Foot Problems Clinic

[sandiegoman]

My wife keeps getting small blister between her 4th and 5th toes. The first time it happened, it got infected and her toes were very hot and itchy. They were very red and swollen.

After going to the doctor (at a health clinic), they advised that it was infected and most likely a fungus of some sort. She does not appear to have athletes foot or any type of fungal infection. She was given antibiotics which seemed to clear up the problem. A week later the problem started on the next foot. Small blisters appeared and she went back to the doctor due to the pain and she threw away her old shoes, took the new stronger antiobiotics and it cleared up again.

Unfortunately it came back a week later, on the same foot, (currently) with 2 small blisters. 1 each on the inside of the 4th and 5th toes. She has kept off her feet and iced the toes from time to time, but she is still in pain and wondering why this never clears up completely. The original foot appears to be agitated where the blisters once were as well.

Today she went to the doctor and the doctor said it is most likely a fungal issue and that it should clear up but did not give her any medication. The doctor advised her to wear sandles until it clears up completely. We did get a referral to a podiatrist, but we do not have any insurance. My wife threw away her old shoes and has been wearing some of her older pairs and a new pair of sneakers hoping this would help.

At this point my wife is in pain quite a bit, the blisters do not appear to be going away. We will most likely have to see a pediatrist to try and get this resolved.

Should we ask for blood work, xrays, etc? Any ideas?

Thank you!

[Woottons]

Hi

This does sound like athletes foot, it can start as small blisters, and is usually itchy. Antibiotics will not clear it up.

You need to buy some antifungal cream such as Lamisil. Your wife needs to wash her feet daily, dry thoroughly between the toes and apply the cream, every day. Even when the blisters have gone, it's advisable to use the cream for 2 weeks. She can treat her shoes with antifungal talc. Wearing sandals will help as it keeps the feet drier but will not get rid of the problem.

If this does not work then systemic antifungal tablets may be needed.

I hope this helps.

Sam
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I practise at this private clinic
http://www.thefootandanklepractice.com/