What Causes Pain And Inflammation On Base Of Nail Bed Of Toe?

Posted on Thu, 13 Nov 2014

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

Thu, 13 Nov 2014 Answered on

Mon, 8 Dec 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : My nail bed of my big left toe has not grown in 3 months. The base of the nail bed is red, painful, and swollen. What can it be?

Answered by Dr. Muhammed Aslam (31 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Fungal infection to be ruled out.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear, welcome to HCM forum.

Commonly this results from fungal infection of the nail bed(paronychia) and need treatment with antifungals.

Now, the associated redness and swelling indicates superadded bacterial infection, with probable pus collection.
We have to drain any pus collection, followed by antibiotics and analgesics for a few days along with topical antifungal lotion.
Kindly see your doctor without delay for direct evaluation and management accordingly.

Meanwhile, keep the area clean and dry. Avoid frequent wetting.

Hope I have answered your query.
If you have further questions, I will be happy to help.
Wishing for a faster cure.
Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E