Differential Diagnosis for Toe Redness
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Cellulitis: This is a common and likely cause of toe redness, often resulting from a bacterial infection of the skin and soft tissues. It is characterized by redness, swelling, warmth, and pain.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Fungal infection (e.g., athlete's foot): Fungal infections can cause redness, itching, and scaling of the skin on the toes.
- Ingrown toenail: An ingrown toenail can cause redness, swelling, and pain around the nail.
- Eczema (atopic dermatitis): Eczema can cause redness, itching, and dryness of the skin on the toes.
- Psoriasis: Psoriasis can cause red, scaly patches on the toes.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Gangrene: Gangrene is a serious condition that occurs when tissue dies due to a lack of blood supply. It can cause redness, swelling, and pain, and can lead to amputation if not treated promptly.
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): DVT is a blood clot that forms in the deep veins of the leg. It can cause redness, swelling, and pain, and can lead to pulmonary embolism if not treated promptly.
- Septic arthritis: Septic arthritis is a bacterial infection of the joint. It can cause redness, swelling, and pain, and can lead to joint destruction if not treated promptly.
- Rare diagnoses
- Erythromelalgia: Erythromelalgia is a rare condition that causes burning pain, redness, and heat in the hands and feet.
- Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS): CRPS is a rare condition that causes chronic pain, redness, and swelling in the affected limb.