A lot goes into buying the perfect new pair of shoes. It’s not merely about picking a fashionable and elegant design — you have to try it on and take a few steps to ensure a comfortable fit. Despite the thought and effort that goes into selecting footwear, new shoes may bring certain common problems, like shoe bites. Do not mistake them for minor inconveniences, for shoe bites can aggressively affect your feet, leaving them red, swollen, and sensitive.
“Shoe bites are painful lesions or blisters that develop on the skin because of friction from new, tight, or poorly fitting shoes,” says Dr Haroon H, consultant, internal medicine, KMC Hospital, Mangaluru, Karnataka. “Familiarizing yourself with the typical triggers and with preventive measures as well as ways to treat shoe bites can help alleviate the discomfort.”
Causes of shoe bite
Shoe bites result from continuous rubbing of shoes against the skin. New shoes that have not been broken in (molding to the contour of the feet) or footwear that does not fit properly create friction and high-pressure points on the feet, causing skin irritation and blisters.
“Certain materials used to make footwear, like leather, synthetics and plastics, may be harsh on some people’s skin and can lead to cuts,” says Dr Sandeep Ghanta, consultant, internal medicine, Star Hospital, Financial District, Hyderabad. Wearing shoes for extended periods without a break can increase the risk of shoe bites due to the constant rubbing of the shoe against the skin.
Women who wear high heels are vulnerable to shoe bites as the pressure on their feet is not equally distributed. Besides, the narrow space that heels create in front of the foot can cause cuts.
Symptoms
The initial symptoms of a shoe bite include burning, itching or stinging sensations over a particular area of the foot. A bulge or lesion may not be visible in the initial stages. However, Dr Ghanta cautions, “If the initial symptoms are neglected, it can form a swelling or blister and infect the skin near that area.”
“In people with uncontrolled diabetes, a simple shoe bite can lead to decreased blood flow and neuropathy. These can make the feet less sensitive to pain and more susceptible to wounds and infections. Those with peripheral vascular disease are at even higher risk as skin abrasions may require extended healing periods and increased infection risk,” explains Dr Haroon.
Treatment of shoe bite
Though shoe bites go away on their own, there are quick ways to alleviate the pain and speed up the healing process.
Applying an antiseptic cream can prevent infection, while a soothing balm or aloe vera can provide relief to the inflamed skin. Home remedies, such as honey or turmeric paste, which have natural healing properties, can also be applied to shoe bites. However, in case of blister formation, it is crucial to seek medical help. Keep it clean and covered and avoid the temptation to pop it, as this can lead to further infection.
You can also use moisturizers or steroid creams when recommended by ba doctor.
Preventing shoe bites
The following preventive measures can be taken to avoid shoe bites and the pain and discomfort caused by them.
- Ensure that your shoes fit properly by having your feet measured. Accumulation of fluid in the feet due to prolonged sitting and standing leads to swelling of the feet. Hence, it is advisable to measure the size of the shoe when the foot size is at its largest.
- Wear socks inside your new shoes while you break them in.
- Use cushions or pads to reduce friction in areas prone to shoe bites. You can apply bandages to such specific areas.
- Those wearing high heels can apply a band-aid or wear a heel sock to protect the feet and enhance comfort.
“Keep your feet clean and dry to prevent excessive moisture buildup. Using talcum powder helps reduce moisture and friction, further preventing blisters from forming due to excessive sweating,” adds Dr Haroon.
“When you use the same footwear throughout the day, remove them for a while as this helps relieve the symptoms and reduce the risk,” adds Dr Ghanta.
Takeaways
- Shoe bites, often caused by ill-fitting or abrasive shoes, can lead to discomfort.
- Applying an antiseptic cream can prevent infection, while a soothing balm or aloe vera can provide relief to inflamed skin.
- In case of blister formation, keep it clean and covered as it helps resist the temptation to pop it, thereby preventing further infection.
