Fungal toe infection

by Darren
(London, Uk)

Hi, I hope you can help; I have a problem with my little toe on the left hand side. It appears to have a fungal growth on the actual toe on the underside; it seems to be hard skin and looks as if there is a root within. It is not red and it is not leaking pus. I have tried athletes foot lotion/spray as per doctors instructions as they were under the impression it was Athletes Foot, however I have looked into Athletes Foot and it doesn't seem to be the same symptoms.

The underside of the toe, where the little toe rubs against the 4th toe is actually very hard skin. I have filed the skin and it will take its usual shape but after a month or so will start growing.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you and kind regards.

Fungal Nail Infection

Fungal infections involving the toe can sometimes take a while to improve with treatment, in fact it takes many months. Lamisil is an excellent anti-fungal that can be applied topically as a one off application. However, occasionally these abnormal areas can turn out not to be fungal infections, but melanomas. Melanomas are a form of skin cancer that need to be removed. Another possibility is a verruca, a viral infection that can cause a hard lump and is caused by a virus. This is infectious and you can get further ones. You can also spread this to others if you walk in an area bare footed. I would suggest that your doctor takes a look at this for you to confirm that it is a fungal nail infection. Your doctor may want to have this investigated further and a biopsy taken to confirm the diagnosis for you if necessary.