Red bumps on the feet are itchy and uncomfortable. For most people, however, this condition isn't harmful. The bumps are typically caused by contact dermatitis or fungal infections. Treating red foot bumps with over-the-counter or prescription medications and learning methods for preventing future outbreaks will help.
Causes
Contact dermatitis is a reaction to an allergen, such as a detergent, lotion or shoe or sock fabric. However, if red bumps are in the shape of a circle, the infection might be ringworm, according to the Mayo Clinic. This is a fungal infection that infects outer layers of the foot's skin. The infection is highly contagious and spreads through human to human or human to animal contact, or human to object contact.
Treatments
Contact dermatitis is treated by using a nonprescription hydrocortisone cream, available at most drugstores. Apply a wet dressing after using the lotion to allow the medication to soak into the skin. Red foot bumps that don't respond to over-the-counter medications may require prescription treatments. Prescription strength hydrocortisone cream or oral antihistamines are prescribed by a doctor to relieve itching on the feet.
Ringworm is treated with over-the-counter creams with the active ingredients clotrimazole, terbinafine and tolnaftate, according to the Mayo Clinic. Fungal infections that don't respond to nonprescription methods may respond to prescription creams that contain the active ingredients cutenafine, ciclopirox or econazole. Oral medications also clear up these infections, such as griseofulvin or itraconazole.
Considerations
Don't scratch red bumps on the feet because doing so can increase inflammation. A cool uncooked oatmeal bath may calm a foot rash, according to the Mayo Clinic. Use an unscented lotion after taking a bath. This will prevent red bumps from flaking and cracking, increasing the risk of further inflammation and infection.
Prevention
If you have contact dermatitis, avoid the irritant to prevent future outbreaks. Also, choose socks carefully. A cotton sock allows the skin to breathe easily and is less likely to irritate the skin. Select gentle soaps that don't contain dyes or fragrances.
Prevention fungal infections by keeping the feet dry. Shower and put on clean socks after working out, and wear shoes in community areas such as pools and locker rooms.
Warnings
Bumps on the skin that don't clear up within two weeks should be evaluated by a doctor, the Mayo Clinic advises. The doctor can prescribe stronger treatments and diagnose the condition causing the bumps on your feet. Your doctor can also make recommendations for preventing future outbreaks.
