A burrowing skin parasite?

by David
(Montreal, Quebec, Canada)

Hello and thanks very much in advance for your help. I seem to have a burrowing skin parasite, but I'm not sure.

For some time now, weeks or even months, I have had pain in one of my little toes at night; not itchiness but pain in the toe, until I wondered if I had a hairline fracture or tendinitis or something. But no pain while out and about during the day, and the toe looked fine, no swelling or redness.


Finally I inspected more carefully by separating the little toe from the neighboring toe to look between, and discovered that at the base between the two toes there is a strange looking lesion or sore. In the center is a small hole in the skin, and then there is a raised whitish welt running out in a spiral shape from around the hole.


At first I thought it might be just a kind of friction blister or something that had become infected, and in recent days I have treated regularly with Polysporin (antibiotic cream). But it doesn't seem to be helping and if anything the pain is getting worse at night, enough to waken me from a sound sleep.


Does this sound like a burrowing skin parasite of some kind to you? Any specific information or suggestions would be very much appreciated. Thanks again!

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Hi David,

I wish I could give you a definite answer to your dilemma, but really I can only "guess" if you have a burrowing skin parasite or something else entirely.


There are a number of different causes of toe pain and foot pain, so it can be difficult to determine what the cause might be in your particular case.


Does it feel like there is a small lump in between your toes? If so, you may have a soft corn that is causing the pain.


The fact that you only have the pain and discomfort at night makes me think that a soft corn is not the problem, though.


It could certainly be a burrowing skin parasite worm. Some parasites seem to prefer night time (while you are sleeping) to become the most active.


On the other hand, we usually associate 'athletes foot' (tinea) with parasites on the feet, but you mentioned that you don't have any itching, only pain. That would be unusual in cases of tinea, but not impossible.


The fact that it hasn't spread (like scabies or ringworm) to other parts of your body is remarkable since you feel you've had it for months.


Either way, I would suggest that you try treating the condition as a parasite infection (worm or fungus) and see if that doesn't give you relief. If you find that the situation doesn't improve, you should probably see a doctor.


Topically, consider trying Indian Neem oil. It has strong anti-parasitic and anti-fungal properties. Just apply it to the affected area a few times per day or add some Neem oil to water and use as a foot soak.


You can purchase good quality Neem oil from Mountain Rose Herbs. Just look under their herbal oils. I think it's only about $7.00.


Internally, you may want to take some Bear Paw Garlic which is also anti-fungal and anti-parasitic. If it is a worm, this will help to get rid of it.


I almost always recommend to everyone that thinks they may be suffering from some parasitic infection that the best option is a herbal cleanse using Herbal Fiberblend. In your case, it may not be necessary to get rid of this burrowing skin parasite, but it certainly won't hurt.


If you've never given your system a good colon cleanse, it's a very good way to help maintain optimum health.


Sorry I can't be of more specific help. Let us know if/when you find relief.

To your good health!
Angie