An infected toenail can be caused by bacteria, fungi or yeast, with symptoms including pain, swelling, and pus formation. Tight shoes, injury, and improper trimming can contribute. Treatment includes soaking, antibiotics, and antifungal medication. Complications are rare but can include permanent nail changes and infection spreading. Notify a doctor at the first sign of infection.
An infected toenail can be caused by bacteria, fungi or yeast. An ingrown toenail can cause significant tissue irritation and subsequent bacterial infection. Symptoms of an infected nail include pain and swelling around the nail, redness, and pus formation. Nail changes may also occur, resulting in abnormally shaped nails, color changes, and detachment of the nails from the nail bed. The pain and sensitivity of an infected nail can be so severe that the slightest pressure can cause excruciating pain.
Wearing shoes that are too tight is a common cause of an ingrown toenail and subsequent nail infection. A toenail injury such as one sustained while running or playing sports can also contribute to a toenail infection. Improper trimming of toenails can also contribute to a toenail infection. Those who have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or circulatory problems, should have their toenails trimmed by a podiatrist to reduce the risk of infection and injury.
Treatment for a toenail infection includes soaking the foot in warm water a few times a day, which can greatly relieve pain and swelling. It can also draw out pus and wash away bacteria. Over-the-counter antibiotic ointments are often prescribed for an infected nail, as are oral antibiotics. At the first sign of an infected nail, your doctor should be notified so they can evaluate the infection and recommend treatment.
Sometimes, the healthcare professional may need to remove a part of the nail that has grown into tissue. He may also need to incise the affected area to drain the pus. For a toenail infection caused by a fungus, an antifungal medication is typically the treatment of choice. Although an infected toenail caused by a bacteria usually responds quickly to treatment, an infected toenail caused by a fungus may not respond for a few months.
Although complications from an infected nail are rare, they can occur and can include permanent changes in the structure or shape of the nail, abscess formation, and the risk of the infection spreading to other parts of the body. Systemic symptoms of a toenail infection can include fever and chills, joint pain, and red streaks near the infection site. When these symptoms occur, your healthcare professional can assess the potential severity of these symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
