itchy toe blisters

[gr99]

I have blisters on several of my toes (on both feet) and it's not from athlete's foot or poor shoes. The blisters are extremely itchy/sore and are the size of a pea. I have one on each of the first 3 toes starting with my big toe. They are mostly on top of my toe between the last knuckle and my toenail, but one is on the side/tip of one toe. They are not true blisters in that there is no fluid sack. It is simply a very swollen and red hive. It seems like really firm and inflamed tissue. There's no scaling or flaking skin, in fact, it's shiny and taught from the inflammation. The itching and soreness is so bad that it has woken me up in the middle of the night. The itching is mostly at night, but I can still feel them during the day. I put OTC hydrocortisone and/or benadryl cream on them at night but it helps little.

The same blisters last about 2 weeks and then the healing process begins and they slowly disappear. I had at least 3 separate bouts of these blisters last winter that ended in March. I did not get a single blister after that until they returned last week (Dec. 6) which is around the same time it started last year. It is independent of the shoes I wear. For example, the blisters appeared last week and I've been wearing those sneakers for over a year. I ski often in winter, but I haven't put my boots on yet this year. My diet hasn't changed. My address and work haven't changed. The only pattern I can see (if there is one) is that it happens in winter months.

I have no other symptoms or allergies. I eat healthy, stay active and just got a clean bill of health from my physician after an annual physical. I am straight and not currently sexually active. I don't have diabetes and have never been diagnosed with any other disease.

I have not seen a doctor yet for this one, but I will call tomorrow. I found an old post on this website that also sounds like my condition.

http://www.medhelp.org/forums/Dermatology/messages/31698.html

Any advice?

White Male 33yrs old. 5'5" 135lbs.

[Caliber2005]

Hi,
How are you feeling now?
Have you ever tried applying fungicides on your blisters?
I think your symptoms suggest blisters due to some fungal infection.
Blisters usually just need time to heal on their own. Keep a blister clean and dry and cover it with a bandage until it goes away. While it heals, try to avoid putting pressure on the area or rubbing it.
I think you need to consult a dermatologist regarding this as this appears to be more of chronic condition than an acute one.
Hope this helps.
Bye.

[arrun]

I face the same problem now mentioned by gr99.  I see lot of pain in the extremities of my toes, I feel like a burning and especailly in the night time.  My big toe really pains me a lot in day and night time.  It's not because of shoe or allergy, I don't know the reason.  I never had this summer and now I realize this is becuase of too much winter.  Any help please?

[ZooHome]

I have this problem every winter for years. It helps some to keep my feet uncovered for as much of the day as possible. I've been barefoot on the cold floor all day and they feel great but last night and this morning they were bad. It doesn't make any since though since uncovered means cool and dry but hot and sweaty in the summer is common and I've never had a problem. I'd love to know what it is or if I could get rid of it but like many no money or insurance to see a doc for something small so Just put up with it.

I have been desperate enough to pierce them with a needle an squeeze and from the larger ones lots of dark blood comes out but it's a bit different than normal blood and it feels better after and seems to heal more quickly most times. Not really suggesting that due to the risk of infection. despite the fluid it's as was said no real sack to pierce but it does drain wen poked and squeezed.

[ZooHome]

I think I found it
chilblains
http://www.epodiatry.com/chilblains.htm

Maybe the reason mine seemed to do better with wearing shoes less was lessening the temp changes. according to this I should keep slippers on.

[Caliber2005]

Hi Zoo,
It is not advisable to poke the blisters as this can further aggravate the infection. There could be worsening of symptoms and spreading of infection.
Blisters are best helped by leaving them alone and letting them get dry.
Bye.

[ZooHome]

I know but it itches so bad and it helps and is better than hacking my toes off, ha. I agree it's a bad idea but... and have never had a problem from doing it.

I had to go to town yesterday so was in shoes all day didn't seem like my feet got cold but boy were my toes bad by the end of the day. I was good and didn't poke any though. So took some cayenne pepper to see if it helps. At least I finally got to sleep. They feel okay so far today.

It promotes good circulation which should help prevent the problem instead of just trying to treat it after the fact or try and avoid cool temps that wouldn't effect normal peoples toes, like all the other options I've found.

[crinckle]

Hi Everyone,
                     I was wondering if anyone knew why people ge itchy red patches on toes - in SUMMER...?
This is my first summer in this place where it gets hotter than 105 F ...and am really surprized at this red swollen patch on my toes... thats come 2 days back.. I see chilblains may be the reason for itchy toes in winter..but can someone help me with what could be the reason for these itchy red patches on toes in summer heat?

