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My Brother Has An Unusual Problem With His Toes. He
Question: My brother has an unusual problem with his toes. He has a constant itch that drives him crazy. His toes look completely normal. There is nothing wrong with the outside of his toes. He either has to itch them, which really only helps while he is itching it. He has to push his toes up again something to make it stop. His family doctor thinks it is anxiety. I don’t. Do you have a direction we can go in. He is just beat down.
Brief Answer:
Dermatological conditions to consider.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor " service.
I have read your query and here is my advice.
First, a skin problem such as contact dermatitis, eczema, or tinea pedis ( a fungal infection ) should be considered and evaluated further.
Peripheral neuropathy ( that may be linked to compression of the small nerves also besides other possible causes ) should be excluded as well.
If these conditions are excluded, we can say that the itching is psychogenic.
Discuss with a Dermatologyst for these issues.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Dermatological conditions to consider.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor " service.
I have read your query and here is my advice.
First, a skin problem such as contact dermatitis, eczema, or tinea pedis ( a fungal infection ) should be considered and evaluated further.
Peripheral neuropathy ( that may be linked to compression of the small nerves also besides other possible causes ) should be excluded as well.
If these conditions are excluded, we can say that the itching is psychogenic.
Discuss with a Dermatologyst for these issues.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
He does not have any kind of fungus. His feet look completely normal. Would you go to a neurologist first? His family doctor says it I anxiety, but Xanax doesn’t help the itch. Please give me some more information. Thank you, XXXXXXX Cassels
Brief Answer:
I think that the Dermatologist evaluation is necessary.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.
Some fungal infections may not cause visible signs on the skin, and can be evaluated with dermatoscopy, or lab tests.
If the Dermatologist will exclude any skin condition, then your brother should be evaluated by the Neurologist.
Hope I helped you.
Take care.
I think that the Dermatologist evaluation is necessary.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.
Some fungal infections may not cause visible signs on the skin, and can be evaluated with dermatoscopy, or lab tests.
If the Dermatologist will exclude any skin condition, then your brother should be evaluated by the Neurologist.
Hope I helped you.
Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
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