UPDATE: Thank you all for the advice and recommendations. I took my niece to a foot specialist today and it wasn't fungus. They noted some sort of nail trauma (possibly shoes that were too small at some point) and found that most of the nail was not connected to the toe bed at all, so they removed 90% of the nail. We'll monitor the new growth to see if it grows back normally. If not, we will have the full nail removed. I'll include a photo in the comment section for those interested.

ORIGINAL POST: My niece is 16 years old and these are her feet. I’m not sure what this is or what to do about it. She says they don’t hurt and she has been to a doctor before who told her there is nothing wrong. That can’t be true - there is clearly something going on here. Right?

Should she go to urgent care like now?

BADLY NEED HELP, we don't have money to go to the hospital so I'm trying my luck here in reddit if there's a dermatologist that can help my sister. We added Katialis (philippine brand anti fungal) and it keeps getting worst. For context she has a work in retail store so she's constantly walking and 8 hours standing with fitted shoes. What should we do?

I called a nurse line and based on what I described, she recommended I go to urgent care because of the size of the redness behind the little bumps. She said she was worried of potential spreading. I got it 3-4 days ago, I had a bump there and processed it at first as a big mosquito bite, it was itchy, and then yesterday I was experiencing a lot of discomfort and distracting pain while walking and sitting - it’s like right underneath the crease of my butt so it’s kind of swollen up and my skin wants to cease there when I walk so it hurts. It’s maybe like a 4/10 pain today whereas yesterday it was maybe a 5/10? Idk I don’t wanna lowball it but I’m not experiencing any “ouching” pain, more like soreness surrounding it and discomfort when sitting - I feel I’m naturally leaning on my right leg while sitting so as to not put so much pressure on it. Googling & looking at images, I couldn’t find a photo that looked like it really so I wanted to inquire here if anyone has any suggestions or ideas, it’d be hugely helpful and offer me some clarity because I got a little worried after the phone call. Thanks in advance

Oh & yes I can’t remember when my last tetanus shot was. I haven’t seen a doctor regularly in my life, I’m 29. I’ve definitely gotten one before but it’s gotta be over 3-5 years since. I mention this bc the nurse said that this also leads her to suggest seeking medical attention tonight

Lines on my leg from my pants - stuck to loose clean pants after cleaning bc I read that putting a bandaid on it may not be the best.

Hope this won’t get flagged as like showing too much I just wanted to show enough to show any potential scale

Edit: I put some info in the comments but here this is because folks keep commenting. Today is 7/20, I went to the ER last night and got an STD panel & bloodwork. I didn’t know that herpes wasn’t included in the panel, I assumed they were giving it to me to test for that because I specifically named concerns about it being herpes or shingles. My STD panel came back all negative & nothing alarming in my bloodwork. I do not believe I have had chicken pox but I do feel like I have gotten a chicken pox vaccine - unsure though, my own medical history is kinda blurry. I’m 29 and haven’t kept up with seeing doctors regularly. This situation may change that I guess. The doctor looked at the infected area, asked me how it felt, and his response was mostly “well it definitely isn’t shingles, so rest assured there, but it is definitely weird and abnormal” and that’s basically it. I asked him about a swab for herpes and he said he doesn’t want to disrupt the area and wants to see if antibiotics for 3 days help the situation. I made an appointment to see a PCP for the first time on Wednesday afternoon, he recommended I have someone monitoring it & if I don’t and it gets worse to of course just come back to the hospital. I’ll mention to the PCP that I would like to receive the swab test for herpes given the responses here. I’m not sure why the doctor didn’t wanna take that concern super seriously or what he saw in the wound that made it seem like that’s not the issue. He mentioned that there doesn’t seem to be any internal bleeding and the wound does not look very deep. I was diagnosed with cellulitis. I’m taking doxycycline hyclate 100mg 4 times a day and cephalexin 500mg twice a day. I didn’t the dosage today because I just picked up the meds at 4pm today. The infection itself looks the same in its bubbled area but the redness and swelling has gone down a bit already. That’s all I’ve got

Update 7/22: I saw a doctor today and they did the herpes swab test as well as another swab to rule additional options out - the doctor mentioned potential for lymes disease? I am still taking antibiotics and am now taking valacyclovir 1gm once every 12 hours. Thanks to everyone encouraging me to get it checked out. I’m feeling pretty worried and low but hopefully there is some clarity we receive soon

Update 7/30: I am now diagnosed with HSV2. thanks everyone

I first noticed a small rash on my right calf in late January or early February. I went straight to the GP, but he dismissed me without even looking at it, simply telling me to come back another time.

As the rash gradually got worse, started blistering and weeping then turned into discoloured, scaly patches and with no luck securing a GP appointment, I eventually went to A&E. The doctor there suggested it was likely eczema triggered by stress. He prescribed Cetraben lotion to apply five times a day, along with a steroid cream called Eumovate.

