be soaked at the start of my day. If possible see if you can get a topical antibiotic

Jump to this post

Did you see a dermatologist for this issue? Do your feet sweat now?

REPLY
@leevy22

Did you see a dermatologist for this issue? Do your feet sweat now?

Jump to this post

Yes I was subscribed a topical antibiotic my feet do not sweat as badly my socks would literally be soaked as soon as I start my day. Not they still get a bit moist but that’s considering it is summertime. All the sweat over the years caused severe maceration in trying to fight that now

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.