Red spots on one heels

So, I just noticed 3 red spots on my cat's heels. 

Bear is a 14 month old indoor cat. I have two others (his mom and sister, also indoor only). We have been battling fleas all summer and just treated them again on the 17th (almost two weeks ago). We have not seen any skin issues with any of them at any point.

He was being a little squirm-worm so I couldn't get any good photos. The spots are actually very red, the light on my phone just washed the color out (I circled them in red).  The pictures are of the two spots on the bottom of his right heel. I think the third is on the back of the other heel but much smaller.  When I first noticed them I thought he had a chunk of litter stuck to his heel... but It was a dry flake of skin with some fur attached. The red spot was under it. I looked close and noticed the spots. Just to help you understand the picture- the third white spot to the left is actually shiny fur on the very point of his heel and he has his other foot on top.


I am hoping it is just stress related grooming- He has always been 'emotionally dependent' on us. He cries for us if we are in the other room... he sits on the other side of any door we close.... he waits crying at the door when he thinks one of us is coming home soon.. and he is never happier than when he is alseep in my hubby's lap with me sitting next to them. So, we went away over the weekend (gone for almost 4 full days) and had the neighbors take care of them.  He was very needy when we got back Monday night... and unfortunately for him my husband had to travel for work starting Wednesday; Bear has been a bit upset about the Hubs being gone again.  I noticed that he was licking himself a bit more than usual, but I am only seeing him lick is sides and belly- not his feet where the spots are. 

I am thinking I might try to apply some diluted iodine solution... or maybe try to wrap it tomorrow so he can't lick at it... but like I said I haven't seen him licking there. 

Any thoughts? Should I wait a few days and see if it starts to get better before I rush into the vets office for nothing?

I took Bear to the vet today because the red spots got much bigger and merged into one. I was worried what it might be like by Monday and decided it was worth the trip.  

So the Vet says that it seems to just be contact irritation... He has been sleeping in a cardboard box more than usual this week ( he won't sleep on the couch with me because he is angry) and the red spots are where he would be rubbing on the box as he shifts in his sleep. She said to add a blanket to the box and to keep an eye on it.  She also recommended an over the counter antibiotic ointment if we could keep him from licking it right off.

On a lighter note- this was his first vet visit by himself....he was getting worked up and scared until he tucked his face into my elbow. He kept his face hidden as much as he could and as long as he couldn't see anything he was okay with it.

His hiding his face like that is cute! :cross: that the cause has been found and the spots clear up fast!