allergy

[lindsey666]

I was bitten during my campng holiday my little my toe was itchy and produced a blister that was infected my toe hurt to touch and i couldnt wear shoes,and was hard to walk,  it also was swollen and red around the area and above,  10days later it is still red the blister has gone down but still ozzes, i  am left with a dark red area still sore to touch, just wondered what it could have been, i was in dorset . many thanks

[Dr Rajput]

Hi, there is possibility of Chigger bites or contact dermatitis, which can also cause vesicular lesions which are painless initially but later they can manifest as cutaneous reactions include raised lesions, hives etc. and are associated with swelling and itching. Most often, the legs and trunk line are affected (as toe is affected in your case).

If chigger bites is confirmed, Vigorous cleansing with soap and water should be done. Clothing should be washed in hot water or treated with pyrethroid insecticides to kill mites.

But now it is suggestive of, more of infection than/secondary to allergy. The most common organism responsible for foot infection is bacterial growth known as Botryomycosis. It is relatively uncommon disease. Discharge should be subjected to gram staining, microscopy and culture.

This disease can be treated effectively by antibiotics against prescription.  Meantime OTC pain killers will help to reduce inflammation as well as pain. Even histopathology of the tissue is important. The other possibilities are Actinomycosis, Mycetoma, Simple abscess etc. I suggest you to consult dermatologist or surgeon without delay. Take care and regards.