ABSTRACT

The feet are unique among regional contact dermatitides in that they are commonly contained in a microenvironment enclosed by footwear. Depending on the irritant or allergen, the substance can be absorbed by socks and the surrounding shoes. The combination of shoe and sock contactants plus friction and moisture creates the optimal situation for contact dermatitis to occur. Shoe components have been found to be common allergens in both children and adults. Typical allergens in shoe contact dermatitis include rubber accelerators, leather tanning agents, and adhesives. The most commonly reported rubber-related allergens are the accelerators, including mercaptobenzothiazole, thiurams, and p-phenylenediamines. Isolated allergic contact dermatitis of the foot secondary to topical medicaments is most often from topical antibiotics, topical antifungals, or topical cortisteroids. Expanded patch testing is helpful in determining the precise allergen.