What’s up with these toe infections?

@db72
I believe the cause of infections in feet/toes from neuropathy (small fiber) may be due to poor circulation in blood vessels, damaged nerve signals for sensations and function which increases risks for infections. That is why many with diabetes also have small fiber neuropathy damage and foot/toes infections. Some need toes/foot amputation as a result of neglected infections.

Do you have small and large fiber neuropathy damage? Did you have the small fiber neuropathy skin punch biopsy to diagnose plus EMG/nerve conduction studies of upper and lower limbs for neuromuscular health? Have you seen a vascular specialist to check for peripheral artery disease in legs/calves/feet?

Have you had extensive neuropathy bloodwork and does it show any high glucose/A1C and/or abnormal vitamin B6/B12 levels (deficiencies or toxicities)?

Suz @db72, I have hammertoes with my small fiber PN. It's been awhile since I had a toe that I thought had an infection but like you because my feet are numb I check them every day normally at bed time. I also wash them daily and use skin moisturizer and wear loose fitting socks at night. My toe knuckles are always a little pink on the worst of my hammertoes but fortunately not infected. Not sure if you have seen it but the following article has some good information on toe infections - https://www.webmd.com/first-aid/infected-toe.

Yes! Oh my gosh...i have the toe infections and now in my fingers too. The skin just suddenly erupts with infection. I have most forms of neuropathy, but they just linked the problem to poor nutrition. For me, I struggle to swallow and digest food due to my autonomic neuropathy. Even had feeding tubes. After going on high dose liquid vitamin and minerals...the skin eruptions on me toes and fingers have stopped and healed! It's wonderful. So, all I can say is that it was a simple explanation that me and my doctor overlooked at first. It's good you keep a watchful eye on your feet.

@dlydailyhope thanks for the input. I have large fiber Idiopathic Axonal sensors-motor Polyneuropathy. Neurologist said it’s not small fiber. Yes, every test was done, EMG and nerve conduction studies, autoimmune, CT scans - the whole nine yards. No PAD or diabetes.

I’ve had ME/CFS for 40 years that was triggered by a severe Epstein Barr infection that damaged my nervous system. My neurologist believes my neuropathy is a result of an autoimmune process caused by the EBV virus.

Your explanation of how nerve damage can cause these infections makes perfect sense.

I have peripheral neuropathy and recently had an ingrown toenail removed. I had a problem with this nail (on big toe) prior to being diagnosed with neuropathy. After seeing the podiatrist I soaked my foot nightly in Epsom salt, used only gauze bandage and applied antibiotic ointment. The pain subsided and the nail healed within one week. I am also using a collagen supplement daily along with krill oil capsule to strengthen--including hair and nails. Perhaps neuropathy is not to blame.

@johnbishop thank you for the link. I see the podiatrist tomorrow. I wear soft fleece socks at night too for freezing cold feet.

@itiswhatitis I’m so glad for you that you solved the problem! But so sorry to hear about your struggle with swallowing.

@db72

How did you get diagnosed for ME/CFS? I have a lot of those symptoms and had a really bad case of EBV/mononucleosis when I was 13. I then had it come back 6 months later. Today, I have idiopathic small fiber neuropathy and many spine/spinal cord/nerve root/nerve issues.

How are you currently being treated for your large fiber neuropathy?

Did you have Covid infection and the shots? This affects the nervous system, too.

@dlydailyhope I was unusually fortunate to have been diagnosed within the first 6 months nearly 40 years ago. Back then it was called CFS then CFIDS and more recently ME/CFS. Since there’s no test available yet it’s still diagnosed by a process of elimination all other known causes along with a set of symptom criteria.
It’s not uncommon for people with ME/CFS to also have small or large fiber neuropathy.
My neurologist prescribed Gabapentin but I refused it because of side effects. But also because I have predominantly numbness and the heavy stocking/glove sensations with minimal pain. But I also take Low Dose Naltrexone for fibromyalgia and arthritis so the LDN may also be keeping neuro pain at bay.

Never had COVID but get all the Covid vaccine updates. My neuropathy predates Covid by decades.

Here’s a short quiz you can take from the Solve ME Intiative , they’ve been around since the 80’s and do excellent work.

Best wishes!
https://solvecfs.org/me-cfs-long-covid/do-i-have-mecfs-quiz/