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What's this on my toes? Manky foot pic warning

34 replies

TabbyBeast · 25/02/2022 17:11

I'm in 40's, diabetic and disabled. My diabetes is moderately controlled but I have since stepped it up a gear since my review in January so it should be improved in my next GP practice nurse review. Was diagnosed 3 years ago.

I've always suffered with cold feet and to a lesser extent, hands. My toe nails and fingernails regularly turn blue in summer as well as winter. During my recent diabetic foot check the GP nurse said it was difficult to feel a pulse in my feet. She suspected Raynauds but has referred me to Podiatry for assessment (appointment at the end of March).

The last few months I've had red spots on the tops of several toes. The practice nurse wasn't sure what they were. This afternoon after coming in from shopping, I took my shoes and socks off and there were new blue spots at the top of toes. My feet felt sore earlier which is why I looked and they are painful to the touch. I called the emergency podiatry clinic and the earliest they can fit me in is Monday late afternoon.

Has anyone seen this before? The blue marks are more defined and darker in real light but unfortunately the camera isn't picking it up too well.

What's this on my toes? Manky foot pic warning
OP posts:
TabbyBeast · 25/02/2022 17:12

The marks / spots are on the top of 3, maybe 4 toes.

OP posts:
ClariceQuiff · 25/02/2022 17:14

Could they be chilblains? It might be worth asking a pharmacist pending your Monday appointment. If it is chilblains there's cream you can get for them.

WowIlikereallyhateyou · 25/02/2022 17:16

Foot specialist here, they look like chillblains. You need to avoid extremes of hot and cold. Gently warm your feet with some thicker socks in the meantime.

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TabbyBeast · 25/02/2022 17:16

Oh, I thought chilblains were when your toes went all sausage like and red? Worth a shot talking to a pharmacist, I've worked myself up into a bit of state about it. Thanks

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WowIlikereallyhateyou · 25/02/2022 17:17

Don’t bother with pharmacist, get confirmation from pod on monday. A foot specialist is going to know more than pharmacist.

TabbyBeast · 25/02/2022 17:20

Thanks too WowIlikereallyhateyou I've got my feet up in a pair of socks, some thicker wool ones over them and sitting under a blanket. How long do chillblains generally take to clear?

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TabbyBeast · 25/02/2022 17:21

Glad to hear I won't be wasting their time at the emergency foot clinic, thank you

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LetsGoCrazyPurpleBanana · 25/02/2022 17:27

I have the same. I'm not diabetic but I have RA and Raynaud's. I've got into a bad habit of walking barefoot on wooden floor so make sure I wear memory foam slippers now. Hands and feet are blue throughout the year, including summer.

TabbyBeast · 25/02/2022 17:29

Sorry to hear you suffer the same LetsGo I have some wool insoles in my shoes and slippers and definitely notice them help keep my feet warmer. Memory foam slippers sound amazing though!

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WildPoinsettia · 25/02/2022 17:29

The dots look like bad chilblains. They go red and hot but can turn purple like a bruise in the centre. The nail looks like it has a fungal infection (yellow discoloration and flaky) which is going into the skin and on the second toe too.

GreatBigBeautifulTommorow · 25/02/2022 17:31

@TabbyBeast do attend the podiatry appt on Monday to get them checked.

TabbyBeast · 25/02/2022 17:34

I'm treating the fungal infection with Canesten Bifonazole and it is slowly clearing up but it was a pretty long standing infection. Hopefully it will eventually clear but I will talk to the podiatrist at my assessment at the end of March. Thank you

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TabbyBeast · 25/02/2022 17:37

Definitely still going to attend on Monday GreatBigBeautifulTommorow I was pretty shocked and upset when I saw the blue bits earlier and I'm so glad I braved showing my awful toes on Mumsnet as you've all reassured me so much.

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WowIlikereallyhateyou · 25/02/2022 17:38

Tabby, anything from a few days to weeks. I have seen more cases of chilblains this year than in ages. We have experienced extremes of temperatures, which is why they are worse at the moment. Keep them warm, but only gentle heat.

TabbyBeast · 25/02/2022 17:44

Will do WowIlikereallyhateyou, thanks. I'm a little concerned that the red spots seem to be permanent, they never really go down, even when my feet are warm. I've had them months too. Can I ask if there's anything you particularly recommend I do in the future? I have lightweight, sensible walking shoes and wear cushioned socks, always wear slippers at home but my feet are always so cold, even when I wear two pairs of socks.

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WowIlikereallyhateyou · 25/02/2022 18:41

Not really, just try to avoid extremes of temperature. There are some chilblain creams out there that might help.

LetsGoCrazyPurpleBanana · 25/02/2022 18:45

29TabbyBeast

Sorry to hear you suffer the same LetsGo I have some wool insoles in my shoes and slippers and definitely notice them help keep my feet warmer. Memory foam slippers sound amazing though!

Thank you. It's a vicious circle though as I have lots of hot baths as it helps my joints but my feet suffer with the extreme heat. Definitely recommend the memory foam slippers. I think I got them from Primark so not expensive :)

Shehasadiamondinthesky · 25/02/2022 18:48

I do nhs podiatry. They look like chilblains. Very common this time of year.

OhYouBadBadKitten · 25/02/2022 19:10

I'm a veteran of chilblains. You may, depending on any nerve damage in your feet, find they go through an exquisitely painful stage when they get knocked. And an intensely itchy phase. Eventually mine go hard and peel off.

TabbyBeast · 25/02/2022 19:11

WowIlikereallyhateyou I will have a look round for some cream. Might be an idea to keep some handy in the future. Thank you for your help.

LetsGoCrazyPurpleBanana Y'know, I live not far from a Primark and I have NEVER been in there! This weekend might be an excuse!!

Shehasadiamondinthesky Thank you for taking the time to respond. Certainly has calmed me down as I was imagining all sorts. Hopefully the podiatrist on Monday can give me sometime to treat it.

Thank you to everyone who has helped, and so quickly too x

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TabbyBeast · 25/02/2022 19:15

OhYouBadBadKitten I hope you aren't suffering too much at the minute. I suspect I have some nerve damage :-( My toes brushed a jute bag earlier and it was so painful so that makes sense. Not had a itch yet. Not sure if I'll dread any footner-esque peeling or be fascinated by it!

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olympicsrock · 25/02/2022 19:22

Another diabetic foot specialist. Agree with the advice given . Don’t worry - you’ll be fine to see the podiatrist next week.

TabbyBeast · 25/02/2022 19:26

olympicsrock Thank you for the reassurance, it's very much appreciated :-)

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OhYouBadBadKitten · 25/02/2022 19:37

Mine aren't too bad at the moment thankfully :) I did manage to get one on my outer ear a couple of weeks ago. Been a while since that happened.
When they get very itchy I've found cortisone cream helps, but you may well be told that either there is no evidence or it isn't a good idea.
I love the peeling bit. Blush

silverlace · 25/02/2022 19:38

I have Reynauds and get chillblains like that. They are so painful. Some cream from the chemist will help but the best advice is not to let your feet get cold. If you can,
get the best quality sheepskin boots/slippers you can afford. If you are going to be outside in the cold you can get single use foot warmers that fit in your shoes and last 5 hours. You can get them from outdoors shops or Costco sell a big box of them.

You can get ones that can be recharged but I didn't get on with them as they were too thick and squeezed my feet.