What Does An Exmading Red Patch In The Inner Side Of Toes Indicate?

Posted on Mon, 31 Mar 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 31 Mar 2014 Answered on

Mon, 21 Apr 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I had a small red patch in the inner side of my right big toe two years ago. With time the red patch has spread in the inner toe area. Now when I walk, the big toe is a bit painful. I had an accident two years ago before this red patch appeared, which hurt my right ankle by tearing some ligaments and there is a slight growth of scar tissue there. I don't know whether there is a connection. I am 29 years old , male, height is 5ft 6 inches. I am both physically and mentally troubled by this as the pain is increasing and the red patch is spreading. In the area of the red patch, there is a numbness when compared to the other areas. Your ideas are highly appreciated.

Answered by Dr. Vaibhav Gandhi (5 hours later)

Brief Answer: Possibility of gout first Detailed Answer: Hello I have studied your case and image, I would like to keep possibility of gout first as per your history and symptoms. In gout there is accumulation of uric acid crystals in joint mainly foot. This leads to swelling and redness in foot. Another differential can be nerve compression leading to tingling and swelling. This may be associated with skin infection leading to redness and numbness. I will advise to do blood inv like complete blood count ,uric acid level, if required EMG –NCV[ nerve study] Till time take analgesic and neurotropic like methylcobalamine. If gout is confirmed you may need medicine accordingly and diet restriction. Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries. Wishing you good health. Take care.

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

Follow up: Dr. Vaibhav Gandhi (3 hours later)

Thank you very much for your reply. I forgot to include some more information. The skin color in that red area, turns blue in the morning and doing very little activity with my leg, and the moment I start my activities, and normally by the night time, turns blood red. I massage that area like 3 times a day. That activity also makes it turn blood red. That area of skin is more sweaty than other areas of skin. I am really I forgot to add this information. I typed the first description in haste. Does this new information change the diagnosis a lot? Thank you very much.

Answered by Dr. Vaibhav Gandhi (40 hours later)

Brief Answer: Venous malfunctions... Detailed Answer: Hello again, The symptoms you described may not be very specific. However the possibility of venous malfunctions need to be excluded. Off course I am blinded without a clinical examination. I will insist you to consult your local doctor who can examine your limbs and vascular system and rule out my possibilities. He/she can guide through the aforementioned tests before starting treatment. Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries. Wishing you good health. Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad