Earlier this week the space between my small toe and the next one was itching like I had athlete’s foot but I didn’t see the normal cracked and red skin that I’ve had in the past. A couple of days later my fourth(?) toe and the area around it were swollen. I also had a blister, for lack of a better description. It wasn’t like blisters I’ve had in the past, though. I’ve been soaking it in water and epsom salt and spraying anti-fungal spray on it and it’s getting better. The swelling is almost gone.
I was wondering if this was a case of Athlete’s Foot? I’ve had Athlete’s Foot in the past and this has never happened before.
I also have a related question. Does wearing white socks prevent it better than wearing black socks? My dad keeps insisting that the fact that I wear black socks contributes to the problem. I thought that since my socks are cotton that it shouldn’t be a problem but I’ve read online that something about the dyes trap moisture.
Just thought I’d give a little bump and and say that:
The Chicago Reader and the Straight Dope Message Board and all the inhabitants of the SDMB aren’t doctors and aren’t liable for any medical opinions given. And that anyone following the advice found on the internet over the advice of a medical professional are idiots. Hope this works as a disclaimer.
That said, the fungal condition of athlete’s foot is unlikely to cause swelling
HOWEVER, normal bacterial infections can invade areas affected by athlete’s foot through the broken skin and they can cause swelling. You may not have had a case that was red and sweaty, but with the amout of itching you describe, you might still have had a crack in the skin and if you scratched or rubbed it a lot, you could have brought bacteria into the (barely perceptible) wound.
As to the socks, I have no sufficient information and no uninformed opinion.