What is Juvenile Plantar Dermatosis (wet and dry foot syndrome)

Juvenile plantar dermatosis is a skin problem that affects children’s feet. This condition causes redness, peeling, and cracking on the bottom of the feet.

Juvenile plantar dermatosis may also be called “wet and dry foot syndrome” because it results from too much foot moisture followed by quick drying. The friction of moist feet moving inside shoes adds to the problem.

Wearing shoes that keep the feet moist for long periods of time and wearing thin socks that do not absorb moisture can also make the problem worse.

The soles of the feet are most commonly affected, especially the balls of the feet, the heels, and the underside of the toes. The webbing between the toes is not affected. Children usually outgrow the condition.

What are the causes?

This condition happens when feet repeatedly get very wet and then quickly dry.

What increases the risk?

The following factors may make your child more likely to develop this condition:

• Being male.
• Being 3–14 years old.
• Having allergies.
• Having sensitive skin.
• Often having patches of red, itchy skin (eczema).
• Sweating a lot.
• Having a condition in which the body sweats a lot more than normal (hyperhidrosis).
• Swimming often.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Signs and symptoms of this condition usually occur on both feet. Symptoms may include skin that is:

• Dry.
• Red.
• Shiny.
• Peeling or scaling.
• Painful.
• Cracked.
• Itchy.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition may be diagnosed based on your child’s symptoms and a physical exam of his or her feet.

How is this treated?

Treatment for this condition may include:

• Using a moisturizing cream or ointment on your child’s feet to prevent dryness, especially after removing shoes or having his or her feet in water.
• Using a topical steroid cream that is prescribed by your child’s health care provider to reduce inflammation.
• Placing an absorbent powder in your child’s shoes or socks.

Follow these instructions at home:

• Apply or give over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your child’s health care provider.
• Keep your child’s feet clean. This helps prevent infection.
• Have your child change out of any wet shoes or socks as soon as possible.
• Make sure your child’s shoes fit well.
• Make sure your child wears:
  • Footwear that allows air to flow, such as sandals or canvas tennis shoes.
  • Thick, absorbent socks.
• Have your child wear shoes when he or she is outside.

Contact a health care provider if:

• Your child’s symptoms are not responding to treatment and home care.
• Your child’s symptoms are getting worse.
• Your child has foot pain or bleeding from cracks in the feet.
• Your child has signs of infection, such as swelling, warmth, increased redness, or drainage of pus.

Summary

• Juvenile plantar dermatosis is a skin problem that affects children’s feet.
• This condition causes redness, peeling, and cracking on the bottom of the feet.
• Juvenile plantar dermatosis may also be called “wet and dry foot syndrome” because it results from too much foot moisture followed by quick drying.
• Treatment includes proper foot care as well as creams or ointments applied on the child’s feet.