Why Isn't My Treatment Effective?
Approximately a year ago, I noticed a small lump on the side of my second toe, near the larger toe. Initially, it was minor and contained some fluid. I attempted to remove it by shaving it off, hoping it would disappear, but it reappeared. Despite the repeated shaving, it ultimately transformed into a persistent bump, which is no longer filled with fluid—just a hardened patch of skin. When I consulted my doctor, he was unsure of its nature, mentioning it felt too soft to be a wart and had not spread further. He prescribed a topical treatment, which I have been using consistently. While the bump has slightly reduced in size, it remains present. Perhaps I am being too impatient, but it seems the medication is not making a significant impact. He informed me that if the treatment proves ineffective, I would need to visit a dermatologist. Although I believe it could be helpful, I'd prefer to avoid that route as I find the bump bothersome. For context, I’m 18 years old, transitioning from female to male, and have not yet started hormone therapy. I stand around 5 feet tall and weigh approximately 190 pounds, which is a separate issue I'm actively addressing in my efforts to lose weight. Initially, I speculated a splinter could be the cause due to the strange sensation and my inability to extract it. This evening, I took matters into my own hands, cleaned the area, and carefully shaved the bump for the first time. Fortunately, the skin was intact, and there was no bleeding. Afterward, I re-applied the medication and covered it with a bandage, as I am eager for it to disappear without the need for a specialist's intervention.
Answers (1)
8/26/2025, 5:31:35 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with a persistent bump on your toe that has changed over time. You're understandably eager for relief without seeking a specialist just yet. Let's clarify the situation and outline some actions you can take.
Main Points
- The bump may be a variety of skin conditions, such as a callus, cyst, or possibly a non-viral skin growth.
- Home treatments may require time to show significant results; patience in treatment is essential.
- Avoid aggressive self-removal techniques, as these can cause irritation or infection.
Explanation
The small lump on your toe could be caused by several factors — it might be a callus, a benign cyst, or some other harmless growth. Given that it started as a fluid-filled lump and has become hardened without spreading, it's likely non-cancerous. Topical treatments can take weeks or even months to show noticeable improvements, and it’s common for some bumps to reduce in size and not disappear entirely. Regular shaving may irritate the skin and delay healing, so it’s best to approach treatment cautiously.
Next Steps
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Continue the Topical Treatment: Stick with the treatment prescribed by your doctor, applying it as directed. If you haven’t seen significant improvement in a few more weeks, consider discussing the treatment's ongoing effectiveness with your doctor.
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Patience is Key: Allow several weeks to evaluate the progress before making further adjustments. Healing can take time, especially for skin conditions.
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Avoid Self-Surgery: Refrain from shaving or attempting to remove the bump yourself moving forward. This could lead to irritation or infection, possibly making the situation worse.
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Keep the Area Clean: Continue to clean the area daily and cover it with a bandage to protect it from pressure or friction, which can aggravate the bump.
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Monitor Changes: Keep an eye on any changes in size, color, or pain. If it worsens or new symptoms develop (like swelling, warmth, or pus), that may necessitate a visit to a dermatologist.
Taking these steps can help manage your concerns while promoting healing. If you feel dissatisfied with your progress or have continued discomfort, seeking further evaluation with a dermatologist may ultimately be beneficial, even if it's not your preferred route right now.
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