Suggest Treatment For Infected Ingrown Toenail In An Elderly Person

Posted on Tue, 27 Dec 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 27 Dec 2016 Answered on

Thu, 12 Jan 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : Mom is 92. Has been diagnosed with CHF ( congestive heart failure) for years. Usually controlled with low salt diet which keeps foot swelling down. She developed an infected ingrown toenail a week ago on left foot. Left big toe has swelling , redness and a small area of pus ( infection) on the side. She has finished 3 days on an antibiotic ( cefpodoxime). ... and has 6 days to finish..We are soaking it in epsom salt and warm water. That infected toe , and all of the toes on the left foot have increased CHF fluid in it now.... probably due to increased salt intake. The swelling increases the pain. Is it ok to take her 20mg lasix ( furosimide) to reduce swelling since we are to see a foot specialust this afternoon?? How does the CHF foot swelling affect the ability of the foot infection to heal ??

Answered by Dr. Dr Sameer Maheshwari (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes you can continue lasix

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
This is Dr Sameer, cardiologist from Fortis Hospital.
CHF patients have generally less immunity as compared to a normal individual of same age. As she is already taking antibiotics i expect the foot infection to heal soon.
Regarding the cardiac medication including lasix, i recommend you to not stop any single medication. As she is having foot swelling currently (other than the infected foot), she should definitely continue lasix.
Also do remember to monitor her bp on a routine basis as infection generally alters the bp & her medicines than have to modified accordingly.
I wish her a early recovery & a health life.
Regards
Dr Sameer Maheshwari

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar