Health problem

[Bullhorn7]

I work pretty long hours and very hard so my feet are kindof important.. well lately iv been having this discoloration on the sides, white with red spots on both feet running along my pinky toe and going about halfway up my foot...

Its not painful or sensitive. I have no idea what it is.

Any dermatologists out there?

[turboAccordHSF]

Dude, see a doctor please...

Can you feel your toes any numbness?

[speedfr3ak]

dr man we aint but could u have lack of blood >? running to ur foot u need blood or shot dont work ya kno?

[Leung]

I don't think a dermatologist is the correct doctor to see, since it's relating to your feet ought to see a podiatrist.

[deevergote]

Agreed. Podiatrist first. If it's a dermatological issue, he'll refer you to a dermatologist.

What sort of shoes/boots do you wear? Do they allow your feet to breathe? Are your feet frequently damp (be it from sweat, or from external sources of moisture?) Do your shoes/boots fit properly? Too tight can cut off circulation, too loose can rub. Do you use anything that you could be allergic to (foot powder, fabric softener, detergent, etc...?) Do you wear shoes that fit and breathe properly when you're not at work (canvas shoes, sandals, etc...)?

[oyajicool]

You should go see a doc.
Thinking out loud with no MD back ground, you may want keep your feet higher than your heart while you rest at home.

[Bullhorn7]

I wear Heat resistant specially made steel woven from sole to top waterproof steel toe georgia boots. and yea I have noticed my socks are always damp from a hard days work, probably sweat. and I dont exactly have insurance right now so I thought id ask here first.

[Leung]

Do you let those boots air out completely every night? I wouldn't be amazed if it turned out to be some kind of fungal infection starting up.

Don't use heat to dry the boots out, use a fan that blows cold air if you need more air circulation.

[19dabeast85]

If you're not going to see a doctor to find out exactly what it is:

Best option is to get a pair of those ultraviolet light shoe sanitizers. You drop them in at night and the uv rays kill EVERYthing in there including odors, etc. They are $50ish on Amazon.

Then get some non-steel toe and breathable boots.

[wed3k]

i stand a lot of hours too, (12-14 hours for a couple times a week) but i never sweat to the point where my socks are wet. i know for a fact you should always keep your feet dry.

[Bullhorn7]

I work in hazardous enviroments where these boots are required so I dont have much of a choice where that comes around... I think it may be the drying them out every night... the whiteness goes away after a while leaving a redish tint to the foot.. looks like just months of being stuck in boots is taking its tole

[phatdoughnut]

Edit nevermind, I saw your other post, try and get anti sweat socks? Get your feet checked out. swamp foot can be a bad thing.

[Joey GT-R]

You have athlete's foot most likely. If your feet don't itch yet, they soon will. My feet got like that after of couple of years of combat boots in the Army. My feet sweat slightly. There are a variety of ways to treat athlete's foot using sprays, creams, etc. Find one that you think works best and apply. Then to keep it away you might want to treat your feet 2-3 times per month.

[deevergote]

I've never known athlete's foot to manifest on the sides of the foot, or by discoloring the skin as described. Athlete's foot usually appears between the toes. I've gotten it off and on since I was a kid (and wearing heavy Doc Martens in the summer now, I have to be especially mindful of it.) It's possible it's athlete's foot, or a similar fungal issue... but I wouldn't say for sure.

Honestly, a podiatrist or dermatologist would be your best bet. Doctors are expensive, but hospitals are even more expensive. Get it checked out now before it ends up getting serious. It may not be a serious threat... but until you know that for sure, you're taking a hell of a risk.
Look in your area for a medical school. You can often get very inexpensive treatment that way. It'll be performed, or at least supervised, by a doctor that is not just qualified to practice, but qualified to teach. It's a pretty good deal, as long as you don't mind doubling as a lab rat during your visit!
Many of my friends get their dental work done at the local dental school.

[mtnbikaah]

pics?

I'd recommend SmartWool socks. Or "Fits" socks.