HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Suggest Treatment For Severe Itching On The Foot

default
Posted on Fri, 17 Mar 2017
Question: Hello. My foot started itching about Monday and unfortunately, as itching gained in intensity I scratched more until I now have one small puss filled sore on back of a toe. Also, though itching has declined, my foot is slightly swollen. No other symptoms. No red streaks, etc.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (14 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
add a topical antibiotic twice daily

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

Swelling would occur as part of the body's inflammatory response to the itching as well as the mild infection present.

If you are diabetic, then you should consider being assessed by your doctor to make sure that the infected area heals well.
Diabetics with any infection of the feet should have at least one assessment, a repeat visit may not be needed.

If you are not a diabetic, then there should be little problems and you may not need to see anyone.

The use of the anti septic cream is fine and should be done at least twice daily. In addition to the antiseptic cream however, you should apply a topical antibiotic, also twice daily eg neosporin, fucidin, bactroban

If there is still some itching, you can use an oral antihistamine such as benadryl, claritine, zyrtec, allegra.
With itching, there may be superficial abrasions to the skin which can then become infected so it is best to reduce the itching.

If there is no improvement of the infected (pus )area after a few days or there is worsening, then it would be best to see your doctor for an assessment.
Oral antibiotics may be needed.

If the lesion get larger, it may need to be incised, this is usually an in office procedure

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Suggest Treatment For Severe Itching On The Foot

Brief Answer: add a topical antibiotic twice daily Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic Swelling would occur as part of the body's inflammatory response to the itching as well as the mild infection present. If you are diabetic, then you should consider being assessed by your doctor to make sure that the infected area heals well. Diabetics with any infection of the feet should have at least one assessment, a repeat visit may not be needed. If you are not a diabetic, then there should be little problems and you may not need to see anyone. The use of the anti septic cream is fine and should be done at least twice daily. In addition to the antiseptic cream however, you should apply a topical antibiotic, also twice daily eg neosporin, fucidin, bactroban If there is still some itching, you can use an oral antihistamine such as benadryl, claritine, zyrtec, allegra. With itching, there may be superficial abrasions to the skin which can then become infected so it is best to reduce the itching. If there is no improvement of the infected (pus )area after a few days or there is worsening, then it would be best to see your doctor for an assessment. Oral antibiotics may be needed. If the lesion get larger, it may need to be incised, this is usually an in office procedure I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions