Anyone want to try and diagnose me since doctors can’t?

[FcukedUpFeet]

So I’ve seen several doctors and so far they don’t have a clue, so I thought I’d try and see if anyone on here is bored on a Saturday night and wants to give it a go?

in October last year I went on a hiking trip. Feet got cold and wet, no damage or blisters, just wet. A few days later I got sores on my toes, no where else, just the toes. After 6 weeks, I took some pictures and went to the pharmacist. Pharmacist said chilblains and sold me tiger balm. This didn’t work. Toes started getting very cold and going purple. Sores continued on toes. To be clear- not the feet. Literally just my freezing purple toes. By mid December I gave up on the tiger balm and tried to make a doctors appointment. Except it was too close to Christmas so the appointment wasn’t until the middle of January. By now the sores are either healing and pealing, or rubbing on my toes and bleeding. Doctor looked at my toes and said they’d never seen anything like it. I queried Raynauds syndrome but was told they didn’t think so. The doctor googled Raynauds while I was there and said because my toes aren’t going white, and fingers aren’t affected, it’s unlikely. They checked my pulse in my feet and it’s fine. So I was sent for blood tests.

Blood tests came back to say my white blood cell count is low, not dangerously low, but not where it should be. That’s all it found. So doctor said I don’t need another appointment yet, just another blood test. I had another test on Friday and I’m just waiting for the results. But the doctor clearly doesn’t know what it is. So wise mumsnetters. Any idea what the fuck is wrong with my feet? They’re so painful, shoes hurt and rub until my toes bleed. I’m living in multiple pairs of granny slipper socks and my toes are still so cold they’re purple!

I can add pictures if people want to see (they’re really gross so didn’t want to add at the beginning)

I can see your photos now @FcukedUpFeet, that's what mine look like but worse than that if anything. Aren't they chilblains?

Chilblains

The skin on the rest of your feet doesn't look at all right either to me. Looks thickened and a lot of yellowing dead skin, is that normal for you?
Honestly, if you can afford it I'd just make my own appointment with a podiatrist, there are loads about and it's not silly money. I'm sure they would advise on the phone first whether it is something they are likely to be willing to take a look at.

You say blood pressure was fine but did they check the blood pressure in your ankle at all?

This.

I hike a lot and had a corn. Went to see a podiatrist who happened to be an NHS nurse who did that privately part-time. Bloody amazing. Got a full check of my feet including blood flow. Well worth it.

From your photos, I would say my chilblains used to go like this if I wore shoes that would rub.
I don’t really think any lotions and potions work that well, snow fire helps itching but doesn’t heal. I used corn plasters on the ones that rubbed worse, and waited it out.
Nowadays I wear barefoot shoes most of the time, or at least shoes with a foot shaped toe box. Also really decent socks or toe warmers.

Incidentally, I had chilblains for years before I knew what they were, and the one time I went to the doctor he suggested it might be gout. My sister had exactly the same experience a couple of years earlier. We were both early 20s, non drinking vegans at the time so gout couldn’t have been much less likely! But it seems some GPs are very unfamiliar with foot issues.

Frostbite?

No idea, but I have Reynauds in my fingers, as an adjunct to lupus and my fingers go purple/blue rather than white.

Chlorophyll in your drinking water, will bring your platelet level up. Citrus bioflavonoids too.

go to a podiatrist and /or a TCM practitioner to get your toes back to normal.

I done a google reverse search on your feet, this was the first article to pop up.

www.footstore.com.au/how-do-you-know-if-you-have-a-chilblain/

I met an older lady this week through my work who had been diagnosed with Raynards. Her fingers were puffy and purple. I was surprised as I thought that raynards generally just causes fingers and toes to go white.

Cryoglobulinaemia? Very rare!
Gout - hopefully checked for on bloods.

I'd see a private dermatologist personally, NHS waiting times are rubbish.!

Thanks for the advice, annoying if it’s just chilblains that the doctor didn’t recognise them? Also that they’re making my toes cold, rather than being caused by cold toes? I’m mid thirties so google also says it’s quite odd for my age.

@Onlyvisiting no, I usually get regular pedicures to cut the nails and get rid of dead skin, but I’ve not been having them since my toes are so sore I don’t want to risk it. My foot does look a bit yellow in the picture but I think it’s the light because they’re not usually that colour

Looks similar to mine when i had bad chilblains. The pain awful. Mine improved after I started wearing slippers indoors. We have cold tiled flooring downstairs that aggravates it.

Those look like my feet on good day. I don't have diabetes but do have arthritis and Reynaulds. When I get open sores I used to go to the GP nurses and get them dressed for weeks on end, I now have Inadine gauze and dress them immediately myself and have a limbo so I can shower. They did try straightening my toes with scews to stop them getting rubbed but four of the six screws worked their way out causing infections and more time getting my feet dressed and 3 lots of antibiotics. My ankle pulse is good, my feet are almost always cold.

