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What Causes Swelling And Itching Of Toes?
My toes at night have been swollen and very itchy. tonight they are a little red. What causes this? This has been going on for about two weeks and I find that if I take off my socks and expose them to a cool floor, they feel better. What can I do?
Thu, 14 Jan 2016
welcome to hcm,
I really appreciate your concern,
I have gone through your query and would try to help you in the best possible way. There could be a number of causes for your complaint. I would be in a better position to guide you anything if you answer following questions please:
1. since when are you having this problem?
2. can you share an image of the toes(area of itching)?
3. is there any rash ?
4. does itch occur on other foot as well?
5. do you normally wear close shoes?
6. are you diabetic, hypertensive or having any other illness?
7. are you on any kind of medication?
8. any family history of diabetes, hypertension or any other illness?
9. any other symptom that you would like to share?
As per my opinion right now,You most probably are suffering from Fungal infection of toes. I would suggest you to once get an appointment for a dermatologist because antifungals are prescription medicines. If i were your treating doctor then i would have advised following things:
> Medical :
- topical antifungals if condition is less severe.
- in case it is severe and topical therapy already taken then terbinafine (you need a prescription for this) one daily for 2-3 weeks (depending upon severity)
> General Care:
It is VERY important in fungal infections because if proper care is not taken then it does not heal completely and instead reappears for longer time and even spreads to adjacent areas. You need to take care of following things:
- Wear loose shoes
- keep feet as clean as face
- dry feet immediately after shower/water comes in-contact with them
- do not let feet remain in sweat for longer time.
- wash hands thoroughly after touching feet.
- wash your socks/clothes separately & thoroughly.
- if possible discard old shoes because they usually harbor fungi.
- Don't trim or pick at the skin around your nails.
- Don't go barefoot in public places.
Healing of fungal infection is a slow process. If you will take care then it will heal quickly, else it may take even 6 months or more.
Please let me know if you have any further queries,
Thanks.regards
I really appreciate your concern,
I have gone through your query and would try to help you in the best possible way. There could be a number of causes for your complaint. I would be in a better position to guide you anything if you answer following questions please:
1. since when are you having this problem?
2. can you share an image of the toes(area of itching)?
3. is there any rash ?
4. does itch occur on other foot as well?
5. do you normally wear close shoes?
6. are you diabetic, hypertensive or having any other illness?
7. are you on any kind of medication?
8. any family history of diabetes, hypertension or any other illness?
9. any other symptom that you would like to share?
As per my opinion right now,You most probably are suffering from Fungal infection of toes. I would suggest you to once get an appointment for a dermatologist because antifungals are prescription medicines. If i were your treating doctor then i would have advised following things:
> Medical :
- topical antifungals if condition is less severe.
- in case it is severe and topical therapy already taken then terbinafine (you need a prescription for this) one daily for 2-3 weeks (depending upon severity)
> General Care:
It is VERY important in fungal infections because if proper care is not taken then it does not heal completely and instead reappears for longer time and even spreads to adjacent areas. You need to take care of following things:
- Wear loose shoes
- keep feet as clean as face
- dry feet immediately after shower/water comes in-contact with them
- do not let feet remain in sweat for longer time.
- wash hands thoroughly after touching feet.
- wash your socks/clothes separately & thoroughly.
- if possible discard old shoes because they usually harbor fungi.
- Don't trim or pick at the skin around your nails.
- Don't go barefoot in public places.
Healing of fungal infection is a slow process. If you will take care then it will heal quickly, else it may take even 6 months or more.
Please let me know if you have any further queries,
Thanks.regards
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