What causes white pus-filled blisters on the soles of the feet?

Generally, white pustules on the soles of the feet may be caused by friction and pressure injury, sweat irritation, folliculitis, secondary infection of athlete's foot, or palmoplantar pustulosis. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Friction and pressure injury: Wearing ill-fitting shoes or prolonged walking can cause friction and pressure on the skin of the soles, leading to blisters that may become infected and turn into white pustules. Immediately switch to loose, breathable footwear to avoid pressing on the affected area. Small pustules can be disinfected with iodophor and allowed to absorb naturally.

2. Sweat irritation: Excessive sweating combined with poor ventilation can lead to prolonged skin exposure to sweat, damaging the skin barrier and triggering infection, resulting in pustules. Wash feet daily with warm water, dry thoroughly, and apply talcum powder to keep the area dry. Choose absorbent cotton socks and regularly sun-dry shoes.

3. Folliculitis: Bacterial infection of hair follicles on the sole causes inflammation, forming white pustules accompanied by local redness and pain. Patients should follow medical advice to use topical medications such as mupirocin ointment, fusidic acid cream, or compound polymyxin B ointment, and avoid squeezing the pustules manually.

4. Secondary infection of athlete’s foot: Fungal infection leads to tinea pedis (athlete’s foot), and once the skin is broken, bacteria may invade and cause secondary infection, resulting in white pustules. Patients should follow medical instructions to use medications such as terbinafine hydrochloride cream, cefaclor capsules, or bifonazole solution. Socks and shoes should be washed and disinfected separately.

5. Palmoplantar pustulosis: A chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by recurrent sterile white pustules on the soles, often accompanied by scaling. Patients should use medications such as calcipotriol ointment, acitretin capsules, or mometasone furoate cream as prescribed, and avoid contact with irritants like soap.

In daily life, avoid walking barefoot to prevent skin injuries on the feet. Maintain a light diet rich in vitamin-containing fruits and vegetables. Keep a regular sleep schedule to boost immunity and reduce the likelihood of recurrent pustules, thereby maintaining healthy skin on the soles.