Really sorry op but they look just like my dd’s chilblains - she’s 14 so not typical age either if that helps?! Guess the doc may not have seen too many… Never heard of tiger balm being useful for them…maybe the pharmacist just wanted to prescribe a panacea?! Best course of action is to keep feet warm & dry - thermal socks and, if you do water sports/proper hiking, some waterproof socks too. Sorry, it’s horrid… my dd tells me how painful and irritating they are!

My DH damaged his toe and it took months to heal. Needed antibiotics and properly dressing - not sure if that is an option, but might help wounds but not coldness.
If your white blood count is low it might be worth pushing to get that followed up on. (I've always had 'normal' but low iron levels - finally been put on iron tablets to help after it was flagged up with my GP).
Unfortunately, at times, you just have to keep going back to the GP, as they won't know things aren't right unless you pester them!

They look like mine. When I go for a hot bath, the bottoms of my foot goes purple blotchy like bruises until they're really hot, even in summer.

I have Renaud's.

Trench foot.
It also causes low white blood cell count..
You should have been given antibiotics.
Keep your feet elevated above your heart.
I had it a lot when l was a biker and riding my bike in all weather's.

Google Trench foot.

You need to see a podiatrist those feet need attention asap.

Definitely see a podiatrist but I think if you went to the gp and asked for a course of nifedipine, those toes would be sorted out.

If it’s chillblains, then Zam Buk ointment is incredible. Can buy on Amazon.

a different AI says ...
A few possibilities come to mind, though I’d stress that only a qualified healthcare provider can diagnose you properly:

1. Chilblains (Pernio):
2. You mentioned the pharmacist suggested chilblains, which does align with some of your symptoms (cold exposure, sores, purple discoloration). However, the fact that tiger balm didn’t help and the symptoms have persisted for months makes me wonder if there’s something more going on. Chilblains usually resolve within a few weeks, so the prolonged nature of your symptoms is unusual.
3. Raynaud’s Phenomenon:
4. You brought up Raynaud’s, and while your doctor ruled it out because your toes aren’t turning white and your fingers aren’t affected, it’s worth noting that Raynaud’s can sometimes present atypically. There’s also a condition called secondary Raynaud’s, which can be associated with other underlying issues (e.g., autoimmune diseases). The low white blood cell count in your blood test might hint at something systemic, so it’s worth exploring further.
5. Vascular Issues:
6. The cold, purple toes and persistent sores could point to a vascular problem, such as poor circulation or even a small vessel vasculitis. The fact that your foot pulse is normal is reassuring, but smaller blood vessels could still be affected. A vascular specialist might be able to provide more insight.
7. Autoimmune or Inflammatory Conditions:
8. The combination of sores, discoloration, and low white blood cell count could suggest an autoimmune or inflammatory condition. Conditions like lupus, vasculitis, or even something like erythromelalgia (though rare) can cause unusual skin and circulation symptoms. A rheumatologist might be a good next step if your GP remains unsure.
9. Infection or Dermatological Issue:
10. Since this started after your feet got wet and cold, it’s possible that an infection (bacterial or fungal) set in, especially if there were microtears in the skin. The persistent sores and peeling could indicate a chronic infection or a dermatological condition like psoriasis or eczema triggered by the initial exposure.

Next Steps:

• Specialist Referral: If your GP is stumped, it might be worth asking for a referral to a dermatologist, rheumatologist, or vascular specialist. They may have more experience with unusual presentations like yours.
• Further Testing: Depending on your blood test results, additional tests (e.g., autoimmune markers, imaging of blood vessels) might be helpful.
• Symptom Management: In the meantime, keeping your feet warm and dry is key. You might want to try padded toe protectors or silicone sleeves to reduce friction from shoes. If you haven’t already, avoid tight footwear and consider using a moisturizer designed for sensitive skin to help with the peeling and sores.

I hope you get some answers soon—it’s tough dealing with persistent symptoms without a clear diagnosis. Keep advocating for yourself, and don’t hesitate to push for further investigation if things don’t improve. Let us know how you get on!

Initially came here to mention non-freezing cold injury but looks like someone has already mentioned this. This can cause sensory issues.

This is a good website on the topic.
www.nisac.org.uk/nfci-medical-professionals/diagnosis-nfci-medical-professionals

A lot of GPs aren't aware of NFCI - it's mainly seen in military settings. I'd push for a rheumatology referral if your GP feel this fits.

After writing all that, the pictures look like chilblains - GP should be running bloods/considering referral. They need to take a look at the following guidance: https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/chilblains/
Referral would be more urgent if you are developing ulcers.

That’s my thought. Try canestan or the equivalent.