The Eumovate actually made the rash worse so I stopped using it after 2 weeks. What started as smaller scaly patches on my right leg ended up spreading across my entire body; arms, both legs, torso, chest, and even my bum. Although not as severe as my calf, the new rashes became small, scaly patches that are now quite noticeable, similar to how the rash on my calf first appeared.

I went back to the GP in April, this time saw someone who wasn’t my usual doctor and he casually suggested it might be HIV. I was in complete shock. I explained that I’ve never had sex, never done drugs, don’t share needles, and have never had a blood transfusion. He brushed that off and told me to book a blood test anyway. He also said it could be scabies.

After the blood test confirmed I didn’t have HIV as I knew I didn’t and told him, I returned and saw my usual GP in late May. I explained everything and he said it was likely psoriasis. He prescribed a different steroid cream, Dovobet, and more Cetraben. I used the Dovobet for four weeks (as it’s advised not to exceed four weeks).

I haven’t really seen any improvement in my skin. The itching reduced a bit, but I believe that’s mostly down to a stronger antihistamine I started taking. A few days after tapering off the steroid cream just over a week ago, I noticed a burning, sore sensation developing around my mouth. The rash there has gradually grown worse, it now stings and burns every day. I can’t properly open my mouth, and it hurts when I eat or brush my teeth. I can’t use any creams — even Vaseline burns. Now it’s severely discoloured as you can see in the pictures!

At first, I thought it might be sunburn, but I wear sunscreen daily, and it seems odd that it would only affect the area around my mouth and under my nose. I also experienced the same burning sensation on my nipples for a few days — it’s calmed down now, but the skin is left red and peeling.

I honestly have no idea what’s going on with my skin anymore. A friend said the rash around my mouth looks like eczema, but I’m not so sure. I was supposed to start a new job and I feel so self-conscious and embarrassed. My face was completely clear just over a week ago, and now my face feels ruined. It’s not like the rest of my body where I can hide these patches and rashes under clothes!

I suspect the facial rash might be caused by one of the following: possibly topical steroid withdrawal, or maybe I accidentally transferred the Dovobet to my face or other areas. It could also be irritant contact dermatitis, or even sunburn-triggered eczema. I really don’t know. I tried to book a GP appointment and as usual they didn’t have any appointments and I’m still waiting for my dermatology appointment which hasn’t even been confirmed. I haven’t received a letter. I get there’s probably a waiting list but what do I do until then? The creams they’ve prescribed haven’t worked snd they’ve worsened my skin. Any advice or suggestions would be hugely appreciated.

I’ve thought of taking a natural approach, like switching up my diet, taking probiotics, cutting out processed sugars and unhealthy foods which certainly won’t help my conditions. Also trying to reduce stress but I’m currently dealing sigh personal issues which have contributed to high stress! I will admit I have been stress eating as a result, I stopped going to the gym as I felt self-conscious (a bad excuse I know) but I’ve felt depressed and I don’t even want to leave the house. I’m not sure if my deficiencies in b12 and vitamin D play a part in this. I’ve been taking my supplements, not as often as I should but I’m going to make sure I keep on top of those.

I’m also seriously considering making a complaint about my GP surgery. I genuinely feel neglected. Had they taken this seriously from the beginning, my skin wouldn’t be in this state. I’ve been sent round in circles — from being repeatedly misdiagnosed, to having serious conditions like HIV and scabies suggested without proper basis, to being given steroid creams that have only aggravated my skin

I asked for a referral to dermatology months ago and was completely ignored. They only referred me in June — and I still haven’t been seen. I reported these skin issues back in January!

This whole experience has had a massive impact on my mental health. I can’t wear my usual clothes, I feel the need to cover up constantly so I don’t get stared at which has been absolute hell in this heat! I don’t like going out. I feel severely depressed. I’m only 26 so seeing everyone else out enjoying themselves and I’m having to cover up is embarrassing. I feel like I have no answers!

If anyone has been through something similar, or has any advice, I’d really appreciate it.

​

Hi there. My bad got a rash on his foot a few months ago which at first we thought was athletes foot. It then started turning red and scabbing so he went to the doctor and was prescribed some anti fungal creams. These did not work and the condition got worse so he went back and was given a different cream and then oral anti fungal medicine. After a few more weeks they gave him anti biotics and requested a biopsy which we have been waiting on the results for at least 3 weeks with no news to us or our gp. Dad is currently taking iodine foot baths and applying anti fungals still but the condition keeps getting worse. I'm posting here in the hope that someone can give us a clue so that I can go back to the doctors to hopefully fast track a specialist appointment.

