Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Swelling And Infection In The Big Toe
Posted on
Sun, 28 Aug 2016
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sun, 28 Aug 2016
Answered on
Mon, 19 Sep 2016
Last reviewed on
Question : My big toe is swollen and infected. And I'm losing my toenail. I've tried soaking in various solutions (salts, peroxide, etc..).
Brief Answer:
Need to go in to be treated - antibiotic, possible nail removal; con't heat
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
That is a very swollen toe. I think you are going to need an oral antibiotic.
In addition to the antibiotic, continue to soak the toe in very warm water (as hot as you can tolerate without burning the skin) as often as possible until this resolves.
The heat makes it hard for the bacteria to multiply as they have a narrow temperature range for their metabolism, which is close to body temperature. Also, the heat draws blood to the area, with white blood cells that will help clean up the infection.
I am not a big advocate of antibiotics in this age of developing antibiotic resistance, when not absolutely needed, but I think it is warranted here.
So please go in to be seen - urgent care or other facility that can see you today. They may also remove the offending toe nail.
I would welcome a follow up note from you to let me know how you are doing.
Need to go in to be treated - antibiotic, possible nail removal; con't heat
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
That is a very swollen toe. I think you are going to need an oral antibiotic.
In addition to the antibiotic, continue to soak the toe in very warm water (as hot as you can tolerate without burning the skin) as often as possible until this resolves.
The heat makes it hard for the bacteria to multiply as they have a narrow temperature range for their metabolism, which is close to body temperature. Also, the heat draws blood to the area, with white blood cells that will help clean up the infection.
I am not a big advocate of antibiotics in this age of developing antibiotic resistance, when not absolutely needed, but I think it is warranted here.
So please go in to be seen - urgent care or other facility that can see you today. They may also remove the offending toe nail.
I would welcome a follow up note from you to let me know how you are doing.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
