It can be concerning to discover white bumps on your heels. While many are harmless, some indicate underlying conditions that might cause discomfort or require attention. Understanding potential causes is the first step toward appropriate care.
Common Causes of White Heel Bumps
Friction blisters appear on the heels due to repetitive rubbing from footwear or socks. They present as small, raised sacs filled with clear fluid, though they can appear opaque or whitish. The skin may redden and sting before the blister forms as a protective response to cushion underlying tissue.
Thickened skin, known as corns and calluses, develops on heels from consistent pressure or friction. Calluses are larger, flattened patches of hardened skin, appearing yellowish or pale, and feel firm. Corns, a type of callus, are smaller, rounder, and can have a waxy, whitish appearance, especially when moist, often with a hard core. These formations protect the skin but can become painful if they grow too large.
Plantar warts, caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), can appear on heels with a whitish or calloused look. They often have a rough, grainy texture and small black dots, called “seed warts,” which are tiny clotted blood vessels. Warts can be painful under pressure, distinguishing them from simple calluses.
Pitted keratolysis, a bacterial infection affecting the soles of the feet, is another cause. It features numerous small, shallow pits or craters on the skin’s surface, appearing whitish and macerated, especially when wet. This condition often has a distinct, unpleasant odor from bacterial activity. Bacteria thrive in warm, moist environments, breaking down the skin’s outer layer.
Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) is a common fungal infection affecting heels, causing scaly, flaky, and sometimes whitish or macerated skin. Though often starting between the toes, it can spread to soles and heels, frequently causing itching, burning, or stinging. Fluid-filled blisters or open sores may also develop on the bottom of the feet.
Self-Care and When to Seek Professional Help
Maintaining good foot hygiene is a primary self-care strategy for managing heel bumps. This involves daily washing feet with soap and water, ensuring thorough drying, especially between toes, to prevent fungal infections. Regular moisturizing helps keep skin soft and prevents cracking, which can exacerbate some conditions.
Choosing appropriate footwear plays a significant role in preventing and alleviating heel bumps. Well-fitting shoes with adequate arch support and cushioning reduce friction and pressure on heels. Moisture-wicking socks, ideally cotton or polyester blend, help keep feet dry, preventing environments favored by bacteria and fungi. Avoiding tight shoes or rigid heel backs also prevents irritation.
Over-the-counter (OTC) treatments can address common heel bump issues. For friction blisters, covering them with a band-aid or dressing protects the area and aids healing; popping them is generally not recommended due to infection risk. Mild antifungal creams or powders treat athlete’s foot, while products with salicylic acid soften corns and calluses. NSAIDs and ice packs reduce pain and inflammation.
Seek professional medical help if heel bumps persist or worsen despite self-care. Signs of infection, such as increasing pain, spreading redness, warmth, swelling, pus drainage, or fever, warrant immediate medical attention. Individuals with underlying health conditions like diabetes, circulatory issues, or compromised immune systems should consult a healthcare provider for any foot concerns, as they risk complications and delayed healing. If bumps cause significant discomfort or their cause is uncertain, a medical evaluation provides accurate diagnosis and treatment.