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What Causes Redness And Swelling Of Middle Toe In A Diabetic Patient?
Question: My boyfriend (62 yrs old and type 1 diabetic) just noticed that his middle right toe is completely red and swollen (only on the top side). It looks a little bruised, but other than that, no further toe symptom. No sign of a puncture. He can't tell if it is painful because he has neuropathy there. Thoughts?
Brief Answer:
Sugar status, immediate treatment as suggested.
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query.
Since the patient is diabetic type I, the neuropathy might have developed.
As per the description you have provided, this appears to be an infection as the area of right middle toe is red indicating inflammation due to infection.
Since he has neuropathy, he would not remember if there would have been a trivial trauma on the toe and noticed it only after redness and swelling had appeared.
Since he is type I diabetic, I would advise the following in such a situation:
To get started on a broad spectrum antibiotic immediately along with an anti-inflammatory medicine like Ibuprofen, multivitamins and probiotics.
Apply liquid povidone iodine to the whole foot.
Keep the foot elevated for reducing the inflammation.
Get blood sugar, fasting, post-prandial, random, HbA1c done and get the dosages of the medicines adjusted if not in the range.
Get a clinical evaluation and examination done by a Physician for diabetes and related problems and consult a Surgeon for the cellulitis of the right middle toe.
You may please post a clear picture/photograph of the foot and the toes of both sides for me understand and comment more if required.
I hope this answers your query, please feel free to ask any further relevant queries you need to or if you feel that there is a gap of communication.
Sugar status, immediate treatment as suggested.
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query.
Since the patient is diabetic type I, the neuropathy might have developed.
As per the description you have provided, this appears to be an infection as the area of right middle toe is red indicating inflammation due to infection.
Since he has neuropathy, he would not remember if there would have been a trivial trauma on the toe and noticed it only after redness and swelling had appeared.
Since he is type I diabetic, I would advise the following in such a situation:
To get started on a broad spectrum antibiotic immediately along with an anti-inflammatory medicine like Ibuprofen, multivitamins and probiotics.
Apply liquid povidone iodine to the whole foot.
Keep the foot elevated for reducing the inflammation.
Get blood sugar, fasting, post-prandial, random, HbA1c done and get the dosages of the medicines adjusted if not in the range.
Get a clinical evaluation and examination done by a Physician for diabetes and related problems and consult a Surgeon for the cellulitis of the right middle toe.
You may please post a clear picture/photograph of the foot and the toes of both sides for me understand and comment more if required.
I hope this answers your query, please feel free to ask any further relevant queries you need to or if you feel that there is a gap of communication.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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