Infected Toenail or Toe?

6 min read

Toe infections are common especially in people with diabetes or a weakened immune system.

Your toe is red, swollen, and sore.
Could it be infected?

What Causes an Infected Toe?

An infection in the skin around the toenail is called paronychia.

It's normally caused by a bacterium.

The toenail can also be infected with a fungus.

If your toe is infected, one of these things might be to blame:

You cut the nail too short, or you cut the cuticle around the nail;
You've picked up a fungus, which you can get if you walk barefoot in common areas like a gym shower or locker room;
You have a callus thickened skin caused by rubbing (for example, when your toe rubs against your shoe);
You put your feet in water a lot (for example, if you swim a lot);
You have an ingrown toenail (the side of your nail grows into the skin).

You're more likely to get an infected toe if you have diabetes.
Damage to your blood vessels from high blood sugar can make it harder for your body to fight off infections.
And diabetic nerve damage can prevent you from feeling minor trauma that could lead to a toe infection.

If you have a weakened immune system, you're also more likely to get toe infections.
This includes people with HIV, or those who've had an organ transplant.

What Are the Symptoms?
You might have an infected toe if you notice:
1. Redness;
2. Soreness or pain;
3. A pus filled blister, or pus that drains from your toe;
4. Cracked, thickened, yellow toenails (from a fungal infection).

Diabetes can prevent you from feeling that you might have an infection, so check your feet every day.
Look for redness, swelling, pus, and other signs of infection.

How Is a Toe Infection Treated?
If bacteria caused the infection, cream can clear up the problem.
Fungal infections are treated with cream.
Sometimes the infection can cause a pus filled blister to form.

You can also try remedies at home:
1. 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;
2. To treat an ingrown toenail, gently lift the corner of the nail;
Place a small piece of cotton or waxed dental floss underneath to hold the nail away from your skin.

You'll also want to protect your toe while it heals.
To help it heal properly, wear loose, comfortable shoes that don't rub.
Keep your foot dry, and change your socks every day.

✨ Take Care of Your Feet Naturally!

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