Infected Toes: What Are The Signs?

It looks infected, with its redness, swelling, and soreness. Could it be an infection?

Diabetes or a weakened immune system can make it harder for you to fight infections, especially in the toes. Understanding what caused your infection can help you decide whether to treat it on your own or whether to seek medical attention.

A toe infection can be caused by a variety of factors.

Toenail infections are caused by bacteria or fungi, and cause paronychia in the skin around the nail.

There are a few things that might cause an infected toe:

Your nails are too short, or your cuticles are cut too short.
If your toenail grows into your skin, you have an ingrown toenail.
A gym shower or locker room can be a great place to pick up the fungus if you walk barefoot.
When your toe rubs against your shoe, you have callus-thickened skin.
Swimmers, for example, spend a lot of time in the water.

With diabetes, your body has a harder time fighting off infections. In addition, diabetic nerve damage can make minor trauma difficult to feel, which can lead to an infected toe.

Those with HIV or those who have had an organ transplant are more likely to get toe infections if their immune system is weakened.

Symptoms of this disease?

A toe infection might be the result of:

The color red
A feeling of pain or soreness
Having pus drains from your toe, or a blister that is filled with pus
Infected toenails with cracks, thickening, and yellow color (from a fungal infection)

Look for redness, swelling, pus, and other signs of an infection on your feet every day if you have diabetes.

Seeing your doctor when it's appropriate.

The redness, swelling, and other symptoms of diabetes should be seen by your primary care doctor or podiatrist (foot specialist) as soon as possible. You should see your doctor if:

Feeling flu-like or having chills
As you move away from the infected area, you notice red streaks on your skin
You are experiencing joint or muscle pain

The type of bacteria or fungus causing the infection will need to be determined by your doctor.

You should see your podiatrist regularly if you have diabetes so that infections and other problems can be caught early. You should also see your podiatrist frequently if you have any foot problems, such as an ingrown toenail.

What Are the Treatments for Toe Infections?

It is possible to buy antibiotic creams or pills over the counter or from your doctor if bacteria caused the infection. If infections are caused by fungi, you can buy antifungal pills or creams from the pharmacy or a pharmacy.

If lifting does not work, your doctor may remove the affected nail altogether or remove a portion of it. If lifting doesn't work, your doctor may lift the nail and place cotton or a splint underneath it.

Your doctor might have to drain a pus-filled blister if the infection causes one.

If you would like to try these remedies at home, you can do so by following these steps:

Do this three to four times daily in warm water with salt and soak the toe for about 15 minutes.
The toe should be covered with a clean bandage and rubbed with a medicated ointment.
Using cotton or waxed dental floss under the nail, gently lift the corner to prevent the nail from growing into the skin.

Keeping your feet dry, wearing loose, comfortable shoes without rubbing, and changing your socks every day will also help your toe heal properly.

You can contact our office at 949-588-8833, or visit our website at https://www.ocfootdoctor.com. Our offices are in Laguna Hills, Irvine, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, Lake Forest, Foothill Ranch, and Costa Mesa.

📲 949-588-8833

🏢 24331 El Toro Rd, Suite 370 Laguna Woods CA 92637

🏢Irvine Medical Arts Building 113 Waterworks Way, Suite 250 Irvine, CA 92618

🌐 https://www.ocfootdoctor.com/

The information contained above is intended for general reference purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice or a medical exam. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professionals before starting any new treatment. Health information on this website MUST NOT be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease without the supervision of your doctor.