[animalpals2]

I have had this problem for about 10 years I have not been diagnosed for it yet, and I can tell you it is not athletes foot I have treat it for that and it does not clear up. in between my toes on both feet, it starts by a severe itch and I will dig and itch them to the point they get raw, and yes when the itching starts the blisters come with it, and I always have to rid the blisters in order to stop the itching the itching will not stop until I pop the blisters. I have this condition weekly and it dries up and repeats itself. it does have any odor by not a strong one after itching my toes it has a mutt smell. It drives me insane the itching is over powering.

If anyone gets a drs. diagnosis   pleaseeeee let us know what it is.

[pal23]

hi,

I also got the same itchy toes and it comes back every winter. I haven't tried any medication so far. but when it gets really itchy i soak my feet on warm or rather hot salty water which is a great relief for me.after continuing it for 2-3 days it completely disappears till next winter.

[jazzietrumpet]

Hi,
   Oh my gosh,. what you just describe pal23 is the exactly same problem i have. I get these really itchy toes in the winter time. I scratch it so bad that my toes are too sore to stand. And you're right when i soak them in hot water where my toes turn cherry red it stops itching. And if i continue to do it for a few days it goes away till the next winter. I went to the doctors for it but my derm couldn't see anything's wrong with it, cause by the time i get to my doc appointment i have already manage to boil my toes to death. But i would like to know if there's anyway to get rid of it for good. I have had this problem for many years and it's really starting to suck having to deal with this every winter time.

[akin66]

I have the exact same problem the only differnce is I work in a very hot and dry climate and I mean hot and dry most of summer over 100F and less than 20% humidity the temps can get to 110F regualrly and can reach 115F and beyond here. Only just started happening to me and I am unsure of what to do but I can feel for the people as the itching can be very annoying...

For Info I work in the Outback Australia.

[TheGreatZ]

Some may have Chilblains.  Been looking up the same thing, similar symptoms, for my daughter 14.  I know it isn't fungal, already tried treating as if it was.  I know it isn't gout.  We keep coming to chilblains, which is a cold and poor circulation issue.  I've been telling her all winter to wear long sleeves and socks.  Now, she is.  

Here is a good link with more info so you can see if it is what you are experiencing:
http://www.podiatryvic.com.au/Public/Facts2.htm

[Lawbert]

I have Chilblains since I was a kid. I had ulcers as a result once. It's amazing doctors have no cure for it. After lots of researches, I found one cure which was also described by one of the responses above: warm/hot water soaking. Unless you have infection already, soak your feet in water as hot as you can bear for a couple of days and they should go away. They will relapse. The best prevention method is to wear socks/shoes to keep your feet warm and blood circulated there. I hope other people can benefit from reading this.

[ktjo]

I have had this problem for several years now, and it seems to be getting worse.  My feet are fine all year long and when spring hits and I go out in flip flops in the sun. My feet just on the tops get the itchyest blisters on them.  They take along time to go away and my skin is not burned at all I just get these big blister looking things on them. I get them on my fingers off and on all summer as well.  What is this and what can I do to take the itch out?  

[rcg33]

I have the same thing going on every winter for the past three or four years...did anyone figure out what it is or how to treat it? I have tried about everything I can think of.

[Reslic]

I have what sounds like the same or a very similar problem.  A toe or two suddenly is rather itchy.  Within a few days, most of my toes are itching insanely.  The skin looks normal, except for a few small red bumps.  Then blisters come up within a week; they're not hard, just a bit watery and flat.  The skin becomes incredibly sensitive, so if I bump my toes on something, it can almost bring me to tears.  The skin becomes reddened or shiny, not dry.  The problem is on the tops and sides of my toes and a little bit on the bottoms of my little toes.  The rest of me is fine.

The itching is so bad that I can't get to sleep, and it wakes me during the night.  My toes are so swollen and sensitive that I can't wear shoes unless they're huge, and I walk at a slow careful stumble.  The itching is worse at night, and if my feet are warm.

I had the same thing last year at about this time of year.  This year, I got it over Christmas break, when I was staying in and hibernating.  My doctor tried to diagnose chilblains (aka chill bites), but I hadn't been out for 5 days.  Then he said the problem was ill-fitting footwear, but I'd been wearing socks and slippers for a week.  (I AM a domestic goddess!)  He also went for Athlete's Foot, but heavy-duty A.F. ointments took the edge off the problem without solving it.

What I've done that helps:  keep my feet cool or cold.  After a hot shower, hold each foot in turn under pure cold water, until it's thoroughly cooled down.  Turn down the heat, and put on sweaters.  To complete my glamourous ensemble, I keep my feet warm and toes cold by cutting the toes off a pair of socks!  Sleeping with no blankets or sheets on my feet at all.  Soaking my feet in cold water with diluted bleach in it.  Avoiding any socks and shoes - stay barefoot as much as possible.  Applying a small bag of frozen peas or corn offers relief within minutes.  If I freeze my feet right down, I can usually get back to sleep.  Hydrocortisone cream helps a bit.  

