Differential Diagnosis for Toe Skin Irritation
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Athlete's foot (tinea pedis): This is a common fungal infection that causes skin irritation, itching, and cracking on the toes and feet. It's often seen in individuals who wear tight shoes, sweat excessively, or share footwear.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Eczema (atopic dermatitis): A chronic skin condition characterized by dry, itchy, and inflamed skin, which can affect the toes.
- Contact dermatitis: An allergic reaction or irritation caused by substances like soap, detergent, or certain materials in shoes.
- Ingrown toenail: A condition where the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing redness, swelling, and irritation.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Cellulitis: A bacterial skin infection that can cause redness, swelling, and warmth, and can lead to serious complications if left untreated.
- Diabetic foot ulcer: A wound or sore on the foot that can be a complication of diabetes, and requires prompt medical attention to prevent infection and amputation.
- Necrotizing fasciitis: A rare but life-threatening bacterial infection that causes tissue death and requires immediate medical attention.
- Rare diagnoses
- Pitted keratolysis: A rare bacterial infection that causes small pits or craters on the skin of the toes.
- Keratoderma blennorrhagicum: A rare skin condition associated with reactive arthritis, characterized by thickening of the skin on the toes.
- Erythrasma: A rare bacterial or fungal infection that causes brownish-red patches on the skin, often in the toe webs.