Concern Regarding Infected Toe and Hives
I’m an 18-year-old female and have been grappling with a severely infected toe for nearly two weeks. Unfortunately, I'm unable to visit a doctor for the next few days since I'm away on vacation. Just before I went to sleep last night, I noticed hives appearing all over my body, and now I can't seem to stop itching on my stomach, legs, and arms. I’ve found online searches to be quite unhelpful, so I thought I’d reach out to the Reddit community for advice before heading to bed, worried that it might be my last chance to get some guidance.
Answers (1)
8/27/2025, 12:11:28 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re dealing with two concerning issues: a severely infected toe and the sudden appearance of hives. Managing both can be challenging, especially while you're away on vacation. Here’s a structured approach to address your concerns:
Main Points:
- Infected Toe Management: Focus on keeping the infection under control until you can see a healthcare professional.
- Hives Relief: Address the itching and possible allergic response to prevent worsening symptoms.
Explanation:
- Infected Toe: A toe infection can lead to pain, swelling, and sometimes drainage of pus. Given that it has persisted for two weeks, it’s crucial to keep it clean and monitor for any signs of worsening (like increased redness, swelling, or fever).
- Hives: The sudden appearance of hives may relate to an allergic reaction, stress, or other triggers. They can be very itchy and uncomfortable.
Next Steps:
For the Infected Toe:
- Clean the Toe: Gently wash the area with mild soap and water daily. Avoid soaking in water for long periods.
- Use a Bandage: Cover the toe with a sterile bandage to protect it from dirt and further irritation.
- Elevate if Swollen: Try to keep the foot elevated when resting to reduce swelling.
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on the infection. If you notice it doesn’t improve or worsens, prioritize seeing a doctor when possible.
For the Hives:
- Calm the Itch: Take an over-the-counter antihistamine (like cetirizine or diphenhydramine) to help alleviate itching—follow the dosage instructions on the packaging carefully.
- Cool Compress: Apply a cool, damp cloth to the affected areas for temporary relief from itching and irritation.
- Avoid Triggers: Try to identify any recent foods, medications, or changes in your environment that might have caused the hives and avoid them.
Final Note:
While you’re managing these symptoms on vacation, stay aware of any new or worsening symptoms. If the hives become severe (such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the face/lips) or the toe infection appears to worsen, seek medical help immediately.
Take care, and make sure to reach out to a healthcare provider as soon as you can. Your health and comfort are important!
Related Questions
Understanding the Increased Pain in My Foot While Reclining
At 30 years old, I am nearing the five-week mark since undergoing surgery on my metatarsals. I've encountered a troubling issue: I can’t seem to find comfort when lying down, whether it’s with my foot raised or lying flat. My pain level escalates to a severe 10 out of 10, unless my foot is making contact with the floor or I dangle my leg off the side of the bed so that my toes touch the ground. Is this situation typical for someone in my circumstances? Are there any suggestions that might assist me in getting a better night's sleep?
Understanding Possible Seizure Triggers and Recurrence Risks
Health Background: I am a 21-year-old female, standing at 169 cm and weighing 65 kg. Over the past three years, I have been using oral contraceptives. As of this morning, I started taking 25 mcg of levothyroxine along with a weekly vitamin D supplement of 0.266 mg. Recently, I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and found to have a vitamin D deficiency that I suspect has existed for the last three years. I do not consume alcohol or smoke, and I can confirm I am not pregnant. Two years ago, I experienced a mild concussion. I currently reside in Spain. A couple of months back, in mid-December, I blacked out twice. The second occurrence took place while I was at the doctor’s office after seeking urgent medical care for the initial incident. Following the second episode, I underwent a CT scan and an EKG, both of which returned normal results. Further tests, as directed by my physician, revealed a critical vitamin D deficiency and hypothyroidism; however, he expressed doubt that either of these conditions led to my loss of consciousness. I was then referred to a neurologist, and I am presently awaiting an appointment. Although the waiting period is lengthy, my doctor indicated that I should receive priority for scheduling, although the exact timeframe remains uncertain. The referral document summarized my events, labeling the second episode (which the physician witnessed) as a potential seizure devoid of tonic-clonic movements—a revelation that took me by surprise. After regaining consciousness, I felt extremely disoriented and terrified, struggling to process what was happening. I have no prior history of seizures, epilepsy, or any related conditions, and there is no known family history of these issues. If this indeed was a seizure, what might have triggered it? Additionally, what is the likelihood of experiencing another one? Since that time, I have not had any further incidents, but I have experienced moments where I felt a sense of impending doom, which I managed to overcome. I intend to wait for the neurologist's evaluation, but the uncertainty surrounding a possible neurological condition is quite distressing. Thank you for any insight you can provide!