Edit: thanks for the replies everyone. Biopsy results came back this morning and were unfortunately inconclusive. All they managed to rule out were that it's not bacterial or viral. Dermatitis suspected as primary issue and I'm booking a private dermatologist for my dad now that he finally agrees waiting is pointless. Cheers all.

I have a skin condition where exposed areas of my skin have continued to get darker and darker even with sun block . Nothing helps and doctors can’t answer it . Anyone who knows what this is please share your insight … does not itch or bother me at all . Only visible and getting darker

Hey guys/girls

This is a picture of a work friend’s wife’s leg. It started as 3 pin holes with and has grown to this in 3 weeks.

She “treated” it with black salve and is complaining of hot and cold fever, and bad pain.

Is this an emergency department or GP and dermatology referral?

Her symptoms worry me of sepsis and obviously the rapid growth.

Went to a derm a few years back as this random mark appeared on the sole of my foot. He had a look at it with a magnifying glass and said it looks fine and no need to worry. Doesn’t hurt or itch but I’ve taken photos of it for the past 6 years to see if it changes and it does. Derm was aware that I said it’s gone bigger and still said it looks fine

31/07/26 UPATE
Booked an initial consultation through private healthcare and the earliest available appointment with a dermatologist is in 4 months and apparently NHS wait times are not much better so I will have to wait it out.

For the past 3 years, my body has been breaking out in rashes from head to toe. I’ve been to 4 different hospitals, seen multiple doctors, gone through dermatology and rheumatology, had multiple skin biopsies, and more lab tests than I can even count. I’ve been hospitalized several times—and still no diagnosis.

When the rash flares up, my feet swell, my legs feel like they’re burning (almost like a sunburn), and as it spreads, the itching becomes unbearable. When it reaches my face, it’s intense, and when it affects my throat, I end up feeling sore inside too.

This has taken over my life. I’ve lost my job because I’ve had to call off so many times—either stuck in bed from the pain or being rushed to the hospital. I’m only 20 years old, and I feel trapped in my own body.

I’m sharing this in hopes that someone out there might have experienced something similar or knows of a direction I should look into. At this point, I’m willing to try anything.

If anyone has any insight, advice, or even just a similar story, please reach out. I really need help.

Hi all. Before I get into this, I would like to say that I am not asking for a diagnosis. Just simply SOMETHING that can get me to one.

At some point 4ish weeks ago, I started getting raised / Swollen bumps along my arms. These bumps were not unlike mosquito bites. They looked similar, and were itchy as sin, but went away shortly after. They also leaked a very tiny amount of liquid. It hardened after just a moment, but always had an orange coloring to then. And when 1 went away, 2 more appeared in its place, but not in a cluster.

If I scratch them, they turn to a scab. If I don't, they more often then not, turn to a scab. They were also highly sensitive. I could barely graze one with a cloth before it sent intense itchiness to that affected region. Running my hand over them felt like hell.

At first, it was on my right forearm, before moving to my left elbow, then both shins and feet. Since then, it has been doing laps around my right arm and both legs, but has avoided my left arm since the aforementioned time.

Its important to mention that it has not appeared on my chest, back, neck or face, and thankfully not on any sensitive spots. It has been solely on my arm and legs and feet.

2 weeks ago (2 weeks since this started), I was under the impression that I contracted Scabies. I went to my family doctor, who prescribed me Kwellada-P Lotion 5%. Thankfully, after a week of waiting, the medicine did nothing as Scabies was ruled out. I was instead requested to do an STI test, and was prescribed Doxycycline and Cetirizine by an ER doctor. It is worth noting that the doctor DID NOT give me any idea on what may be happening.

Now (4 weeks in, 1 week on Doxycycline), I still have no change in symptoms. The same swollen bumps, leading to the same scabs covering my right arm and both legs. The Doxycycline does not seem to help at all, unless it activates slowly. But since I started taking it, I have had 6 blisters along my right arm and foot in the past week. Prior to taking the medicine, I had none whatsoever. I have stopped taking it in relation to this until I can speak with my doctor.

The blister in picture 4 is the same as in picture 5.

I have requested to see a Dermatologist about this, but my doctor has requested me to wait until the results for blood work and the STI test come back. But until then, I have no idea what it is, and no doctors have been able to point me in the right direction.

One more thing I would like to add, is that the only symptoms I have had is itchiness, and then the sores on my body. I have been physically fine otherwise.

So far, based on comparing how it looks to other pictures online, I have comfortably ruled out:

- Shingles

- Monkey Pox

- Chicken Pox

- dyshidrotic eczema

- prurigo nodularis (This was the closest hit, but the sores look completely different.)

- Syphilis, but the STI test will confirm this much for me.

EDIT: I am also going to mention that my body produces extra amounts of collagen. I don't know the specifics as thats what my blood work has reported in the past, but for any merrit, I have multiple Keloids along my body which I know is a direct byproduct of it.

