QUESTION: I caught a look at grandsons feet the other day, while he was on holiday with us.
His feet looked red and seemed to be covered with little blisters.
I tried to caution the boy, but he laughed it off, called it "sneaker foot", said a lot of the kids had the same thing, and that he was curing it with some powder.
Do you know anything about this, and would you please tell us?
ANSWER: Whether its called the "sweaty sock syndrome" or "sneaker foot" it is the same problem, found mostly in youngsters who wear sweat socks and sneakers continuously, and are not as careful as they should be.
With a long day in school and social activities, as much as 16 to 18 hours can go by while the feet sweat constantly in their wool and rubber prisons.
After a period of time the soles of the feet become dry and scaly, and then irritated, red and tender with little pin sized blisters.
The next step is an infection that could have been prevented.
Powder won't clear it up, but getting out of those sneakers into other foot gear will.
Changing into slippers at home is a start.
Use cotton socks, change them regularly and keep feet dry and clean. You had best alert his parents.
Get your grandson's attention on this before his burning and infected feet do.
The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician.
Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.
