Anne Goiset, Brigitte Milpied, Aurélie Marti, Jérome Marie, Vaianu Leroy-Colavolpe, Anne Pham-Ledard, Olivier Chosidow, Marie Beylot-Barry
DOI: 10.2340/00015555-3315

Gram-negative toe-web infection can cause pain and disability, be complicated by a long healing time, management failure, and cellulitis, and recur due to persistent predisposing factors. To describe the clinical features and management of Gram-negative toe-web infection and evaluate predisposing factors and associated diseases, their management, and the effect of controlling them on the rate of recurrence, we conducted a retrospective real-life study of patients with Gram-negative toe-web infection. Among the 62 patients (sex ratio 9:1), 31 experienced more than one episode of Gram-negative toe-web infection. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most prominent bacteria. Predisposing factors/associated diseases were eczema (66%), suspected Tinea pedis (58%), humidity (42%), hyperhidrosis (16%), psoriasis (11%), and vascular disorders (40%). Patients in whom associated diseases, such as eczema or psoriasis, were controlled did not relapse, suggesting the benefit of management of such conditions. We suggest that management of Gram-negative toe-web infection be standardised, with a focus on diagnosis and treatment of associated diseases.

Gram-negative toe-web infection is a disabling painful disease with long healing time and high recurrence rate. In a French retrospective real-life study, we described features and management of Gram-negative toe-web infection and evaluated the effect of controlling predisposing factors/diseases on the rate of recurrence. Among the 62 patients included, mainly male, 31 experienced more than one episode. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the prominent bacteria. Predisposing factors/associated diseases were eczema, suspected Tinea pedis, humidity, hyperhidrosis, psoriasis and vascular disorders. Patients in whom associated diseases were controlled did not relapse. Subsequently, an algorithm of Gram-negative toe-web infection management is proposed with a focus on associated diseases.

Gram Negative Toe Web Infection – A Not So Rare but Neglected Syndrome

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