IT IS common to see children with a recurrent dermatitis of the feet, very often misdiagnosed by the nondermatologist. The eruption is described in this report, and a cause is suggested. The eruption is of variable duration and intensity.
Examination reveals an acute dermatitis consisting of erythema, fissuring, weeping, and crusting. The dermatitis is bilateral, but not symmetrical. It is limited to the dorsal, lateral, and plantar surfaces of the great toes, and the dorsal aspects of the other toes. Unless there is gross infection, the interdigital webs are clear.
Because of location and appearance, this condition would appear to be causally related to shoes. Elements of allergic contact dermatitis, including positive patch tests, are absent. Since the dermatitis often occurs in hot weather, primary irritancy produced by heat, perspiration, and friction must be considered as an etiologic factor. Are tight shoes, friction, heat, and perspiration sufficient to explain this