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Suggest Remedy For Red, Sore And Itchy Spot In Between The Toes

Posted on Wed, 15 Jul 2015

Question: Hello

I started feeling an itch on my left foot in between my toes yesterday. I rubbed clotrimazole in between my toes as I have a history of athletes foot and itch. Later that night I saw a small white area in between my second and third toe from the left (small side). It looked like puss. I put some polysporin. I went to work this morning and after I got back and took off my shoes that area of my foot was red and swollen. it hurts when I walk on it. What could it be? Please see attached pics.

Answered by Dr. Heera Lal Poonia (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
it looks like dermatitis, visit dermatologist for prescription

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX, welcome to HCM and thanks for choosing us.

I have gone through your question in detail. Thanks for posting photographs.

On seeing photographs, it looks like erythema or dermatitis. Cause behind this could be insect bite, injury or allergic reaction to some allergen. It doesn't look like a fungal infection as fungal infections are slow to spread and generally painless. So clotrimazole will not help in this. It doesn't look like bacterial infection too, as pus is important finding incase of bacterial infections. So I will suspect allergic dermatitis due to insect bite or some other allergen.

You need to visit a dermatologist for examination. You will need steroid ointments for few days to get rid of it. You need to get it prescribed from your dermatologist. Take care of cleanliness to avoid any secondary infection.

I hope my reply will help you. Please write to us for more information and follow up queries. I wish you good health and rapid recovery. Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Heera Lal Poonia (2 hours later)

Hello

Thank you for your reply. I don't think it is allergy or insect related. I think it is bacterial infection. When I look in between my toes I see that the skin is peeling and broken. I suspect that bacteria got underneath my skin and resulted in infection. I have a history of athletes foot and the skin on my foot always peels. I also wear my shoes all day at work.

Currently I am spraying rubbing alcohol on it and applying polysporin until I can visit my doctor. Is there anything else I can do in the mean time? Do you think I am correct with my suspicion that it's bacterial infection ? There is no pus but there is swelling and it is red and itchy and painful. It seems like it spread a little bit more.

Thank you

Answered by Dr. Heera Lal Poonia (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
yes it could be.

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX, welcome again.

Thanks for the details and follow up query. I agree with you, as it could be bacterial infection too. If pain is more serious than itching, it can be bacterial. But bacterial infections doesn't spread by rubbing . Bacterial infections are generally localised in nature.

However if you see some pus points on it, you need to apply antiseptic and antibacterial solutions, which you have been doing. You should feel some relief from pain and itching. If there is no response to treatment you have been doing, then it is allergy related.

Keep applying antiseptic solution till you visit your doctor.

I hope my reply will benefit you. Please write to us for follow up queries. I wish you good health and rapid recovery. Thanks

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. Prasad