Shoe Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis from shoes is not uncommon and is often wrongly thought to be a fungus infection. It is caused more often from the cements, asphalts, or other adhesives that are used in the linings of shoes than from anything to do with the leather itself. It is usually seen on the upper surface of the foot and toes, and not between the toes, which are protected from con­tact with the causative chemical. Fungiis infection is likely to occur be­tween and underneath the toes. When there is contact dermatitis from shoes it is quite a problem to know what kind of shoes to wear. Inasmuch as the trouble usually comes from vari­ous parts of the lining, unlined shoes of the moccasin “loafer” type or sandals made entirely of leather are the best shoes to wear. If the trouble is coming from the leather, sneakers can be worn. It is also quite possible that one pair of shoes will cause dermatitis, and another will not.

Fig. 22.-Contact dermatitis from shoe lin­ings, probably from the cement. Local treat­ment : zinc oxide paste, followed by Swartz’s ointment or medium strength tar paste. (From Brennemann’s Practice of Pediatrics.)