Toes

A couple of weeks ago a couple of my toes started itching and I noticed they were really red. I had been walking through some tall grass/weeds with sandels on so I thought they were just irritated from that. The next couple of the days the itching got worse and my middle 3 toes became really swollen. They were swollen to the point it was hard to move them. Bottom of the foot underneath the toes got really swollen as well. I used over the counter hydrocortisone to help with the itching. After about a week the itching and swelling went away. At that point the skin around the area was real dry and peeling. I thought I was over it. Well yesterday after I finished cutting the grass (I was wearing shoe while cutting) I noticed my toes starting to itch again. Today when I got home and pulled off my shoes the toes were swollen and itching just as bad as they were 2 weeks ago. Once again the toes are so swollen I can hardly move them. The base of the toes (near the foot) fills like they are blistered and this is the area that itches the most. The bottom of the foot underneath the toes is swollen and hard as well. I've started using hydrocortisone to help with the itching but I'm thinking I may have to go see a doctor. I live in the southeaster US to temperatures are high with a lot of humidity. I haven't changed anything in the last month as far as diet or exercise is concerned.

Hi,
Hard to make a diagnosis without actually examining you, but I would lean more towards a case of athletes foot than eczema as fungus thrive in dark moist environments.
In either instance your bigger concern should be that of a secondary bacterial infection as the opening in the skin may allow bacteria to get in and then you have severely worsened the problem.
I think you are correct when you state that you should see a doctor. Get an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.
Marc Mitnick DPM