Why My Big Toenail Has Come Unattached From My Toe?

Posted on Mon, 15 Jun 2020

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

Mon, 15 Jun 2020 Answered on

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 Last reviewed on

Question : my big toenail has come unattached from my toe .being treated for a fungus. I was cleaning the nail w/alcohol as directed. what should I do.

Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
You need to use antibiotics.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear, welcome to Ask a doctor's service.
I read your query and here is my advice.

I see the photo you attached and the toenail has fallen and looks infected .
I believe you may need to disinfect it with povidone iodine two times a day.
You may need to use oral antibiotics also to treat the infection.
Your doctor should prescribe you antibiotics.

Hope I have answered the question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T