Unusual Symptoms Accompanying Tonsillitis
At 24 years old, I am currently battling tonsillitis, characterized by slightly swollen tonsils, painful swallowing, and visible white patches. Just two days ago, I experienced a 24-hour fever that reached as high as 102.7°F. I underwent a strep throat test yesterday, but the results were negative. Fortunately, my fever and body aches have subsided, and I can feel my tonsils improving. However, in the last two days, I've developed some red spots on my left foot. This is noteworthy since I've had red dots from athlete’s foot on the same foot before I fell ill, though those were significantly smaller. Now, I'm also observing a tiny red mark beginning to appear on my right hand. It feels slightly tender, and I experience discomfort when stretching my foot or standing. I haven't been in contact with anyone who has hand, foot, and mouth disease. Just to clarify, the only medications I take are Lexapro and a standard multivitamin. Any insights on what these new symptoms could be would be greatly appreciated!
Answers (1)
8/26/2025, 5:52:01 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about your new symptoms while dealing with tonsillitis. Let's break down what's happening and focus on the key areas of your health.
Key Points:
- Your previous tonsillitis symptoms are improving, which is positive.
- The new red spots on your foot and the tiny mark on your hand are worth noting, especially with your history of athlete's foot.
Explanation:
Tonsillitis can cause discomfort in the throat and sometimes fever, as you've experienced. The red spots on your foot may be related to skin irritation, possibly from the athlete’s foot, or another mild skin condition, especially if they are tender. The tiny red mark on your hand could also be irritation, an insect bite, or even a mild allergic reaction.
Given that your strep test was negative and your tonsillitis symptoms are improving, the new spots may not be directly related to the throat infection. However, it's essential to monitor these clearer symptoms for any changes.
Next Steps:
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on the red spots on your foot and the mark on your hand. Note if they change in size, color, or if any new spots appear.
- Skin Care: Keep the affected areas clean and dry to prevent any potential infections or irritations. If you had athlete's foot before, you might consider using an antifungal treatment as a precaution if symptoms worsen or persist.
- Pain Management: You may take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen for tenderness and discomfort if needed.
- Hydration and Rest: Continue to stay hydrated and get plenty of rest to support your recovery from tonsillitis.
If the red spots worsen, spread to other areas, become painful, or you notice additional symptoms, such as fever returning or new systemic issues (like swelling or breathing difficulties), consider seeking further medical advice.
Feel free to share any updates or concerns, and I’ll be happy to help!
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