Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
I've Noticed Some Dark Spots On Two Of My Toes
Question: I've noticed some dark spots on two of my toes on my left foot. It started with my index toe and now I see it on my middle toe also. The middle toe has been there for a few months it seems. The middle toe is more recent
Here is a picture
Brief Answer:
Local inflammation can be the cause- detailed explanation below
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to 'Ask a Doctor' service,
I carefully read your query and also checked the uploaded image.
As I noticed, there is some skin desquamation (scaling) other than the dark areas of your toes.
The darkening of the skin may happen if chronic inflammation is happening locally due to a fungal infection or eczema. I would advise you to use a combination of an antifungal cream (Miconazole or Clotrimazole) and a steroid cream (Betamethasone) twice a day. You may first apply a thin layer of Betamethasone and over it, you may apply Miconazole, for instance. You can do this twice a day for 1-2 weeks.
Local trauma may make the skin darken as well, so you may need to avoid tight shoes that may cause tightness at the toe area.
The darkening of the skin may take a while to regress, especially if it happened over a period of months. If you notice no improvement on the scaling in 2 weeks, or you notice no improvement in the darkness of the skin in a month, or in case you notice any worsening you will need to see your doctor.
In this case, a thorough examination is needed and possibly a blood test to rule out diabetes as sometimes diabetes may cause the skin to get dark in color in certain areas.
I hope this answers your query.
I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician
Local inflammation can be the cause- detailed explanation below
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to 'Ask a Doctor' service,
I carefully read your query and also checked the uploaded image.
As I noticed, there is some skin desquamation (scaling) other than the dark areas of your toes.
The darkening of the skin may happen if chronic inflammation is happening locally due to a fungal infection or eczema. I would advise you to use a combination of an antifungal cream (Miconazole or Clotrimazole) and a steroid cream (Betamethasone) twice a day. You may first apply a thin layer of Betamethasone and over it, you may apply Miconazole, for instance. You can do this twice a day for 1-2 weeks.
Local trauma may make the skin darken as well, so you may need to avoid tight shoes that may cause tightness at the toe area.
The darkening of the skin may take a while to regress, especially if it happened over a period of months. If you notice no improvement on the scaling in 2 weeks, or you notice no improvement in the darkness of the skin in a month, or in case you notice any worsening you will need to see your doctor.
In this case, a thorough examination is needed and possibly a blood test to rule out diabetes as sometimes diabetes may cause the skin to get dark in color in certain areas.
I hope this answers your query.
I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
