Question
Hi Dr. Well I don't really know what to do, maybe you can help. About 2 months ago I remember having cut my toe one night I went out. I expected it to heal but that hasn't been the case. My second toe is now red, very swollen on the bottom right side and hurts like crazy. There seems to be a sort of dot and thickening of the skin around it. I have better days than others but sometimes I can't even put weight on that foot because that toe hurts so much. I even feel it throb when I stand up sometimes. What should I do?? I know you're going to say to go see a podiatrist but I don't have insurance and am hopeful it just resolves itself. What could this be?

Answer
Hi Fay,

If you had a cut in the toe, you likely have an infection of the toe.  You may also have an abscess as indicated by the white dot.  Infections left untreated can be very dangerous especially if you have some resistant bacteria.  I believe you have no choice but to seek the help of a podiatrist.

If it has been months it will likely worsen.  If the infection gets into the bone then you will have a very serious problem.



Sincerely,

Marc Katz, DPM
Tampa, FL
Advanced Podiatry
www.thetampapodiatrist.com
www.tampacryosurgery.com


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