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Are Red Itchy Patch On Top Middle Toe Signs Of Shoe Bites?

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Posted on Fri, 13 May 2016
Question: I have a large, red, extremely itchy patch on top of the middle toe of both feet. Could this be a tight shoe issue since it is on same toe of each foot?


I have a large, red, extremely itchy patch on top of the middle on both feet. Could this be a tight shoe issue, since it is in the same location on both feet? I have a couple of smaller patches (left big toe under nail, right big toe lower closer to top of foot). Please see the attached picture. I initially though they were blisters, but i only have very mild pain when pressing on them, and they itch more than anything. Any suggestions on what I use to get rid of this?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (32 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Some thoughts on this:

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,

Do you have new shoes and did these patches start since wearing them?

Since the patches on the middle toes are so symmetric, I am thinking it is from contact with something where both sides had equal exposure - likely the shoes.

It looks like it could be possibly an allergic contact dermatitis and also like there has been pressure/abrasion. It could be one or the other or both.

I recommend:
Soak your feet in hot water (not so hot it burns the skin) for several minutes a few times a day (3 times would be good - in morning, after work, and at bedtime). This will promote wound healing and if there is any infection brewing, will help with that too.

Dry your feet well. You can use a blow dryer set on lower setting to get them thoroughly dry after first patting them dry.

Leave them exposed to air, without shoes on, as much as possible.

Apply hydrocortisone cream to the affected areas up to 4x/day. When wearing shoes, wrap the affected toes gently in a thin layer of gauze wrap or a bandaid.

Wear different shoes than the ones you had been wearing before this started. At least until this fully resolves. Then if you try those shoes again, only wear them briefly and inspect your feet for any problem. If you see problems happening again, those shoes aren't for you.

I hope this helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification.

If this skin care plan doesn't help adequately, then do go in to see your doctor.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (7 minutes later)
I've had the shoes for a couple of months and this started 2 weeks ago. It went away after a few days and came back yesterday.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (2 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Question

Detailed Answer:
Are your feet in direct contact with the shoes? Or do you wear stockings or socks with them?

And are you using any new laundry or dryer products?
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (10 minutes later)
Definitely with socks. I am going to try what you suggested and hope it calms down. I may also try different socks, as the ones I have may be too thick. Thank you for the info!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (2 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Agree

Detailed Answer:
Yes, if the socks cause too much pressure then that might explain part of the appearance.

I hope this helps and you are soon better.

Good night!
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3134 Questions

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Are Red Itchy Patch On Top Middle Toe Signs Of Shoe Bites?

Brief Answer: Some thoughts on this: Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome, Do you have new shoes and did these patches start since wearing them? Since the patches on the middle toes are so symmetric, I am thinking it is from contact with something where both sides had equal exposure - likely the shoes. It looks like it could be possibly an allergic contact dermatitis and also like there has been pressure/abrasion. It could be one or the other or both. I recommend: Soak your feet in hot water (not so hot it burns the skin) for several minutes a few times a day (3 times would be good - in morning, after work, and at bedtime). This will promote wound healing and if there is any infection brewing, will help with that too. Dry your feet well. You can use a blow dryer set on lower setting to get them thoroughly dry after first patting them dry. Leave them exposed to air, without shoes on, as much as possible. Apply hydrocortisone cream to the affected areas up to 4x/day. When wearing shoes, wrap the affected toes gently in a thin layer of gauze wrap or a bandaid. Wear different shoes than the ones you had been wearing before this started. At least until this fully resolves. Then if you try those shoes again, only wear them briefly and inspect your feet for any problem. If you see problems happening again, those shoes aren't for you. I hope this helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification. If this skin care plan doesn't help adequately, then do go in to see your doctor.