J

Juvenile plantar dermatosis

JUVENILE PLANTAR DERMATOSIS

This condition is usually seen in children between 7 - 12 years of age and normally clears on its own.

    Causes

  • May be a type of atopic dermatitis affecting the feet.
  • The wearing of occlusive footwear, especially heavy winter shoes predisposes to it.

    Symptoms

  • Shiny, cracked skin affecting the forefeet and toe pads, sparing the toe webs and insteps.
  • Affects both feet symmetrically.
  • Itching is usually absent.
  • The hands may sometimes be affected, as well.
      Juvenile plantar dermatosis.
    Click on image for larger view
    Complications
  • Cracking and bleeding.
  • Secondary bacterial infection.

    What you can do

  • You should consult a doctor.
  • Wear well fitting shoes.
  • Choose leather shoes with leather soles which are less occlusive.
  • Use cotton socks which allow better ventilation.
  • Moisturise the skin so it is less likely to crack.

    What the doctor may do

  • Prescribe mild topical steroids and tar preparations.
  • Exclude fungal infection (see tinea pedis).
  • Perform patch tests to exclude allergy to footwear.

TOP