Are Big Purple Spots On Toes Signs Of Fungal Infection?

Posted on Thu, 30 Jun 2016

Question: I have purple spots on big toes. Is there a way to upload a photo for you?
Could this be a fungal infection and if so are there over the counter treatments? Thank you

Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Suspecting XXXXXXX nails; you will require elaborate blood work

Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am and welcome.

Thank you for writing to us.

I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. No ma'am, from the images the fingernails do not indicate a fungal infection; instead I strongly suspect XXXXXXX nails which occurs due to decreased vascularity to the nail beds.
XXXXXXX nails are commonly associated with hepatic and liver diseases, but can at times also be associated with cardiovascular conditions, thyroid abnormalities and simply just be age-related. I would thus recommend an elaborate blood profile, or if possible a complete health check up to find the cause or rule out my suspicion. But you will most definitely require a blood work up ma'am, so please do discuss it with your health care provider or go ahead with the investigations without him/her.

I hope you find my response helpful and informative. Please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications, I am always here to help.

Best wishes.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Shoaib Khan (15 minutes later)

OK thanks. I doubt that's it, given the shape of the redness is not around the tip, like it is in most cases I researched. But I thank you for your time. Will have it checked out at my next doctors visit.

Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I understand how presentations can differ, safer to get checked :)

Detailed Answer:
Hello once again ma'am.

The shape or presentation is not exactly how we are shown in the textbooks, and may be even online (I have not checked the available images online), but from the given presentation this is the closest match I could find.

A few blood tests will provide us with more clarity, which is best at this moment. I only wish the best for you, and these blood tests can also help rule the worst in order to allow us to look for the more simpler possibilities.

Please do not hesitate to write to me anytime, I am always here to help and guide within my best capabilities.

Wishing you loads of luck,

Dr. Shoaib Khan.

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar