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Original poster

DS’s toe is agony, what can we do? (Includes toe photo)

24 replies

Thriwit · 14/04/2023 18:12

Posting out of desperation for poor DS. Over the last few days he’s developed these kind of blisters on his toes and feet. They’re not that small. His little toe in particular is agony, he’s just been crying about it. We’ve been putting hydrocortisone on them, changed to Betnovate yesterday, but they just seem to be getting worse. He’s been taking antihistamines and paracetamol.

I don’t even know where to go from here! Is there anything else to do? Is there any point calling 111 or trying to find a walk-in centre? I’m not sure they’d do much more than Betnovate?

If anyone has a clue what’s causing this , what we should do, or has experienced similar, we’d be very grateful.

DS’s toe is agony, what can we do? (Includes toe photo)
OP posts:
EducatingArti · 14/04/2023 18:13

Could they be chilblains?

Rosula · 14/04/2023 18:26

Possibly allergy? Has he got different socks, or have you been washing them n something different? You could try a hydrocortisone cream or similar?

pickledandpuzzled · 14/04/2023 18:27

You've done everything I'd do! Antihistamine cream?

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cocksstrideintheevening · 14/04/2023 18:27

Pompholyx exczema? Can you try some aveeno or similar rather than the hc? Give him antihistamine too if it's itchy

Whatisthisarghhh · 14/04/2023 18:29

Could it be shingles?

Sugaspunsista · 14/04/2023 18:31

They look like chilblains

UndercoverCop · 14/04/2023 18:33

Hand foot and mouth? Does he only have them on his toes? Is there any reddening/dry skin elsewhere? Does he have any other cold/fly symptoms or fever?

sleepyscientist · 14/04/2023 18:34

Hand, foot and mouth? I'd offer paracetamol, if your concerned ring 111

pickledandpuzzled · 14/04/2023 18:34

If it's pompholyx, then the only thing I found helpful was to pierce the bigger blisters- it relieves the pressure and itch, but leaves a big crater underneath.

thesandwich · 14/04/2023 18:36

Go to a pharmacist and ask for advice?

enjoyingscience · 14/04/2023 18:37

They look like chilblains to me too. I’m not sure that there is a good treatment except time and TLC

Agoodidea · 14/04/2023 18:39

pickledandpuzzled · 14/04/2023 18:34

If it's pompholyx, then the only thing I found helpful was to pierce the bigger blisters- it relieves the pressure and itch, but leaves a big crater underneath.

This, itchy as anything, and can be sore, nothing really treats it, and the bad news it will keep flaring up.
the good news, it’s self limiting after a few days of irritation.

Agoodidea · 14/04/2023 18:40

Also, keep the feet clean to prevent a secondary infection.

TitoMojito · 14/04/2023 18:40

I agree that it's pompholyx. I have it, so does DP. Also agree that, if it is, bursting them is the way to stop the pain. You might need stronger than hydrocortisone. My cream is betamethasone valerate.

SquidwardBound · 14/04/2023 18:41

Slightly weird suggestion, but have you checked his shoes for fit and wear - just to rule that out as a possible cause?

TitoMojito · 14/04/2023 18:42

Oh wait... that's what betnovate is. Ignore me. Persevere with that.

Original poster
Thriwit · 14/04/2023 18:42

These weren’t here yesterday! So he’s getting them on his heel now too!

He’s well enough in himself, no cold or anything.
He had chilblains in winter, but it’s been a bit warmer this week.
No change to socks, laundry detergent, shower gel etc.

He can’t even bear socks on now, nevermind shoes. No idea what we’re going to do about school on Monday.

DS’s toe is agony, what can we do? (Includes toe photo)
OP posts:
Lenor · 14/04/2023 18:44

I work in childcare, this is hand foot and mouth.

HFM can be on the hands, feet and mouth, or on just some of them, and can be anywhere else on the body too. The blisters can be very painful, especially in children over 5/adults.

There isn’t a lot you can do to treat it other than keeping topped up with painkillers. X

Lenor · 14/04/2023 18:46

Thriwit · 14/04/2023 18:42

These weren’t here yesterday! So he’s getting them on his heel now too!

He’s well enough in himself, no cold or anything.
He had chilblains in winter, but it’s been a bit warmer this week.
No change to socks, laundry detergent, shower gel etc.

He can’t even bear socks on now, nevermind shoes. No idea what we’re going to do about school on Monday.

This rash can spread to other parts of the body like the legs, arms, bum and torso and in my experience usually occurs near the end of blisters coming out. X

Agoodidea · 14/04/2023 18:47

I’ll bet you it’s pompholyx.
I have it and it will spread around one foot only, irritating like hell for a few days, but does not spread to the other foot.
Clean socks and clean feet, and weirdly piercing the blisters hygienically.
When it dries out you are left with a scaly patch if skin, which peels off over easily

PrincessofWellies · 14/04/2023 18:47

I wonder if it's guttate psoriasis, it has a very similar appearance. He needs to see a GP really. Treatments that work if it is, would be steroid cream like diprosilac. A pharmacy might be worth a try, but will probably refer you back to the GP.

Snowite · 14/04/2023 18:49

Agree looks exactly like HFM. Look on NHS info page and I'd suggest taking him to pharmacist for a look and something to alleviate symptoms. It's super common...hope he feels better soon

Newuser82 · 14/04/2023 18:52

I was going to suggest hand foot and mouth too. I'd have a chat with a pharmacist. Good luck!

mrsconradfisher · 14/04/2023 18:56

It’s Pomphlox (probably spelt wrong!). I get them too on my feet and hands. They are like tiny fluid filled blisters that itch/burn.

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