You rely on your arches to support your body's weight. Bumps on the arches of your feet might cause pain and irritation, especially if they rub against your shoes. Although the most common causes of small red bumps on the arch of the foot, including bug bites and fungal infections, are treatable, it can be hard to discern the cause of the bumps. Visit your primary care provider for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
Causes
Accompanying symptoms can yield important clues as to the causes of the foot bumps. Some causes of itchy red bumps, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians, include athlete's foot -- a fungal infection of the feet and insect bites. Contact dermatitis and boils can cause painful red bumps, sometimes accompanied by itching. The academy reports that syphilis, a sexually transmitted disease, can cause a red -- but not itchy or painful -- rash on the soles of your feet and palms of your hands.
Identification
Your doctor will use the physical appearance of the foot bumps, along with any additional symptoms, to determine their cause. He will also gather background information on the bumps, such as when they appeared and if the bumps are present on other parts of your body. The Merck Manual notes that the feet and hands are especially vulnerable to dermatitis, caused by contact with allergens like poison ivy, solvents or detergents, so your doctor might also ask if you changed laundry detergents or spent time outdoors without shoes on your feet.
Misconceptions
Although you might be tempted to dismiss insects as the cause of the bites on your feet if you don't own pets, the Ask Dr. Sears website emphasizes that bugs, such as spiders and bedbugs, can infest even clean, pet-free homes. Since many of these pests bite you at night while you sleep, they can afflict the arches of your feet even if you routinely wear shoes and socks during the day.
Prevention/Solution
Due to the warm, moist conditions created by your socks and shoes, fungal infections thrive on the arches and soles of your feet, and between your toes. The Mayo Clinic website suggests preventing athlete's foot and other fungal infections by keeping your feet dry, especially between your toes. Wear natural, breathable socks made of cotton or wool instead of ones made of synthetic fibers. Instead of going barefoot, protect your feet in communal showers and public swimming pools and fitness centers by wearing flip flops.
Warning
Stage two syphilis can cause rough, red, bumps on the soles of the feet, including the arches, and the palms of the hand. It can also cause rashes on other parts of the body that look like other conditions, such as viral illnesses or dermatitis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention emphasizes that prompt treatment is essential to avoid progression to the latent, or hidden, stage in which the disease can damage your internal organs, including the brain, nerves, heart, liver, bones and joints.
