What's This Between My Toes? Is It Toe Jam?

What’s This Between My Toes? Is It Toe Jam?

I have had many patients ask this exact question. While I think the phrase toe jam is rather funny, it could be a serious matter. The stuff between your toes usually consists of sock fibers, dead skin cells, fungi, dirt, and bacteria. No, its not pretty to look at, but does it require a trip to your foot doctor?

First, wash your feet and in-between your toes with a mild soap and dry your feet well, especially in between the toes. Next, wear your normal socks for 2-4 hours, then remove the socks and look between your toes. If no sock fibers or dirt is there but you notice some other substance, it does warrant a visit to your podiatrist. It could be eczema, psoriasis, fungi, excess sweat, or even a corn or bone spur.

The chance that toe jam is a corn needs to be ruled out. If you have a thick lump between your toes or a hard knot, it may be a corn, which is made up of dead skin due to extra bone developing under the skin, usually caused by friction or improper shoes. This can be dangerous and painful. If you are a diabetic, you need to get it checked promptly before it opens up and causes an infection or ulceration.

The bacteria between your toes may be harmless, but in more serious cases it can cause infections and require prompt attention. If you have severe itching, rash, redness, swelling, odor cracks, drainage, or dead looking skin, it will need medical attention by your foot doctor. The possibilities of something more serious are always there. Why take a chance?

Though toe jam itself is harmless, excellent hygiene should prevent something more serious. If you suspect anything else as a possibility, dont wait. Call Dr. Bowman at Houston Foot Specialists at 713-467-8886 or visit us online to make an appointment at www.houstonfootspecialists.com

Category: Foot Problems

Tags: Bone Spur, Corns, Diabetic Footcare, Eczema, foot pain, Foot Swelling, Footwear, Fungus, Infections, Psoriasis, Skin Problems, Toe Jam, Ulcers