This week’s Ask A Doctor Kenya Question is as follows:
Dear Doctor I have swellings on my feet which are very itchy. They begun several months ago and they have never disappeared even though I have applied many medications. What is the problem and how can I treat it?
Ask a Doctor Kenya Answer – Contact Dermatitis
This itchy swellings on your feet are caused by a skin condition known as contact dermatitis.
Contact dermatitis is a type of eczema which develops when the skin is exposed to irritating or sensitizing substances.
Nickel is one of the most common causes of allergic contact dermatitis. It is used to make jewelry like earrings, rings, chains, necklaces, bracelets, watches, jean studs, belt buckles, zippers and other items of clothing. Nickel is also present in spectacle frames, cell phones, keys and coins. In your case it could have been used to make that shiny embellishment on your shoes.
Contact Dermatitis Symptoms
The main symptom of contact dermatitis is itchiness of the skin. In new cases (acute dermatitis) the skin is red and there my be some blisters draining fluid with edema (swelling). In long-standing cases (chronic dermatitis) the skin tends to be dry and scaly and it may also be thickened.
Contact dermatitis affects men and women of all age groups. However, it is more common in women which may be due to the fact that they wear more jewelry and embellished clothing.
Contact Dermatitis Treatment
The treatment of contact dermatitis is stop exposing the skin to the sensitizing or irritating substances. This means wearing jewelry made from 12 carat gold, sterling silver, titanium, surgical-grade stainless steel, nickel-free stainless steel and nickel-free yellow gold. Wearing plastic items like watch straps and spectacle frames is another option.
In your case it would mean not wearing the shoes with the metal decoration.
Moisturizers are applied on the skin to relieve the dryness and itching. Examples include Lipikar Baume, Dermol and Emulsifying Ointment which can be purchased from the Nairobi Almasi Skincare Store. Epaderm and Aquaphor Healing Ointment can also be used.
To learn more about them read The Best Moisturizers in Kenya.
These moisturizers should be used together with gentle cleansers like La Roche-Posay Lipikar Syndet and Dove Soap.
These skincare products can be purchased from the Nairobi Almasi Skincare Store located in Moi Avenue, Sawa Mall, 3rd floor, shop C15. Call/WhatsApp 0721963156 or email almasiskincare@gmail.com to arrange for countrywide delivery.
To learn more about them read The Best Cleansers in Kenya.
Corticosteroid creams are prescribed by a Doctor to treat contact dermatitis.
Antibiotics are also prescribed if there is a secondary bacterial infection.
Do you have a health-related query? Send your Ask A Doctor Kenya Question to almasiskincare@gmail.com or Call / WhatsApp 0721 963 156