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What Causes A Large Area Of Dry Skin On The Big Toe?
Question: I have a very large area of dry skin on my big toe (picture attached). is it safe and ok for that large area,of dry skin to come off? should I let it do it completely on it own or can I help and assist a little with getting it off. because the dry skin area is so large and thick I am somewhat concerned. please advise. thank you
Brief Answer:
Fungal infections. Long term treatment required.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to HCM.
I have gone through your query and the pictures.
It is Fungal infection of toe is a chronic infection that is very difficult to cure completely. Based on the pictures I feel nails are infected till the nail root and complete toes are affected.
If I were your treating dermatologist then I would have suggested to take anti-fungal tablets such as Tablet Terbinafine or itraconazole.
I would have started with Terbinafine and given you for 3months course as daily dose. If after 3 months the area got better then would have given 15 days per month course of same tablet for 3 months. If the area didn’t got better in 3 months course of Terbinafine then I would have suggested to take itraconazole capsule as reserve drug. You can use clotrimazole lotion applied twice daily for 6 weeks, and then continue once in 2 or 3 days indefinitely.
Also,keep the area as dry as possible-moisture is the most important predisposing factor to fungal infection.so avoid frequent wetting and mop the area well after wetting.Avoid close clipping of nails.
All these medications are prescription based agents, so I would suggest you to see dermatologist for confirming the diagnosis and for prescription.
This provisional advice provided by me is based entirely on the input provided to me. I would suggest examination by the doctor.
I hope this suggestion might be of some help to you.
Take care.
Fungal infections. Long term treatment required.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to HCM.
I have gone through your query and the pictures.
It is Fungal infection of toe is a chronic infection that is very difficult to cure completely. Based on the pictures I feel nails are infected till the nail root and complete toes are affected.
If I were your treating dermatologist then I would have suggested to take anti-fungal tablets such as Tablet Terbinafine or itraconazole.
I would have started with Terbinafine and given you for 3months course as daily dose. If after 3 months the area got better then would have given 15 days per month course of same tablet for 3 months. If the area didn’t got better in 3 months course of Terbinafine then I would have suggested to take itraconazole capsule as reserve drug. You can use clotrimazole lotion applied twice daily for 6 weeks, and then continue once in 2 or 3 days indefinitely.
Also,keep the area as dry as possible-moisture is the most important predisposing factor to fungal infection.so avoid frequent wetting and mop the area well after wetting.Avoid close clipping of nails.
All these medications are prescription based agents, so I would suggest you to see dermatologist for confirming the diagnosis and for prescription.
This provisional advice provided by me is based entirely on the input provided to me. I would suggest examination by the doctor.
I hope this suggestion might be of some help to you.
Take care.
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. Deepak
Answered by
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