How do you treat an infected toe?
How Is a Toe Infection Treated?
- Soak the toe for about 15 minutes in a bathtub or bucket filled with warm water and salt. Do this three to four times a day.
- Rub a medicated ointment on the toe and wrap it in a clean bandage.
- To treat an ingrown toenail, gently lift the corner of the nail.
How do you get rid of a toenail infection fast?
Medications
- Oral antifungal drugs. These drugs are often the first choice because they clear the infection more quickly than do topical drugs.
- Medicated nail polish. Your doctor may prescribe an antifungal nail polish called ciclopirox (Penlac).
- Medicated nail cream.
What happens if an infected toenail goes untreated?
This can lead to worsening pain and even fever. In some cases, an untreated ingrown toenail can spread the infection to the bone beneath the nail. And, if the infection continues to be left untreated, it can even enter the bloodstream and cause a serious condition, such as sepsis or gangrene.
Can a toe infection heal itself?
Will an Infected Toe Heal Itself? An infection can sometimes go away on its own, but it may need treatment. If you have diabetes, and redness and swelling don’t go away or have painful joints or muscles, you should see your doctor.
What does infected toenail look like?
Nail fungus can cause the nail to become thick or ragged and appear yellow, green, brown or black. An infected nail may separate from the nail bed. Nail fungus is a common condition that begins as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your fingernail or toenail.
How serious is a toe infection?
A toenail infection can also lead to foot ulcers, or open sores, and a loss of blood flow to the infected area. Tissue decay and tissue death at the site of infection are possible. A foot infection can be more serious if you have diabetes.
Can an infected toenail make you sick?
An infection in your toe may also be accompanied by fever, sweating, chills, nausea, a lack of appetite, and weight loss.
Should you squeeze pus out of an infected toe?
Avoid squeezing out the pus. We have a tendency to try to help the healing by attempting to squeeze any pus out of an infected wound. However, this can actually push the bacteria further into the wound, making the infection worse.
Which antibiotic is best for toe infection?
Agents such as cephalexin, dicloxacillin, amoxicillin-clavulanate, or clindamycin are effective choices. If methicillin-resistant S aureus (MRSA) infection is suspected, then clindamycin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, minocycline, or linezolid may be used.
When should I go to the doctor for a toe infection?
Be sure to see a doctor if your toe gets infected. Your toe might be infected if it hurts more than it did before you tried the home treatment. Call your doctor if your toe is red, warm, swollen, or drains pus, or if there are red streaks leading from your toe. Your doctor might give you antibiotics.
What are the signs of a toenail infection?
The signs and symptoms of an infected ingrown toenail include: Liquid or purulent discharge (pus) from the toe. Pain. Redness/darkening discoloration. Swelling. Warm or hot feeling in the toe.
What can I do about an infected toenail?
You can do several things at home to treat an ingrown or infected toenail to help relieve pain and pressure: Soak your toe in a warm foot bath with unscented Epsom salt. Keep your feet dry, unless you’re soaking them for treatment. Carefully pull skin away from your ingrown toenail with a small nail file that’s blunt and won’t cut your toe. Wear comfortable shoes. Keep antibiotic ointment on your ingrown toenail to reduce infection.
What is the best cure for toenail infection?
Terbinafine is taken for up to 12 weeks,taking one pill per day.
What is the best treatment for an infected toe?
Tea tree oil is a natural antibacterial and antioxidant agent that will help treating inflamed and infected toe by killing the infesting bacteria. Topical treatments are essential in improving an infected toe, yet in order to heal it faster, your footwear also has a significant role.