Fisheye is a buildup of dead skin with a hard core growing on or between the toes. This is the body's protective response to repeated friction or pressure, usually caused by two toes rubbing together or the foot rubbing against a shoe. The eyelets above the toes or on the outer ends of the big toe or little toe form a hard crusty surface. Eyelets that remain moist and soft between the toes are known as soft eyelets.
Step
Step 1. Visit a podiatrist for an eye exam
Over-the-counter medications may help, but you should still see a doctor who has many medical treatment options.
- Fish eye is a symptom of a condition, not the condition itself. A podiatrist can pinpoint the cause of the fisheye so you can address the cause of the problem right away. Fisheye is most often caused by an ill-fitting shoe size, excessive use of high heels, foot abnormalities, problems with posture, or a way of walking that puts pressure on the feet.
- The podiatrist will usually remove the eyelets, but will advise that the eyelets will return if you don't resolve the underlying condition.
- Follow the podiatrist's advice for managing fisheye. This includes changing the use of footwear, cushioning to protect areas of the foot from friction or pressure, foot orthotics to change the spread of pressure on the foot, or surgery for foot or toe problems.
Step 2. Remove the eyelets at home
Here's the best way to remove eyelets:
- Soak the feet in comfortable warm water for 5 to 10 minutes to soften the eyelets.
- Gently scrub the eyelets with a pumice stone or another sanding object, such as a skin file.
- You may have to repeat the treatment several times until the eyelets are completely gone.
Step 3. Use the silicone foam from the shoe for the eyelets on the feet
The artificial silicone foam in the shoe will help relieve pressure and friction between the toes.
Step 4. Use over-the-counter medications and pads to remove the eyelets
Follow the instructions for use carefully. Most fish eye products contain salicylic acid, which can irritate or burn your feet.
Most OTC pads contain 40% salicylic acid, making this drug strong. However, your doctor may recommend that you peel off some of the dead skin on the eyelets before using the pads
Step 5. Ask your doctor about using antibiotics in conjunction with other treatment methods
Antibiotic ointment is a common way to prevent infections that are common when you are taking fish eye remedies at home.
Step 6. Take action to prevent the eyelets from coming back
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
- Wear shoes that are the right size, have soft cushioning, and have a wide toe.
- Take the shoe to a cobbler to widen the toe of the shoe where eyelets can form.
- Wear thick socks to absorb the pressure on your feet. Make sure the socks are the right size and don't cause your shoes to be too tight. Also make sure that the socks do not have seams that rub against the eyelets or areas of the foot where eyelets can form.
Step 7. There are also other steps to help prevent fisheye
For example:
- Wash your feet daily with soap, water and a scrub brush. Apply foot cream to feet when dry (instead of regular lotion) to rehydrate them.
- Don't buy shoes in the morning. Feet will swell naturally as the day progresses. This means the shoes you buy in the morning may be cramped in the afternoon or evening.
- Change socks daily and use a pumice stone regularly. When using a pumice stone, don't be too hard when scraping off the dead skin.
Tips
- Use a donut-shaped pad to reduce pressure on the eyelets until they are gone. These pads are sold specifically to treat fisheye and can be found in many pharmacies.
- Sheep wool, moleskin or cotton pads can be used to treat tender eyelets between the toes.
Warning
- Minor wounds on the feet can become infected and cause serious problems, even leading to amputation. Be careful when disposing of eyelets at home. Do not remove the eyelets using a razor, scissors or other sharp object.
- Certain conditions can increase the risk of infection. Therefore, people with diabetes or circulatory disorders should visit a podiatrist for foot care. They cannot throw the eyelets themselves.
- Diabetics should not use salicylic acid drops to treat fish eye. Sores on the skin can lead to more serious illnesses.