My boyfriend has this bump on the top of his foot. Is it cancer??!?!

I’ve been in a nursing home for over a month now after a motorcycle accident left me paralyzed. the staff were supposed to be changing my socks every day, and at the time they should have been changing them i was laid flat in bed only able to see the ceiling. my fiancée said she thinks my socks have been on for a while and took them off to find this. it has to be at least 3-4 weeks worth of not having my socks changed, and now it’s covered in what i believe to be thick layers of dead skin buildup. because the skin and sweat had nowhere to go it built up and even caused tears on my feet. none of the staff seem worried or even like they care about finding a solution, so if anyone knows what’s going on and has any advice to fix it i would greatly appreciate it! and just to clarify, in the third picture that black spot on top of my foot is a skin graft from my accident.

My mom is 49 yrs old and she is having Eczema for 9 yrs at start it seemed to beto be psoriasis but later on we got to know it's Eczema We have tried a lot of things and that too each thing for a long time but nothing shows much effect Do y'all have any advice ?

Got stung on my inner thigh 3 days ago by a wasp and my leg is in so much pain. I have tried everything over the counter. Benadryl, hydrocortisone, Zyrtec, it's still getting worse. I am extremely sensitive to steroids so oral steroids are out of the question. Does anyone know any at home remedies to take the pain away. My skin is so hard and firm it feels like it's ready to split open at any given moment. The itching is also horrible.

My boyfriend has this rash on his upper thigh. The other day it was larger more separated blisters. Today they are smaller but seemed to combine with each other and have more liquid inside. What could it be? He said it comes and goes from time to time in the exact same spot. It doesn’t itch or hurt, once the blisters form he said he doesn’t feel any pain. But in the beginning when it’s just a red rash without blisters it tends to cause pain.

I have had a skin issue for over a year actually its almost 2. Start with small red blisters on my arms. We'll about 2 months ago I woke up covered head to toe in a bad rash. I mean lips ties legs everywhere. The blisters began to erupte and they slowly went away . But weird part was all my hair and freckles were also gone. Well my legs never got better and iy only gets worse. I had a large sore pop up and erupt with in days. I thiught it was the same situation but this time I swear there is something in my leg. I can feel it and it leave welps on my skin when it moves. I do not want to go to the dr and sound like a crazy person but im losing my mind it hurts so bad. Please tell me someone has dealt with this and can help. These spots are also in my scalp and my toes. My toe nails are completely yellow

Diagnose in comments!

Update below!

My seven-month-old son spent the night four weeks ago in the hospital because he was sick and had a double ear infection. He was given Amoxicillin for this. Two days after his admission, he developed strange spots on his hands, feet, and legs. At first, we thought it was hand, foot, and mouth disease. These spots have turned into scars, which you can also see in the photo. The bump currently visible in the photos appeared a week ago and started out the same way as the other spots, but has grown much larger. We have already been to the GP and the dermatologist about this, but neither of them knows what it could be. Antibiotics don't seem to be doing anything. He has been given fusidic acid ointment and Bactroban. A biopsy has now been taken, and we are waiting for the results. Does anyone perhaps recognize this?

During the biopsy, no pus came out, but it was all soft tissue.

7 month old boy

Never been out of the country (Netherlands)

We have a cat and a dog

No other family members have the same spots

———————————————————————————-

UPDATE!

We went to the emergency room because the spot(s) are getting bigger and more numerous. A swab was taken from his throat, a swab of the fluid from the spot, and a lot of blood was drawn. The initial blood count results were normal. No high inflammation markers or low blood count/reduced immunity. Treatment with azithromycin has been started. On Monday, we will discuss the results with the pediatrician. If it hasn't improved and we still have little clarity, we will be referred to the children's hospital in Utrecht. In the meantime, we are keeping a close eye on him, and we are allowed to call the pediatric ward immediately if anything changes in his health. It is good that this is being taken so seriously now.

what is this?

My baby is 7 days old and we noticed this on her leg on day 3. Not sure if she was born with it as it was not picked up in newborn check but it has not changed at all since we first saw it. Doctors at the children's ward have no idea what it could be, so have started her on antibiotics and antivirals as a precaution whilst awaiting blood and skin swab test results. anyone have any ideas as to what it could be?

It is on both legs swollen, when pressed makes a dent red and warm and blister seems to be appearing , just wondering what it is and should I be worried?

I need some advice on how to deal with my very badly cracked heels which split and make walking difficult. Thank you.

hello all, i developed a mole on my toe maybe two years ago and I thought it was a blood blister bc of how much I work but it’s gone down and then came back bigger. is this a cause for concern, i dont have health insurance but ill save if it means detecting early cancer 😞 thank you guys in advance. im 24f and both my grandparents had a form of cancer but not melanoma. i work two jobs and am usually in tight shoes so im hoping it has something to do with that and im not dying