possible foot infection?

I work as nurse.  Last October, after work I would take off my shoes and then feel an intense itchy feeling on the tops and in between my toes on my left foot only.  I started to scratch it and noticed tiny blister like things on the tops of my toes (2-4mm in diameter).  As I scratched, I broke the blisters and clear sticky discharge drained out.  Soon after that my skin started peeling between my toes and on the sole/ball of my foot, closer to my toes.  A few months later I noticed the itching and blisters had subsided however the peeling continued but not as prevalent as before, more so between my toes  Also, After I take a shower the skin between and on the edges of my toes turns a whitish color.  Recently, the itching and blisters have returned. Peeling has continued on the bottom of my toes.  Also, when I rub/ scratch between my toes there is an odor which I believe is indicitive of some type of infection.  I have tried using an OTC antifungal as well as an OTC triple antibiotic cream.  None of which has worked. The only thing that I can connect to this is shortly before this started I was giving a stroke pt. a shower and my shoes and clothes got soaked....  Maybe a connection?  Not sure...  Any help with this would be greatly apprieciated!  Thanks, Happ

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Rashes on top of the foot, as opposed to the sole, are often inflammatory in nature rather than fungal.  These may be a contact dermatitis to footwear.  You ought to see a dermatologist, who can culture any blisters, prescribe appropriate topical medication, and perhaps recommend patch testing for allergy.  I can't think of any connection with your touching the stroke patient.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff