Itchy toes

[Rebajean13]

This is the second time this has happened. On my left foot my toes have become swollen and horribly itchy and painful. Hurts to sleep walk or wear shoes. It's has happened in the warmer months too not just the winter months... I've been to a doctor and they gave me antibiotics which didn't help. Any thoughts?

[mkh9]

That is great to hear.
take care,
mkh9

[Rebajean13]

Thank you all for all of your help. I have been keeping my feet warm the past couple days and taking Benadryl and it has seemed to have gone away for now.

[jemma116]

As the antibiotics that you have taken did not help to relieve the painful and red toes, I would suggest you make an appointment to see your doctor again.

Chilblains tend to happen when it is cold.  If you are not keeping your feet warm now in this cold weather, then it is highly likely to be chilblains, but I can't understand that you have this only on your left foot.

If it is chilblains, you do need to wear a few layers of socks and warm winter boots to keep warm.  Keep your hands, ears and head warm too by wrapping up before you go out into the cold.

Sometimes when the joints become painful and red, this can be from arthritic conditions and your doctor would do a blood test to confirm this.

I trust that you are wearing well fitting shoes that are not rubbing or pressing on your toes!

[Rebajean13]

I'm really thinking its chilblains. I am allergic to laundry detergents and soaps but I haven't used anything different lately. You have been helpful and opened my eyes to other possible things that could be going on. Would it make a difference if I said I don't wear socks? I don't like them at all but because I don't wear socks my feet don't stay dry like they would with socks on.

[mkh9]

Other than an infection either bacterial or fungal. If it isn't chilblains I'm not sure. I would say possible allergy. If you can't figure out if you are allergic to something then try a podiatrist? Sorry I can't be more helpful.
mkh9

[Rebajean13]

I've heard of chilblains. My whole entire toe next to my pinky toe is swollen and red, erode than the rest. The rest of my toes are swollen and tender but not red

[mkh9]

Here is a good link to some photos. It looks like chilblains might be what you have. It has to do with circulation. See if you can copy and paste this in your browser.

https://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&aq=&oq=chilblain+photos&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4ADFA_enUS465US467&q=chilblain+photos&gs_l=hp...0j0i22i30l3.0.0.1.421684...........0.3s1B1GJWVhA

mkh9

[mkh9]

Are these patches of red swollen itchy areas or the whole toe? If it is patches it could be chilblanes. If so I'll give you more info on that. A podiatrist would be better to see for this.
mkh9

[mkh9]

Well, swelling and pain are indicators of a bacterial infection. You can have a combination of fungus and bacterial. I have had both at once. But since the other antibiotic didn't work you may need a different one. You don't have any open cut or wound but it does sound bacterial. You have tried more than one type of antibiotic?
mkh9

[Rebajean13]

There are no blisters or scabs and the last time it happened was last spring. It's just red and noticeably swollen

[mkh9]

It could be a fungus. Try Lamisil cream for a week. There is a generic version that is less expensive. Usually, fungal infections don't get swollen but maybe it is a combination. Perhaps try the antifungal and tell your doctor the antibiotic didn't work. It may be a bacteria that just is resistant such as a staph infection. What does it look like? I mean is it like a boil or scabby?