What Is Toe Jam?

Pubished by:  The Huffington Post

Belly buttons have lint,
Ears have wax, and
Toes have jam.

Do you know what really lurks between your toes?

Toe jam is common non-medical term used to describe the 'gunk' that accumulates between the toes. It is a combination of dead skin cells, sock debris, dirt, body oil residue, fungus and bacteria. Scabies, a parasitic skin mite, often burrows between the toes and is associated with poor hygiene.

Not all toe jam is the same, however. Believe it or not, toe jam can result in serious medical issues for some and should not be neglected.

Is it sock lint? Cotton socks may shred fibers (or fuzzies) that seem to find a resting place between the toes. Brand new socks are more likely to shed, so washing your socks before wearing them may limit this occurrence.

Is it skin a condition (dermatitis)? Some skin conditions (such as eczema, dyshidrosis and psoriasis) may result in flaking dry skin that may land between the toes and ball-up due to sweat. If you have skin problems on other parts of your body, then it is possible that it can manifest in the foot, as well, though diagnosis may be elusive and biopsies may be necessary. A variety of skin conditions may be managed with topical steroids. A word of caution: You should not place steroids on an infection, as it may cause a worse infection, so its important to have a proper diagnosis.

Is it a corn? Pressure spots between the toes develop a thickened layer of skin -- calluses and corns. A thick corn can become softened (soft corn) due to toe sweat/moisture and become gooey and smelly. This most commonly occurs between the fourth and fifth toes, and is associated with hammer toes. A neglected (or overgrown) corn may disturb the integrity of the skin and a secondary infection may settle in.

Is it an infection (bacterial and/or fungal)? Fungus and bacteria propagate in areas that are moist, warm, dark and enclosed -- making the area between the toes an optimal home. Bacteria and fungus may simply reside here as innocent bystanders in the mix of toe jam, or they can cause an infection.

• Fungal infections (athlete's foot) are often itchy and associated with scaling. Other areas of the foot may exhibit a rash as well, and fungal toe nails may be present. Fungal infections often respond to simple measures -- attention to foot hygiene, frequent sock changes, keeping the toe spaces dry, powders and over-the-counter anti-fungals. More severe fungal infections may benefit from a health care professional evaluation.

• Bacterial infections may become more serious and travel up the foot and leg. This is a specific concern in people with diabetes who are at risk for limb-threatening infections. Intact skin is the best defense at preventing infection. An infection may appear as any of the following: redness, swelling, pain, colored drainage and malodor. A worsening bacterial infection should not be taken lightly and is a medical emergency. A health care professional may require antibiotics and some infections may need surgery.

Is it a scabies infestation? Scabies is not particularly a component of toe jam per se, but occurs in the presence of poor hygiene. Scabies is a highly contagious mite infestation of the skin (through direct contact), where the mite burrows beneath the skin causing a pimply rash and itching. A severe form of scabies can cause massive thickening of the skin and is common amongst immunocompromised individuals. Medically prescribed creams may resolve the infestation, as well aggressive washing of items that have been in contact with the mites (ie. socks, towels, sheets, etc)

Take Home Point = Prevention. Do your best to prevent toe jam from accumulating and becoming associated with a medical problem or issue. Keep your feet clean. Wash thoroughly between the toes with soap and water and be sure to dry your feet.

Toe jam exists and is not always innocuous ...

Please call the Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center office anytime @702-878-2455 between Monday – Friday and we would be happy to set up an appointment for you.  Please visit our website @ www.FallCenter.com or www.walkwithdiabetes.com.   The Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center has Diagnostic imaging:  Digital X-Rays, Ultrasound or Advanced Imaging will be used to aid in the diagnosis.

Dr. Anthony Ricciardi at the Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center has completed training in endoscopic/minimally invasive surgery for chronic heel pain and nerve pain, foot and ankle joint replacement for restoring pain free motion, arthroscopic surgery, bunion surgery, fracture repair, flat foot correction, external fixation for complex deformities and extensive experience in peripheral nerve surgery including diabetic peripheral neuropathy and reconstructive surgery of previously failed foot surgical procedures.  In addition to his surgical training Dr. Ricciardi focuses on sports medicine of the foot and ankle through regenerative techniques using the patient’s own blood/platelets for healing chronic foot and ankle problems (pain) as a result of repetitive sport injuries.  This cutting edge technology enables patients to continue training with little or no down time.  Dr. Ricciardi continues to be active in teaching and training other podiatric surgeons on innovative surgical techniques in foot surgery.  Dr. Ricciardi is Board Certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery, a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and Fellow of the Association of Extremity Nerve Surgeons.  Dr. Ricciardi’s vision is to bring each patient the most current state of the Art Technology and personalized treatment options to meet their Foot and Ankle needs (from conservative care to surgical options).  Dr. Ricciardi believes in quality service and puts his patients first!