red bump on top of big toes

[justinMA]

Over the last two or three weeks, a slightly reddish bump has developed on top of each of my big toes, located at the last joint/knuckle before the tip of the toe.

They're not painful to the touch, though the one on the right seems to be slightly sensitive- I am often barefoot (work from home) and when I step in a manner that pulls against the pad of my foot, I can feel a very slight/quick burning feeling from the skin where the bump is (when that skin is pulled tighter). I'll admit this may just be due to me rubbing/picking at the skin after showers (which I did once or twice recently but am not anymore).

I haven't had new shoes recently, and as I said, having been wearing shoes nearly as frequently as I used to. Sometimes I wear socks, sometimes I am completely barefoot.

There is no other pain in my foot (when bending toes, etc) and these are otherwise painless- though the last day or two, the one on the left toe has been slightly sensitive to rubbing against things. Again, not sure if this is from picking at it a few days ago. It isn't bad pain, just a very quick irritation, sort of like a momentary burning or stinging feeling.

There is no puss, and it feels solid (not like an abscess or legion), like padded skin I guess.

By the way, I have dryness and sometimes a little bit flaky skin, in between my toes- you can see it a bit in this picture. That stuff schleps off after I shower (hence the scratching at the bumps after showering). Not sure if this might be related in some way to the dry skin.

I thought of gout or bunions, but those both seem to pretty exclusively affect the knuckle at the base of the big toe, and more on the side than on the top.

I very much appreciate any thoughts anyone has. I don't have my own insurance yet, so I am hoping to get a little more information before I figure out how to approach treatment if it is necessary.

Thanks ahead of time.

Did you figure out what it was? I have
One of these too?

Me too same area on one foot....thought I would google it and came up with this post!!!any ideas yet?

[robertharris750]

These bumps are due to some skin infection, however there can be many other reasons like bug bites or cysts or boils on foot.
Medical treatments include strength creams that reduce swelling and itching. If your red bumps contain pus, you can also go for oral or topical antibiotics.

Use pads and comfortable shoes to provide protection in areas where these infection occur. Also soak your feet in warm water, keep it clean. If the problem persists please consult a podiatrist.

Did you ever find out what they are? I have one.

I have this too, on both big toes. Showed up a few years ago along with damage to the big toe nail base. Comes and goes now and the shape of the toes has changed due to it. Painful sometimes to the point of waking me during the night. Wrong joint for gout and uric acid test came back normal. No new shoes or injuries. A mystery.