Why Are The Bottom Of My Feet Yellow

Answering why are the bottom of my feet yellow? Common causes and treatments.

Have you ever glanced at your feet and wondered why the soles appear yellow, even though you maintain excellent hygiene and shower daily? No matter how hard your scrub your feet, you can’t get rid of that yellow skin. Although yellowish heels and toes might give the impression of being unclean and having bad hygiene, that’s not necessarily the case.

In most cases, there’s no need to worry, as the discoloration is usually harmless and will go away on its own. But in more severe cases, yellow feet can be a sign of something more serious and will take a bit of intervention to get rid of. Let’s take a closer look at why the bottom of your feet are yellow and find the quickest ways to fix it.

Causes of Yellow Feet

Fungal Infection

One of the most common causes of yellow feet is a fungal infection, most commonly known as athlete’s foot. Fungal infections on the feet are caused by a type of fungi called dermatophytes that thrive in warm, moist environments such as shoes and socks, locker rooms, and public swimming pools. This condition can cause the skin to become dry, scaly, and discolored, including a yellowish tint.

Lack of Exfoliation

Another common cause of the bottom of feet turning yellow is the accumulation of dead skin cells, especially if a person doesn’t exfoliate their feet regularly. The dead skin cells can build up over time and turn into calluses, causing a yellowish appearance on the soles of the feet.

Dry Feet

When the skin on the feet becomes dry, it can become thickened and flaky, which can give it a yellowish appearance. Additionally, dry skin on the feet can become cracked, allowing dirt and other substances to become trapped in the skin, leading to yellowing.

Diabetes/Overweight

When someone is overweight, they may put extra pressure on their feet, which can cause friction and rubbing against the shoes, leading to dry skin and calluses. People who are over weight may also suffer from poor blood circulation which can cause the skin on their feet to become dry and thickened. Diabetes is also a common issue with people who are overweight and can cause a range of skin problems, including thick, yellow skin on the bottom of the feet from poor circulation and nerve damage.

Flat Feet

Flat feet may not absorb shock as effectively as they should, which can lead to increased pressure on certain areas of the feet, causing calluses to form. Having flat feet can also cause the foot to flatten and spread out more, which can increase friction and pressure on the skin, leading to calluses and dry, cracked skin.

Liver Disease

Yellow feet can be a symptom of liver disease. When the liver is unable to function properly, it may lead to a buildup of bilirubin in the body, which can cause yellowing of the skin and eyes, a condition known as jaundice. In some cases, the yellowing may be more pronounced in the feet and hands.

Carotenemia

Carotenemia occurs when you have too much beta-carotene in your system. Beta-carotene is found in foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, and squash. It’s also found in supplements like vitamin A or multivitamins that contain vitamin A. When ingested in large amounts, beta-carotene can build up in your tissues and cause your skin to turn orange or yellow.

How To Get Rid Of Yellow Feet

The treatment to get rid of yellow feet depends on the underlying cause, but there are some ways to get rid of yellow feet at home.

Treat Fungal Infections

If your yellow feet are caused by a fungal infection, you can try an over-the-counter treatments for mild cases or medicated treatments for more severe symptoms. Natural remedies like applying coconut oil, a natural antifungal, can also be helpful in getting rid of yellow feet caused by fungal infections.

Keep Your Feet Clean and Dry

Wash your feet with soap and water daily, and make sure to dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes. If you deal with excessive sweating of the feet, you may want to try a foot powder like Gold Bond’s Medicated Talc-Free Foot Powder.

Wear Breathable Shoes and Socks

Choose shoes and socks made of breathable materials, such as cotton or leather, to allow your feet to breathe and reduce moisture buildup. Socks and shoes with moisture-wicking technology can help keep your feet dry and comfortable. Look for shoes made with materials such as Gore-Tex or Dri-Fit.

Soak Feet

Soaking your feet in warm water with Epsom salts, vinegar, or hydrogen peroxide can help soften and exfoliate the skin on the bottom of your feet, reducing yellowing. These ingredients have antifungal and antibacterial properties which can help clear up and stop the growth of fungal infections.

Remove Calluses

Use a foot scrub or pumice stone to gently exfoliate the skin on the bottom of your feet. This can help remove dead skin cells and reduce yellowing. You may need to get a pedicure or visit a podiatrist for more severe cases.

