Question
I am really looking for an answer. I've been to the doctor several times and had an abscess and the doctor sent it for testing and it had no bacteria in it. My toe has shed so much skin all around it and now is inflamed again. It is red and swollen and has fever. The part of my toe that hurts is in an odd place. It isn't close to the nail. It is on the thicker part of the tip of the toe. I now have the shingles and experiencing nerve problems. What do you think?  

Answer
Hi Sharon,

I would question whether there is an abscess or possibly some type of fluid filled cyst in the soft tissue or bone at the tip of the toe.

I'm assuming that you've had x-rays several times, if not that is a must.   An MRI should also be considered.  It has to be done by an MRI tech that does feet often so they can get the correct position of the tip of the toe.

The other possible test would be sending some of the fluid for analysis at a pathology lab instead of a culture.  Also, possibly a fungal culture, not a bacterial culture.

The last possibility, which is remote, is testing for gout.  This is a blood test for high uric acid.

If you are not getting answers or the level of expertise that you expect from your current Dr., I would seek a second opinion.

Hope that helps.

Sincerely,

Marc Katz, DPM
Tampa, FL
Advanced Podiatry
www.thetampapodiatrist.com
www.tampacryosurgery.com
www.fix-my-foot.com