small blisters on feet for years now???

[tberchtold]

ever since i was in military boot camp in 1995 i have gotten these little puss filled blisters on my feet periodically and i cant figure them out!!
there seems to be no rhyme or reason to when they come at all no season seems to make them worse and it seems that even in summer with more sandal wearing that they still dont stop coming from time to time!
they dont itch at all ever and i usually pop them (a clear fluid comes out) and they heal and then go away!they have never sprouted up anywhere except the bottoms of my feet and occasionally between toes!
what is this? its been going on for over 15 years now!

[Budlightguy]

I also served in the military and have these bumps all over my feet.  They are very painful and the Drs I have seen dont know what they are or the cause.  One Dr. Said its called Afgan feet since I served in Afganistan, but I've never heard of that and no treatment thus far has helped or comforted me.  Everything you described about the bumps you have is exactly what I have.  It's miserable and painful and effects the job I do now since I'm on my feet constantly.  Just wish I could get answers as to what this is or even how to treat it.  I've googled and tried many home remedies which have not worked...   Any more suggestions welcome... Thanks

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be due to pompholyx. The exact cause is not known and excessive sweating can be one of the reasons. But some triggers like allergic reaction to soaps, detergents, foods, latex, nickel etc may trigger the symptoms. Apply some calamine lotion on the affected area and keep the area well moisturized. Use only thin applications of moisturizer ointments as excessive amounts of ointment may restrict breathing of the skin and aggravate the condition.

Topical steroids can be applied but they are available under prescription. Moreover to prevent infection, topical antibiotics may be needed. I suggest you to consult a dermatologist and get it evaluated.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[tberchtold]

anyone else have any info?

[tberchtold]

i wouldnt think this is a brain buster but i guess ill wind up having to time a dr. appointment just right!

[tberchtold]

anyone else have any help here???

[tberchtold]

well i guess the fluid is slightly yellowish but when they are first forming it is almost clear, if popped a day or two after forming it gets more opaque or milky looking! they are usually small about half the size of a pea. sometimes even smaller maybe 2 to 3 millimeters the largest have been the size of a pea.
i have never had a doctor look at them as they usually dont last long and i figured by the time i got into the dr. they would be gone or allready starting to heal but i just havnt tried yet.

[mooksmom]

I'm not able to see what you describe, so a guess isn't a good thing, but if you've had them 15 years, they aren't lethal. You say they are pus filled, but then also describe the fluid as clear. In 38yrs I've never seen any pus that was clear...many shades of yellow and/or green,brown but not clear. Why not have your family MD take a look at them the next time they are in full "bloom" and go from there. He can even culture the fluid.