Differential Diagnosis for Blister on Foot after Stepping on Glass

• Single most likely diagnosis:
  • Laceration with secondary blister formation: This is the most likely diagnosis given the history of stepping on glass, which can cause a cut leading to a blister as the skin heals.
• Other Likely diagnoses:
  • Puncture wound with infection: Stepping on glass can lead to a puncture wound, which may become infected, causing symptoms like redness, swelling, and possibly a blister.
  • Foreign body reaction: If a piece of glass remains in the foot, it can cause a foreign body reaction, leading to inflammation, swelling, and potentially a blister.
  • Traumatic blister: Direct trauma from the glass can cause a blister without an open wound, especially if the skin was compressed or pinched.
• Do Not Miss diagnoses:
  • Tetanus infection: Although less common, especially in vaccinated individuals, tetanus infection is a serious condition that can arise from wounds contaminated with dirt or foreign objects like glass.
  • Osteomyelitis or septic arthritis: If the glass penetrates deeply into the foot, it could introduce bacteria into the bone or joint, leading to serious infections like osteomyelitis or septic arthritis.
• Rare diagnoses:
  • Eczema or contact dermatitis: In some cases, the skin's reaction to the glass or subsequent treatments could lead to eczema or contact dermatitis, although this would be less directly related to the initial injury.
  • Neuroma: Chronic irritation or nerve damage from the injury could potentially lead to the formation of a neuroma, although this would be a long-term complication rather than an immediate diagnosis.