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Suggest Treatment For Red Painful Bumps On Right Foot
Question: Hello,
Sunday I noticed three red painful bumps on the arch of my right foot. I've tried soaking in epsom salt a couple of times and have been putting triple antibiotic ointment on it. They are hard and dont seem to be fluid filled. I always wear shoes and socks and dont recall stepping on anything. I live in the south. It's pretty dry and cold here right now. I went to a walk-in clinic today because my foot hurts and it is painful to walk. They said they didn't know what it was but to continue to soak and use antibiotic ointment and return if not better by Monday. What do you think? Should I try going to another doctor or do you think they will tell me the same thing? I hate to waste another $75. if they cant help, but each day is getting worse.
Thanks, XXXXXXX
Sunday I noticed three red painful bumps on the arch of my right foot. I've tried soaking in epsom salt a couple of times and have been putting triple antibiotic ointment on it. They are hard and dont seem to be fluid filled. I always wear shoes and socks and dont recall stepping on anything. I live in the south. It's pretty dry and cold here right now. I went to a walk-in clinic today because my foot hurts and it is painful to walk. They said they didn't know what it was but to continue to soak and use antibiotic ointment and return if not better by Monday. What do you think? Should I try going to another doctor or do you think they will tell me the same thing? I hate to waste another $75. if they cant help, but each day is getting worse.
Thanks, XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Herpes zoster or commonly known as shingles
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome and thanks for posting your query to the forum.
I can understand your concern for the sudden appearance of red painful bumps on the arch of your right foot.
After analyzing the query and pictures with best diligence I can make out a diagnosis of herpes zoster or commonly known as shingles.
To tell you simply- It is a simple viral infection which occurs due to activity of varicella zoster virus. It is generally seen on waist area but can occur on any site right form head to toe. In your case it is present at the sole area of right foot. Typically, the most important thing is grouped vesicles or blisters with pain and irritation only on one side of body.
Over the foot area the skin is very thick and therefore we are not able to see the typical blister but rather we see “sago grain” type of lesions. It remains for 7 -14 days and then heals up by itself.
The most important part is that it generally occurs only one side, with pain and tenderness and that too sudden in its appearance. Another typical future is that it occurs only once in life time.
In your case there are only few bumps been present which shows very good immunity in yourself. Also this is the least problematical area where there are least chances of aggravation.
In my patients if the with your kind of cases I generally give antiviral medications such acyclovir or famcyclovir as per body weight. It is most effective if given within 72 hours of onset. In your case if it is not more than 72 hours then you can take the medication to relieve the further chances of pain in later part.
Till the time you meet a dermatologist you can give her an anti-inflammatory medications such as diclofenac or paracetamol for one to two times and can apply an antibacterial cream such as mupirocin or gentamycin.
I hope this information will help you. If you have further queries I will be happy to help.
"Wish you good health and early recovery from the problem"
With regards,
Dr Sanjay Kanodia
MD-DERMATOLOGY
Herpes zoster or commonly known as shingles
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome and thanks for posting your query to the forum.
I can understand your concern for the sudden appearance of red painful bumps on the arch of your right foot.
After analyzing the query and pictures with best diligence I can make out a diagnosis of herpes zoster or commonly known as shingles.
To tell you simply- It is a simple viral infection which occurs due to activity of varicella zoster virus. It is generally seen on waist area but can occur on any site right form head to toe. In your case it is present at the sole area of right foot. Typically, the most important thing is grouped vesicles or blisters with pain and irritation only on one side of body.
Over the foot area the skin is very thick and therefore we are not able to see the typical blister but rather we see “sago grain” type of lesions. It remains for 7 -14 days and then heals up by itself.
The most important part is that it generally occurs only one side, with pain and tenderness and that too sudden in its appearance. Another typical future is that it occurs only once in life time.
In your case there are only few bumps been present which shows very good immunity in yourself. Also this is the least problematical area where there are least chances of aggravation.
In my patients if the with your kind of cases I generally give antiviral medications such acyclovir or famcyclovir as per body weight. It is most effective if given within 72 hours of onset. In your case if it is not more than 72 hours then you can take the medication to relieve the further chances of pain in later part.
Till the time you meet a dermatologist you can give her an anti-inflammatory medications such as diclofenac or paracetamol for one to two times and can apply an antibacterial cream such as mupirocin or gentamycin.
I hope this information will help you. If you have further queries I will be happy to help.
"Wish you good health and early recovery from the problem"
With regards,
Dr Sanjay Kanodia
MD-DERMATOLOGY
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. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
Answered by
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