From the Guidelines
A lump on the toe is most likely a bunion, corn, callus, ganglion cyst, wart, or gout, and proper diagnosis and treatment by a healthcare provider are essential to prevent complications and improve quality of life. When considering the potential causes of a lump on the toe, it is crucial to take into account the patient's medical history, including any pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, as this can increase the risk of foot infections and other complications 1. Some possible causes of a lump on the toe include:
- Bunions: bony bumps at the base of the big toe
- Corns and calluses: hardened layers of skin caused by friction
- Ganglion cysts: fluid-filled sacs
- Warts: viral skin growths
- Gout: painful, red swellings Treatment depends on the specific condition, and may involve special footwear, surgery, padding, proper footwear, over-the-counter treatments containing salicylic acid, or medications like colchicine or NSAIDs. It is essential to note that if the lump is painful, growing, bleeding, or interfering with walking, prompt medical attention is necessary to prevent further complications, especially in patients with diabetes, as foot infections can be severe and potentially limb-threatening 1. In terms of prevention, wearing properly fitting shoes and maintaining good foot hygiene can help prevent many of these conditions, and regular check-ups with a healthcare provider can help identify any potential issues early on. According to the British Association of Dermatologists' guidelines for the management of onychomycosis, good nail specimens are crucial for maximizing laboratory diagnosis, and material should be taken from any discoloured, dystrophic or brittle parts of the nail 1. However, this guideline is more relevant to fungal infections of the nail, and the diagnosis and treatment of a lump on the toe require a more comprehensive approach, taking into account the patient's overall health and medical history.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Definition and Causes of Lump on Toe
- A lump on the toe can be caused by various factors, including onychomycosis, a fungal infection of the nail 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Onychomycosis can lead to thickening, discoloration, and deformation of the nail, which may result in a lump or bump on the toe.
- Other possible causes of a lump on the toe include trauma, cysts, or tumors, but these are not directly related to the provided studies.
Treatment Options for Onychomycosis
- Terbinafine is a commonly used oral antifungal medication for the treatment of onychomycosis, with a high efficacy rate and a good safety profile 2, 3, 5, 6.
- Topical antifungal agents, such as efinaconazole and tavaborole, are also available for the treatment of onychomycosis, especially for patients who cannot tolerate oral medications or have mild infections 4, 6.
- The choice of treatment depends on the severity of the infection, the type of fungus, and the patient's overall health and medical history.
Safety and Efficacy of Treatment Options
- Terbinafine has been shown to be effective and well-tolerated in various patient populations, including those with diabetes, HIV infection, and nondermatophyte onychomycosis 3, 5.
- Systemic antifungals, including terbinafine, can have potential side effects and drug interactions, which should be carefully considered before prescribing 6.
- Topical antifungals are generally well-tolerated and safe, with minimal risk of systemic toxicity or drug interactions 6.