OpenHealth Q&A

Foot Concerns: A 37-Year-Old's Experience

Summary is provided at the bottom if preferred. In late July 2024, I sought medical advice regarding a foot problem targeting just one of my feet. After examining my condition, my doctor prescribed Clotrimazole cream (2%) for application once or twice daily, along with Betamethasone valerate (0.025%) to be used twice a day. Unfortunately, these treatments have proven ineffective, and the situation has deteriorated significantly in recent weeks. Over the past two months, I have observed yellow patches developing on my feet as well as between some of my toes. I make it a point to wear fresh socks each day—having even discarded many old pairs—and I occasionally go barefoot within my home. My shower routine happens every two to three days, although when these symptoms first emerged, I maintained a daily wash of my feet. During washing, I often notice an alarming amount of loose skin coming off. To manage this, I frequently use a pumice stone, but I’ve also tried a metallic filing tool, which unfortunately led to skin abrasions and bleeding. There have been instances where I dedicated over thirty minutes to scrubbing my feet due to persistent dead skin accumulating on my heels, the balls of my feet, and around my toes, which appeared to keep peeling endlessly. As someone who is autistic and struggles with health anxiety, visiting the doctor can be exceptionally intimidating. I often find myself worried about whether my concerns are legitimate or if I am burdening an already overloaded NHS. Thus, I wanted to reach out to the community to seek insights that might help identify my symptoms, potentially guiding me to an over-the-counter solution instead of another visit to the doctor. The specific symptoms I am experiencing include: - Thick, yellow spots on my feet - Painful, calloused skin, especially around my big toes - Shiny, itchy areas on my skin in various locations, including a noticeable 1.5-inch circle beneath my ankle - Small bumps filled with fluid - General dryness, flakiness, and thinness of the skin While the itch is not constant, it tends to escalate and linger once it begins, although I make a concerted effort not to scratch. Additionally, I have some liver-related health issues, such as elevated bilirubin which may indicate Gilbert’s syndrome, though I don’t believe this condition is linked to my foot problems. --- **Summary:** Since July 2024, I've been dealing with a worsening foot condition, presenting symptoms like thick yellow patches, flaky skin, and painful areas on my toes. Topical medications (Clotrimazole and Betamethasone) have not yielded results. I'm cautious about revisiting the GP due to anxiety surrounding my health and hope to find advice or over-the-counter remedies from others. I also have liver issues that may or may not be relevant to this situation.

Answers (1)

6/27/2025, 5:10:50 PM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you're dealing with a frustrating and distressing foot condition that is not improving despite treatment. Your symptoms, including thick yellow patches, itchy areas, and flaky skin, could indicate a fungal infection, a type of dermatitis, or another skin condition. Given the ineffectiveness of the treatments you've tried so far, it’s understandable that you're seeking guidance based on your experiences.

Explanation:

1. Possible Causes: The symptoms you describe—thick yellow patches, pain and calluses, shiny and itchy areas, and fluid-filled bumps—are commonly seen in conditions like:

   • Fungal infections: Such as athlete’s foot (tinea pedis), which can cause flaky and itchy skin, as well as discoloration.
   • Dermatitis: An inflammatory skin condition that might show as red, itchy, or flaky patches.
   • Psoriasis or eczema: These can cause thickened, flaky skin and sometimes lead to the formation of bumps.

2. Considerations with Liver Conditions: Gilbert’s syndrome generally does not directly cause skin problems, but it’s good to monitor your overall health in this context.

Next Steps:

Here are some immediate actions you can take:

1. Change Your Foot Hygiene Routine:

   • Daily washing: Ensure you wash your feet daily with mild soap and lukewarm water, and dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes, to reduce moisture that fungi thrive in.
   • Moisturize: Use a non-irritating, fragrance-free moisturizer after drying your feet, especially on dry and flaky areas.

2. Over-the-Counter Treatments:

   • Consider trying an over-the-counter antifungal cream, such as terbinafine (Lamisil) or miconazole (Monistat), which may be more effective than clotrimazole for your condition. Apply it as directed on the package.
   • For itchy, inflamed areas, a low-potency hydrocortisone cream may help reduce inflammation.

3. Avoid Harsh Scrubbing: Using a pumice stone or filing tools can cause skin damage, leading to more problems. Instead, focus on gentle washing and patting dry.

4. Footwear:

   • Wear breathable shoes and moisture-wicking socks. Avoid tight shoes that can cause pressure and lead to more skin damage.

5. Monitor Progress: Keep track of any changes or improvements after implementing these suggestions and consider documenting your observations (like itchiness, color changes, or new symptoms).

If your symptoms persist or worsen despite these measures, I recommend discussing your concerns with a healthcare provider, even though it might feel daunting. You have every right to seek effective treatment and support for your condition, and you are not a burden by doing so.

Feel free to reach out if you have more questions or need further assistance!