How serious is a toe infection?

How serious is a toe infection?

A toenail infection can also lead to foot ulcers, or open sores, and a loss of blood flow to the infected area. Tissue decay and tissue death at the site of infection are possible. A foot infection can be more serious if you have diabetes.

Can a toe infection heal itself?

Will an Infected Toe Heal Itself? An infection can sometimes go away on its own, but it may need treatment. If you have diabetes, and redness and swelling don’t go away or have painful joints or muscles, you should see your doctor.

What draws infection out of toe?

Soak your toe in a warm foot bath with unscented Epsom salt. Soaking your ingrown or infected toe will help relieve the pain and pressure of an infection. It can also help to draw out pus from your toe.

How long does it take for an infected toe to heal?

If after 2 to 3 days of antibiotics the toenail doesn’t get better or gets worse, part of the nail may need to be removed to drain the infection. With treatment, it can take 1 to 2 weeks to clear up completely.

When should I go to the doctor for a toe infection?

Be sure to see a doctor if your toe gets infected. Your toe might be infected if it hurts more than it did before you tried the home treatment. Call your doctor if your toe is red, warm, swollen, or drains pus, or if there are red streaks leading from your toe. Your doctor might give you antibiotics.

What does infected toe look like?

You might have an infected toe if you notice: Redness. Soreness or pain. A pus-filled blister, or pus that drains from your toe.

When should I go to the doctor for an infected toe?

Call your doctor if your toe is red, warm, swollen, or drains pus, or if there are red streaks leading from your toe. Your doctor might give you antibiotics. If your toenail is very ingrown, your doctor might suggest minor surgery to remove all or part of the ingrown nail. He or she may refer you to a podiatrist.

How do you get rid of a toe infection without antibiotics?

You can also try these 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. Rub a medicated ointment on the toe and wrap it in a clean bandage.
3. To treat an ingrown toenail, gently lift the corner of the nail.

What is the best treatment for an infected toe?

Tea tree oil is a natural antibacterial and antioxidant agent that will help treating inflamed and infected toe by killing the infesting bacteria. Topical treatments are essential in improving an infected toe, yet in order to heal it faster, your footwear also has a significant role.

How do you get rid of infected toe?

Home treatment for a toe infection involves applying moist heat, which may not initially reduce swelling but can help improve blood flow, decrease pain and hasten healing. Soak the foot in warm — not hot — water for 15 minutes, 3 to 4 times daily. Prescription-strength anti-inflammatory medications are also available.

What is the treatment for infected toe?

Antibiotic ointments go a long way as treatment for an infected toe. If you have a cut, blister or ingrown toenail, topical medicine is necessary. Apply treatment to the infected area and cover with an adhesive bandage if you must wear shoes and socks. If you can, leave the infected area open to the air to speed healing.

What are the symptoms of a toe infection?

Inflammation is a common symptom of an infected foot. Swelling from inflammation may be limited to the area of the infection, such as a toe, or it may spread to your entire foot. Swelling may also cause your skin to appear shiny or waxy. Toenail fungus can cause your toenails to change color.