Persistent Pain in Right Shoulder and Arm After Lifting
Hello, everyone! I’m a 23-year-old male and have been engaged in weightlifting for several years now. Recently, I’ve been struggling with ongoing discomfort in my right shoulder and arm, which I haven’t been able to accurately identify. The pain manifests during particular movements, especially with lateral raises or when my arm is raised to shoulder level while rotating my wrist. Certain pressing and pulling activities can also provoke this discomfort. Rather than feeling sharp, it’s a deep, nagging sensation that sometimes seems localized in the front area of the shoulder or at the biceps tendon, and at other times it feels more like it’s situated between the shoulder and upper arm. Fortunately, there’s no numbness or tingling involved. This issue began while I was working out. I decided to take a break for around two months, but when I returned, the pain persisted. After consulting a physician, I was diagnosed with bicipital tendinitis. Since then, I’ve reduced my upper-body workouts, completely steering clear of shoulder exercises and heavy lifting, and have begun a gentle rehabilitation regimen focusing on external rotations, pendulum movements, and scapular exercises. Despite adhering to this routine for about a week, I haven’t experienced any noticeable improvement. Is it typical for this type of tendon injury to require an extended period for recovery? At what point should I consider diagnostic imaging, such as an ultrasound or MRI? Additionally, are there frequent rehabilitation errors that might impede the healing process? I appreciate your insights in advance!
INTENSE Spine Discomfort, Breathing Difficulties, Muscle Twitches, and Sweating
To elaborate on the situation mentioned in the title, I’ve been experiencing unusual muscle twitches and spasms for the past few days, along with some discomfort in my back. However, today, I felt an unexpected sharp pain shoot through my spine, which has left my legs feeling numb and made it impossible for me to sit up straight. Additionally, I’ve been dealing with cold sweats for the last hour and struggling to breathe properly. Perhaps I’m just overanalyzing things and it’s a common occurrence, but the intensity of the pain is overwhelming—it's truly unbearable. I’m shaking quite a bit, and unfortunately, my parents aren’t responding to my attempts to reach them for help. I have a history of a chronic heart condition and arthritis, yet I’ve never experienced pain this severe, especially in my spine. For context, I am nearly 15 years old and female. My current medications include pain relievers, anxiety medication, beta blockers, and some vitamins, though those specifics may not be particularly relevant. I don’t smoke; however, I have tried vaping a few times, which might not matter much, but I thought it was worth mentioning as it was requested.
Concerns About My Toes
Age: 30, Female Currently, I am on the lookout for a reputable podiatrist in my vicinity. However, I've encountered a perplexing issue with my foot. Just last night, I noticed a growth on the side of my toe, something entirely new to me. I maintain a nutritious diet and have a demanding job that requires me to be on my feet quite often. My footwear includes brands such as Brooks Ghost Runners, Hoka Bondi 9’s, and Nike Motiva’s, and I don’t opt for restrictive socks. I also apply Vick’s Vaporub to my feet, a practice handed down from my family, and stick with simple, non-fragrant lotions like Vanicream and CeraVe SA Cream for my skin. In addition, I am curious about the my big toenail's change in color. What might be the underlying reasons for this? Also, I have these persistent dark spots on my toes that I've struggled with since my days on the runway. Despite my efforts, nothing has succeeded in lightening or diminishing their appearance. I'm just looking to determine if there might have been a factor from the past that could have contributed to these issues. I’m not sure what else to include, but I’m open to answering any questions you might have. Thank you for your attention! Best wishes from a worried soul!