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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Itching, Redness And Swelling At The Base Of Toe?

Hi, thank you. I am trying to decide if it is necessary to have my foot examined again. Short history is: Last Monday, redness and swelling began at the base of my small toe and the itching was intense, symptoms continued to worsen with small blisters forming all over my small toe and the base of the next toe. I went to an urgent care clinic on the morning 12/31. The doc confirmed cellulitis and prescribed Omnicef, 300 mg, as well as Bactrim DS. On 1/2, it continued to worsen so I returned to that clinic. The doc told me to double up on the Bactrim and gave me an injection of Ancef and I had to return yesterday. He really wanted to admit me. On that day, another red, warm spot appeared in the top of my foot so I marked the borders(the original area had also been marked). Yesterday, the inflammation is reduced overall in my foot except for the small toe. Important thing that I forgot to mention is that the blisters have been weeping continuously. The small toe is very sensitive to toe posteriorly and the is still some dark red skin in that area. I don t want to run to the doc is it isn t necessary but I don t want to assume the foot is healing as it should. I have now had 4 doses of the doubled Bactim DS. After all of this, my question is- Do I still need to give the antibiotics more time before I need to get it rechecked? Thank you for any info. And I understand that you are limited by no physical asset! Lisa
Tue, 24 May 2016
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Dentist 's  Response
Hi Dear,

Welcome to HCM.

Understanding your concern. As per your query you have itching, redness and swelling at the base of toe . Well there can be many reasons for symptoms you mention in query like Angioedema or Impetigo. The swelling could also be caused due to a shoe bite where tight shoes or sandals may rub on soft skin and cause fluid filled blisters.

Sometimes swelling and discoloration of toe occur due to diabetes . I would suggest you to keep your foot in hot water tub with espom salt , apply over the counter antibiotics cream and take ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain . Also do not wear shoe for few days . Apply over the counter antifungal and anti inflammatory cream.

Consult dermatologist if condition doesn't get well . Doctor may prescribe antibacterial or anti fungal depending upon the diagnosis , also keep your feet in hot water tub with espom salt in it . Doctor may also refer you to endocrinologist for diabetes .

Hope your concern has been resolved.

Get Well Soon.

Best Wishes,
Dr. Harry Maheshwari
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What Causes Itching, Redness And Swelling At The Base Of Toe?

Hi Dear, Welcome to HCM. Understanding your concern. As per your query you have itching, redness and swelling at the base of toe . Well there can be many reasons for symptoms you mention in query like Angioedema or Impetigo. The swelling could also be caused due to a shoe bite where tight shoes or sandals may rub on soft skin and cause fluid filled blisters. Sometimes swelling and discoloration of toe occur due to diabetes . I would suggest you to keep your foot in hot water tub with espom salt , apply over the counter antibiotics cream and take ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain . Also do not wear shoe for few days . Apply over the counter antifungal and anti inflammatory cream. Consult dermatologist if condition doesn t get well . Doctor may prescribe antibacterial or anti fungal depending upon the diagnosis , also keep your feet in hot water tub with espom salt in it . Doctor may also refer you to endocrinologist for diabetes . Hope your concern has been resolved. Get Well Soon. Best Wishes, Dr. Harry Maheshwari