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What Causes A Weeping Rash On The Foot?

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Posted on Thu, 14 Sep 2017
Question: A good friend of mine that I served with in the Marine Corps in the '80's and been in the Philippines together texed me today and told me he had a problem with his feet. He told me that there has been a rash on the top of his feet for 4 months and now it has been draining yellow pussy material. I told him he probably has an infection and needs to get to the VA asap! He told me it started in the Philippines and never told me about it in the past. Now it came back and it is worse. He is almost 60 and he is like a brother to me and worry about him. I told him to report to the VA Dermatology asap! He is hard headed, tough Marine and wanted my opinion but I am not a doctor but needs one asap. We are both disabled vets and we have had good VA help, he just needs to lower his pride and do the right thing NOW. Just wanted to talk to a pro and perhaps get a comment. Thank you for any comment. Best Regards, XXXXXXX
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Answered by Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Possible diagnosis: Impetigo or skin abscess

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for trusting HCM

I understand that your friend had a rash on his feet for 4 months which is now draining pus. The rash could have been due to allergy, eczema, fungal infections etc. The constant irritation and itching of the area can induce micro trauma which can get secondary bacterial infection.
Such a localized bacterial infection of the skin is could be Impetigo or an abscess. However, both these conditions can lead to widespread infection of skin called cellulitis, especially in patients with diabetes. Prompt treatment is needed

-Keep the area clean and dry
-Use antiseptic soap
-Apply mupirocin antibiotic ointment and gauze dressing
-Change the dressing every 12 hours
-Follow up with the VA hospital's emergency department to assess the need for oral antibiotics. Oral antibiotics is needed especially in diabetic patients and severe infection.

Hope this answers your question
Please address further questions here
Regards
Dr.Lekshmi
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. Yogesh D
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Answered by
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Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2012

Answered : 3808 Questions

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What Causes A Weeping Rash On The Foot?

Brief Answer: Possible diagnosis: Impetigo or skin abscess Detailed Answer: Hello, Thank you for trusting HCM I understand that your friend had a rash on his feet for 4 months which is now draining pus. The rash could have been due to allergy, eczema, fungal infections etc. The constant irritation and itching of the area can induce micro trauma which can get secondary bacterial infection. Such a localized bacterial infection of the skin is could be Impetigo or an abscess. However, both these conditions can lead to widespread infection of skin called cellulitis, especially in patients with diabetes. Prompt treatment is needed -Keep the area clean and dry -Use antiseptic soap -Apply mupirocin antibiotic ointment and gauze dressing -Change the dressing every 12 hours -Follow up with the VA hospital's emergency department to assess the need for oral antibiotics. Oral antibiotics is needed especially in diabetic patients and severe infection. Hope this answers your question Please address further questions here Regards Dr.Lekshmi