The signs and symptoms of a light infection include: pain and/or tenderness, swelling, redness, and increased warmth in the area. [1] X Research source The signs and symptoms of a more serious infection include: the formation of pus, red streaks extending from the initial wound, fever.
A serious infection can move from your toe into the rest of your body. A really bad infection can even put your system into shock and threaten your life. Because of the seriousness of this, it is important to get a bad infection looked at by a health professional as soon as possible.
If you have cleaned the area thoroughly, applied a good antibiotic, and kept the area bandaged and clean, and it is still hurting or getting more painful or inflamed, then it is time to get it looked at by a medical professional. If the infection is mild and doesn’t seem like a serious risk to your health, you can still make an appointment to get it looked at. Use your own judgement and remember that it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Soaking helps with the infection and softens the skin to allow the infection to “come to a head. " In the case of toenail fungal infections, your doctor may prescribe an oral anti-fungal medication or an anti-fungal prescription nail polish. [4] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
The physician may first numb the toe with lidocaine and then open the infection with a scalpel and allow the pus to drain. Then, depending on how deep the infection is, a wicking material may be placed in the wound to allow for more drainage. The wound is then packed with gauze for 24 to 48 hours. The packing can be removed after this time and the wound is then examined and re-bandaged. [6] X Research source Oral antibiotics may be given as well.
Soaking: Just as with a more serious infection, soaking toe in a solution of ½ warm water and ½ a liquid antibacterial soap is usually recommended. You should soak for about 15 minutes once a day. OTC (over-the-counter) antibiotic creams and ointments for bacterial infections: These include Polysporin, Neosporin, Bacitracin or a Triple Antibiotic ointment. OTC (over-the-counter) anti-fungal creams for fungal infections: These include Lotrimin, Derman, Canesten, or another anti-fungal medicine.
For example, tea tree oil has been shown to reduce athlete’s foot infections in clinical studies. [8] X Research source
Apple cider vinegar has documented antimicrobial properties, likely at least in part due to its acidic nature. Vinegar in general has been used for hundreds of years for its anti-infection properties. [10] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Change the garlic daily. Garlic has natural antibiotic properties that make it helpful for fighting skin infections, such as staph. [13] X Research source
The high salt content can kill bacteria and fungal infections.
If you have a toenail fungus infection, a soak of 50/50 Listerine and white vinegar can help eliminate the infection.
