A summer dot-to-dot puzzle

pulpitistoesWhat is it ? Pictured here are the toes of one of my best friend’s toddler. She is happy, has no fever, and plays nearly everyday in the neighborhood pool. The round shiny pink bumps and dots on her toes appeared yesterday morning and haven’t changed much in a day. They don’t seem to bother her very much… answer below.

It’s Swimming pool pulpitis- a fancy word for a reaction of the pulp (the meaty tip) of fingers or toes. Mostly seen on the finger tips, the pulpitis is usually caused by irritation of the fingers by the rough side of the swimming pool as kids pull themselves in and out. Kids are sometimes annoyed by the dots, but they go away on their own as soon as the kids decide to use the ladder. In this case, this little swimmer irritated her toes, not her fingers while “monkey walking” along the side of the swimming pool in the water.
Naline Lai, MD with Julie Kardos, MD
©2011 Two Peds in a Pod®
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Author: twopedsinapod

Practical pediatrics for parents on the go. We're two board certified pediatricians and parents like you.

2 thoughts on “A summer dot-to-dot puzzle”

  1. My son irritated his toes also. The Monkey walking caused blisters and they popped. I was upset that I didn’t make him you the appropriated water shoes. What do you suggest for foot-care?

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