Moisturize

Moisturizing your feet can help to keep the skin soft and supple, reducing the likelihood of dryness and yellowing. Use a daily moisturizer that is specifically designed for the feet after showering when your skin is still slightly damp, as this can help to lock in moisture. You can also try home remedies like putting a generous amount of coconut oil on your feet to quench dry areas and kill fungal bacteria.

Orthotic Shoe Inserts

If the bottom of your feet are yellow due to having flat feet and callouses, orthotic shoe inserts are beneficial by providing arch support. The design of the inserts help distribute pressure evenly along the foot, reducing strain on the feet that can cause callouses. Orthotics can also help alleviate pain and discomfort caused by calluses by providing cushioning and reducing friction.

It is important to seek medical attention if you are experiencing persistent yellowing of the feet, as it may be a sign of a serious underlying condition. Your healthcare provider can perform tests to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment.

Healing Foot Washes and Creams For Dry, Yellow Feet

LOVE, LORI Tea Tree Body and Foot Antifungal Wash

Meet Love, Lori’s Foot Finish Body and Foot Wash. Formulated with natural essential oils like tea tree, rosemary, and peppermint, this gentle cleanser offers skin-soothing benefits. This foot and body wash effectively cleans and refreshes the skin, providing relief from common irritations like athlete’s foot, ringworm, jock itch, yeast infections, toenail fungus, and unwelcome odors.

Dirty Bits Lemon and Tea Tree Oil Natural Foot Balm

Dirty Bits Lemon and Tea Tree Oil Foot Balm offers rapid relief for itchy and irritated skin and is gentle for multiple daily uses and is particularly effective for sweaty and confined feet. It is specially crafted to shield your skin from irritants commonly found in gyms, showers, locker rooms, pools, and unwashed socks. Dirty Bits will safeguard your skin, forming a barrier against further discomfort for your dry, cracked feet, all while using only safe and natural ingredients. No preservatives, parabens, or petroleum.

LOVE, LORI Tea Tree Heel Balm

LOVE, LORI Tea Tree Heel Balm is specially crafted to soften cracked heels with a formula designed to deeply moisturize rough, callused skin, keeping your feet healthy and comfortable. With a tea tree base, this balm offers long-lasting hydration and rejuvenation. Additionally, the soothing properties of shea butter and cocoa butter help alleviate common skin conditions, providing relief and promoting foot wellness.

The Best Over-The-Counter Antifungal Foot Medications

Fungal infections are one of the leading causes of having yellow bottom of the feet. Many men have the same story of suffering for years from dry, cracked, yellow feet, only to have it immediately clear up after using an antifungal foot cream.

You may think you have great foot hygiene so it cannot be a fungal infection– but seriously, it most likely is. The fortunate thing is that it’s actually an easy fix.

There are several over-the-counter antifungal medicines that you can get at most drug stores.

Lotrimin Ultra 1 Week Athlete’s Foot Treatment

Lotrimin Ultra 1 Week Athlete’s Foot Treatment is an antifungal cream that contains 1% butenafine hydrochloride, a prescription-strength medication for the treatment of athlete’s foot, jock itch, and ringworm. This cream is clinically proven to cure most athlete’s foot and provide relief from itching, burning, and scaling associated with these fungal infections.

Lamisil Athelete’s Foot Antifungal Cream

Lamisil Athlete’s Foot Antifungal Cream is a prescription-strength topical medication designed to treat fungal infections that commonly affect the feet. It contains terbinafine hydrochloride, an antifungal ingredient that works by killing the fungus causing the infection and relieving symptoms like itching, burning, and cracking on the bottom of feet.

Tinactin Antifungal Powder Spray

Tinactin Antifungal Powder Spray is a topical medication designed to treat and prevent athlete’s foot. It contains tolnaftate, an antifungal ingredient that works by stopping the growth of fungus. This powder spray formula helps to relieve itching, burning, and scaling associated with these fungal infections and keeps the affected area dry to prevent further infection.

Desenex Athlete’s Foot Shake Powder

Desenex Athlete’s Foot Shake Powder is prescription-strength antifungal foot powder meant to treat athlete’s foot. It contains miconazole nitrate, an antifungal ingredient that works by stopping the growth of fungus. This easy-to-use powder formula helps to relieve itching and burning as well as absorbs excess moisture through out the day.

McKesson Antifungal Cream

McKesson Antifungal Cream has 2% miconazole nitrate to help treat and soothe itching, scaling, cracking, burning, dryness and other symptoms caused by a fungal infection. Apply twice a day to the bottom of your feet and in between your toes for fast acting results.

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