Every now and then, I reach out to my readers, the most intelligent people in the world, to help me unravel the mysteries of the world. On one occasion, for example, an entomologist who reads my column was able to identify the male dobsonfly I found in central Pennsylvania.
Today’s challenge concerns the attached photos. (No, these are not my feet.) If you know what this is, please comment.
Fungus? Athletes foot?
Thanks. (It may help the medically inclined to know that the feet are attached to someone whose immune system has been significantly compromised.)
4 Comments.
I’d go with a two-fer: psoriasis and a fungal infection. I would also not rule out diabetes.
Remember, if it is fungal, the topicals don’t usually work. The anti-fungal should be oral so that it can get into the bloodstream.
And as I’m not a doctor, I should mention that I’m not a doctor.
Thanks, Alex!
Might be a little something called dyshidrotic eczema. (aren’t you glad you asked?)
Docs don’t know exactly what it is – but it responds somewhat to various creams, good hydration can help, and maybe biotin as well.
It appears to be common toenail fungus that has spread to to the foot.
“But over time, as the fungus progresses from the tip of the nail toward the cuticle, it can make the nail thick, discolored and brittle, and pain and inflammation become more likely.”
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/10/11/ask-well-leaving-nail-fungus-untreated/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=0
“It may help the medically inclined to know that the feet are attached to someone whose immune system has been significantly compromised.”
Which makes that scenario even more likely.
“Older people or those taking medications that weaken the immune system, like chemotherapy drugs and corticosteroids, are particularly susceptible.”
There you go…
There are lots of other odd random possibilities, especially among the immuno-compromised So see a Doctor. BUt i would bet this is the very first thing a Doctor tries to treat for; Its the obvious thing.
However for the same reason a mostly-harmless fungus can spread out of control in the immunocompromised, it can also be Dangerous
“In about one out of two dozen cases, the fungus migrates to other parts of the body, like the hands, back and legs, said Dr. Boni E. Elewski, a professor of dermatology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham who specializes in nail disorders.”
….
“The other problem with ignoring nail fungus is that the fungus creates cracks and openings in the skin where bacteria can sneak in and cause infections. For people who have nerve damage and poor circulation — someone with diabetic neuropathy, for example — this can have serious consequences.”
“Podiatrists frequently cite this as a cause of diabetic amputations,” Dr. Elewski said. “The fungus paves the way for bacteria, and it can definitely be a problem.”