Finding tiny red spots on soles of feet can be quite alarming. These bumps may be indicative of a local problem such as athlete's foot, or a medical condition involving some other part of your body like diabetes. Sometimes, these bumps tend to go away on their own but for others conditions, you may have to contact a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. Why do these tiny spots appear on your feet and how can you get rid of them? Keep reading.

Reasons and Tips for Red Spots on Soles of Feet

Red spots on the bottom of feet can appear due to a number of reasons. Some of these causes have been explained below.

1. Athlete's foot

Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that may cause tiny red spots to appear under your foot. The fungal species responsible for this infection thrives in warm and moist environments. It enters your body through tiny cracks in the skin and causes an infection.

• Symptoms

Athlete's foot causes your skin to become flaky, scaly, and itchy. A rash may appear on the affected area along with burning and stinging sensations. In some cases, blisters may also form on the skin.

• Causes

Athlete's foot usually occurs due to excessive sweating in feet, wearing tight or damp footwear, or exposure to anything that makes your foot wet and warm for a long period of time.

• Treatment

A topical steroid and an antifungal cream such as clotrimazole or terbinafine are usually prescribed for four weeks to get rid of this infection. Maintaining adequate foot hygiene is also advised.

2. Hand, mouth, and foot disease

This refers to a mild viral infection in which a rash appears on the hands, feet, and mouth of the affected person. It usually affects kids under the age of ten years but adults can also get this disease.

• Symptoms

The disease is characterized by the appearance of a red non-itchy rash on the soles of feet. This is accompanied by dehydration, sore throat, fever, loss of appetite, and difficulty in swallowing.

• Causes

The infection occurs due to a virus called coxsackievirus A16. It is highly infectious and spreads through the secretions produced during coughing and sneezing.

• Treatment

The treatment mainly focuses on symptom relief. Oral anesthetics are given to make swallowing easier. Paracetamol and ibuprofen are prescribed to treat its symptoms, like a fever.

For more information about this disease, click here.

3. Dyshidrotic eczema

Dyshidrotic eczema, also known as dyshidrosis, is a disorder characterized by red bumps on feet. It is a chronic problem that manifests during early childhood and may persist even into adulthood.

• Symptoms

Dyshidrotic eczema causes dry, red patches to appear on the skin. These rashes are itchy and may transform into fluid-filled blisters. A rash is often seen in the skin creases, such as between the toes.

• Causes

The exact cause of this problem is unknown. Scientists believe that it is related to seasonal allergies such as hay fever, the presence of bacteria on the skin, or hereditary factors.

• Treatment

To relieve the symptoms, use corticosteroid creams such as hydrocortisone, anti-histamines like chlorpheniramine, and ultraviolet light therapy.

4. Irritant contact dermatitis

Irritant contact dermatitis refers to an allergic reaction, which causes a rash to appear on the feet. This is usually due to an increased sensitivity of your body towards a certain agent.

• Symptoms

The skin becomes cracked, dry, and scaly. A non-itchy rash may appear on the ankles or feet. The symptoms may vary depending upon the duration of exposure, amount, and potency of an irritant.

• Causes

The cause of irritant contact dermatitis is damage to the protective outermost layer of the skin. The damage occurs as the skin comes in contact with a potential irritant like a cleaning product, dyes, detergents, or industrial chemicals.

• Treatment

Treatment includes washing the affected area properly, avoiding exposure to irritants, and using topical steroid and antihistamine creams such as cortisone.

5. Allergic contact dermatitis

Red spots on soles of feet may also appear due to allergic contact dermatitis, a condition triggered by exposure to certain allergens.

• Symptoms

The symptoms include a red or pink-colored foot rash along with tiny bumps, which may turn into itchy blisters.

• Causes

Prolonged exposure to allergens stimulates an immune reaction in the skin causing allergic contact dermatitis. Some common allergens include poison ivy, rubber, latex, and nickel.

• Treatment

Treatment includes avoidance of the allergen, applying a cold compress, and using antihistamines and steroid creams.

6. Diabetes

Diabetes refers to a metabolic condition in which your blood sugar level gets out of control. One of the complications of this disease involves having bumps and calluses under the feet.

• Symptoms

Diabetic blisters are red in color and may appear on the legs, toes, and soles of the feet. These bumps are often seen in the form of clusters with clear fluid. Sometimes, the bumps may become extremely itchy.

• Causes

High blood glucose causes the skin of your feet to become dry. This dry skin can easily become red, inflamed, sore, and may even crack. When such a delicate skin is exposed to ill-fitting shoes or tight footwear without socks, blisters and bumps may appear.

• Treatment

Blisters and bumps related to diabetes can be treated with an antibiotic ointment or cream. The foot is usually bandaged to protect it from further injury. If the itching is severe, a steroidal cream may also be used.

7. Syphilis

Syphilis is a type of sexually transmitted disease, which primarily spreads through sexual contact with an infected person. Without treatment, the infection may worsen and cause complications.

• Symptoms

The symptoms include the appearance of red, inflamed areas on the soles of your feet and palms of your hands. This is coupled with tiny, painless sores surrounding your genital area. Other symptoms include fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes.

• Causes

The infection is caused by a bacterial species known as Treponema pallidum. The infection can enter your body through sexual contact. It can also be transferred from a mother to her unborn child.

• Treatment

Treatment includes antibiotics such as oral penicillin and intramuscular injections of Benzathine penicillin G.

8. Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disorder affecting 2 to 4 percent of the world's population. It is a disease which causes a rash to appear primarily on the soles of your feet.

• Symptoms

In psoriasis, red, scaly patches appear on the body and are extremely itchy. The skin lesions may range from tiny, localized red spots confined to the soles of your foot to major eruptions that affect the whole body. It also causes discoloration, crumbling, and pitting of nails.

• Causes

Psoriasis is caused by an overproduction of the skin cells at a rapid speed due to an underlying problem with the immune system. Emotional trauma and stress are some of its triggers.

• Treatment

Vitamin D supplements (Calcipotriene), calcineurin inhibitors (tacrolimus), salicylic acid, and phototherapy are used in combination to treat psoriasis.

9. Insect bites

Red spots on the soles of the feet may sometimes appear simply due to an insect bite or sting.

• Symptoms

Insect stings and bites usually leave behind one or more raised bumps on the skin, which may be itchy and are often painful. Sometimes, blisters may also develop.

• Causes

Insects such as fleas, mosquitoes, ticks, horseflies, bedbugs, and mites may trigger an immune reaction in your body similar to an allergic attack. The body responds by producing raised bumps in the affected area.

• Treatment

The treatment is simple and includes the application of a cold compress, mild antihistamines, and steroid creams.

The Bottom Line

Red spots on soles of feet may seem harmless but can be indicative of a serious medical condition. Some of the diseases that may cause these bumps to appear include syphilis, athlete's foot, psoriasis, and contact dermatitis. To get a proper diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan for your problem, remember to consult a doctor as soon as possible.