When I am desperate to have a good scratch, I put a piece of cloth over my toes, hold it in place, then scratch through the cloth.  That means that I'm feeling the benefit of the scratching, but purely through pressure rather than through friction or scraping.  I'm hoping it means I do less damage.

FWIW, I'm female, aged 46, living in a chilly damp climate in a house with chaotic and insufficient heating.  I have an underactive thyroid, for which I'm on Thyroxin.  I have a mildish case of Reynaud's Phenomenon, for which I'm on my guard.

gr99, I am so very grateful for your posting.  I've searched and searched on the internet, and yours is the first description that sounds very like me.  thank you.

[chinafoot]

I have this exact same problem every winter.  I usually get it much earlier in the year (its mid January 2010).  Ive tried every Athletes foot med out there, & they don't really do much.  The closest thing Ive come to a diagnosis is Chilblains. As soon as spring comes it goes away.  This will be the 4th winter I've had it.

The best thing for me I've found that helps is using Queen Helen's Mud Mask for your face but putting it on my toes and letting it dry for 15-20 mins and then rising in really warm water.  I also try to not wear socks or shoes for as much of the day as possible.

[kas73]

Itchy toe blisters and Reslic,
You two could be describing my symptoms. I do the exact same things as you to bring relief. Last night the itch was so bad I put in an after-hours call to the doctor. He has no idea what it is and has asked me to get some bloodwork done to include CBC, immune tests and sugar. Hoping that it is nothing serious. Thanks for all your posts though. At least I know I am not the only one with this problem. I am female, 37 and not overweight. Can't seem to really find answers online for this.

[Reslic]

SOLVED!  I've got my toes on the mend, and hope that my diagnosis and solution will benefit you and anyone else who's going mental with blistered toes that itch ferociously.

My diagnosis was chilblains.  (Even though I hadn't even been outside for a week, I'd somehow got chilblains.  Go figure.)

I was in a vicious cycle:  poor circulation (from Raynaud's Phenomenon) means I need to take deliberate steps to keep my feet warm, so they'll heal.  But with the slightest heat, they itched ferociously.  Mind-killingly, tear-jerkingly, lung-burstingly, pig-whimperingly ferociously.  Eventually I succumbed and scratched, tearing the skin and we are back to square 1:  damaged skin that needs to heal.

The solution:  a prescription topical numbing agent called Instillagel.  Hospitals squirt it into body cavities before doing various procedures.  Or in my case, I squirt a bit onto my toes.  It didn't stop the itching completely or immediately, and the effect only lasts 30 - 40 minutes.  But that was enough to break the cycle, letting me stop scratching and get some blessed sleep.  Within a week, the itching had stopped on its own, and I didn't need the gel.  My toes still look disgusting, but no pain and I can wear shoes.  They're slowly on the mend.  I am able to think about something other than my toes, which is a pleasant change.

What I'm doing now is the exact opposite of what I was doing before: I'm keeping them warm.  Thick hiking socks (1 or 2 pairs).  Avoid cold weather.  Take the bus where it's warm, instead of walking in the cold.  When I'm at home, I sit with my feet on a heating pad.  Those little piggies stay toasty.

Suggestion:  get some sort of topical numbing agent that's ok to put on open blisters.  Use it as often as you need to to keep the itching at bay.  Keep your feet warm so they'll heal.

Best wishes,
Reslic

[Prairiebound]

Hello everyone - It's 2:30 in the morning as I write this with my toes covered in 25% bleach/water!
I've had this horrible thing almost a year, about three raging episodes so far. It's what you're describing - one toe starts itching but no visible marks, then many toes are itching, bright red, swollen and shiny. Some parts become purple - little pea-sized patches.

There's sometimes a hard bump under the skin, sometimes a small flat blister-like thing, sometimes just a little red circle like a small zit.

The itching is horrendous. I've been diagnosed with eczema, athlete's foot, a bacterial/viral co-infection (that doc prescribed Fucidin H which actually got rid of the itching on first application but now seems to have STOPPED WORKING!)  and i'm currently on oral novo-ketoconazole (7 days and no relief).

So, my powers of deduction tell me that since Fucidin is antibacterial that it must be a bacterial infection?? I too got it first in the winter, a bit in the fall and it started up again a few weeks ago.

I find the super-hot water soaks take away the itch, also the ice water soaks (except tonight!). I seemed to be having success for awhile applying organic apple cider (controlled the itch) but it didn't seem to help the overall problem. Calamine lotion helps too sometimes.

I wash my socks in bleach and change them often but this doesn't seem to have any effect. I try to sanitize my shoes by blasting them with a hairdryer and putting baking soda in them.

