POSSIBLE ATHELETES FOOT?

by Patti
(Trophy Club, Tx)

I was swimming for 3 days straight... the end of the third day, I thought I had atheletes foot on my first toe over from my little toe on both feet because the toes had a crack underneath, close to the foot. The next day, the left foot got worse and I started using the Lotrimin spray and ointment. It was very painful when I tried to get into bed and cover my foot with the sheet. Next day the pain was worsening and the top of the foot where the toe that has the problem started itching unbelievably but no blisters or bumps are present. Today, I am limping, and can hardly put any weight at all on the foot for the pain on that toe is very bad. The itching has also increased, still with no presence of bumps or blisters. Please help! I've cleaned the wound with peroxide and sprayed more Lotrimin but it is just getting worse.

RESPONSE

Hi Patti,

In all probability you are suffering from athletes foot as the scenario you describe would certainly lend itself to that diagnosis.
The first issue I want to address is the crack or fissure underneath the toe that you mention. I am making the assumption that perhaps that is the spot that hurts the most as most people who present to my office complain about the fissure as the site that is most painful.
Not only is the pain an issue but the fact that the fissure can easily become infected with a bacterial infection and then the whole situation becomes a lot worse.
So as far as the fissure goes, I would start applying a little Neosporin ointment (not cream) or Bacitracin ointment just on the crack, not the whole affected area.
As far as the athletes foot itself goes you may end up needing something stronger than the over the counter medicines you are using. For that you will have to see a doctor.
If you want to try resolving this on your own then you need to dry out the area between the toes as fungus thrive in dark moist environments.
So, I would recommend you avoid closed shoes for the near future, avoid socks and I would suggest you keep gauze in between the toes that are affected in an effort to keep the toes apart so that air is constantly getting to the space between the toes and the area can dry out.
Since I cannot actually examine your foot I cannot recommend applying any drying agents in between the toes as you run the risk of actually experiencing more pain (if the area is already too sensitive), so by keeping the toes uncovered and spread apart, hopefully, you will accomplish the same thing.
If you start to notice the redness spreading, usually on the top of the foot, and there is more pain and perhaps even mild swelling, that could be an indication of a secondary bacterial infection which is much more dangerous than plain athletes foot and I would recommend seeing a doctor immediately.
You mention you are using an ointment on your foot. Ointments tend to keep an area moist, so just check the tube and make sure it is a cream, as creams tend to dry out an area and that is what you want in this situation.
You may try my suggestions for a couple of days. If you start to notice improvement, then you may continue. However, if there is no improvement or, the problem seems to be worsening, then you must see a local doctor.
Lastly, and perhaps most important, if you happen to be a diabetic or have impaired circulation to your feet, I would suggest seeking medical attention immediately as you do not want this problem to get out of hand.

Marc Mitnick DPM
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