Sore on little toe

Hi, I have this sore on my little toe and it's very painful. It's like a blister. I thought it was a corn, but it's not. The whole toe is painful. The blister is on inside of the little toe. Do you know what it is, please? Should I go to see a doctor, or is there a home remedy I can do for myself?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be a small boil, corn or plantar fibroma. A boil generally starts as a reddened, tender area. Over time, the area becomes firm and hard. Eventually, the center of the abscess softens and becomes filled with pus. Finally, the pus "forms a head," which can be surgically opened or spontaneously drain out.

Please keep the area clean and apply some topical antiseptics. Also wear loose-fitting cotton clothing and use an antibacterial soap or mild soap like dove.Avoid any kind of cosmetics. Topical antibiotics such as mupirocin or neomycin containing ointment are also useful.In case the symptoms persist then oral antibiotics may be needed. Please consult a dermatologist in that case.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.