I didn't think chilblains were a possibility because my feet were rarely cold - I always wore thick thermal hiking socks and the reverse was usually true - my feet were drowning in sweat. But maybe it's worth looking at this again, maybe the Fucidin cure was a fluke.

Anyway if anyone has any insights to share, send 'em on!

[Reslic]

Prariebound, I'm so sorry you're going through this, and I totally empathise.

I thought my problem couldn't be chilblains, since I hadn't even been outside in the week before my toes went Bad.

Bleach, tea tree oil and Lamisil all helped temporarily, so I also though it was some sort of bacteria or fungus.

But it seems I was wrong:  it's chilblains.  I'm now keeping my feet warm (thick socks and an occasional heating pad), wiggling my toes to improve circulation, and using a numbing gel if I feel the urge to itch.  They're slowly getting better: the blisters have healed, the itching has largely stopped, and the shiny swelling has gone down.  Now they're just red in patches and - oddly - have lots of what appears to be moist bits of skin that are flaking off, like a bad case of "toe dandruff".  I know, I know:  sexy!

[Prairiebound]

Thanks for your reply! I should have mentioned that a couple of the little red spots had also appeared on my heels  - literally one tiny spot on each heel -  and they also itch like hell - do you know if chilblains can occur on the heels? It ACTS like an infectious thing because it seems to be getting worse but maybe I'm making it worse by the ice water baths and having freezing toes all the time from going barefoot in February. This is enough to make me crazy.

[eedelee]

So after reading several comments on this post as well as a few articles on Chilblains I think that those of you soaking your feet in hot water may be stopping the itch temporarily but not doing much to stop the cause of the rash.  The condition is caused when your feet go from hot to cold - and for those with sensitive skin or poor circulation it can happen with even the slightest change in temperature.  So from what I can tell, heating your feet up suddenly or making them really cold may be making things worse.

What's been working for me is keeping my feet warm (good cotton socks & Uggs do wonders) but not hot and applying Cortizone 10 whenever the itch strikes up.  Unfortunately it sounds like there's not much we can do about preventing it from happening other than trying to make sure that we're not going from hot to cold too quickly.  After the infection strikes it's best to find something topical that works to stop the crazy itching and then wait it out.

Good luck to everyone - I know how irritating this condition can be!!

[Prairiebound]

Just thought I'd follow up on my earlier (desperate) post - as per Reslic's suggestion I started treating this as chillblains and even on the first day of that my feet felt better than they had in a week.

eedelee, you're right that I think the ice water baths and hot hot water soaks were making it worse. I've been researching chillblains like crazy and found that some people are sensitive to even minor changes in temp. Here I've been sitting at a desk all day with bare (freezing) feet and then when the itch flares up doing the hot/cold thing.

I've started keeping my feet warm (but not letting them get hot) and elevating them while I"m at the desk, and when they feel itchy I go for a fast 40 min walk (on the assumption that that'll get the circulation going again) and after the walk the itching usually subsides!   I was amazed when this happened.

I'll start taking some supplements too  that are supposed to improve circulation (i.e. ginger, cayenne). My feet still look like hell but they feel 100 per cent better.

[gr99]

I am gr99 and I wrote the original post to this thread back in 2007. After 23 replies and counting, I guess I am not alone with this disease. I'll give you an update on what I've learned. I continue to display the same symptoms on my toes as my original post and this is the first winter that I noticed discoloration in my fingers during cold and it is a classic sign of Raynauds Phenomenon. A dermatologist recently diagnosed me with Chilblains (feet) and Raynaud's Disease (hands). First, there is no cure. It is a circulation disorder and those who are trying bleach on their feet are only hurting themselves more. Sudden temperature changes are bad. Don't jump into a hot shower with cold feet. You must slowly warm them up first. In my experience, turn the heat up a little more than you used to during the winter and avoid walking on cold floors, especially when your feet are wet (after a shower or bath). Try to keep your feet warm and dry. If your feet begin to itch you have already begun the process of getting a chilblain - which means your feet must have been exposed to cold prior to the itch. My feet only itch when they are warm, ie, under the foot heater vent in my car, or after a run on the treadmill. If they itch, slowly cool them a few degrees and elevate the feet. Do not cool them with ice, it is too cold. Also, don't wear mesh running shoes in the winter, they are too cold on the tops of your toes. Wear comfortable closed toe shoes with wool socks (smartwool) and keep them dry with powder. Having said all this, I can honestly say this is my best winter yet with the fewest episodes. Why? I try to understand what brings on an episode (temperature) and avoid pitfalls. I have not taken any medication yet but I heard there is a steroidal cream for the itch. Never itch your toes. Here is more info. GOOD LUCK!  :)

gr99

http://www.dermnet.org.nz/reactions/chilblains.html

http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/raynaud/ray_what.html