Overview

Having a toe infection is no playfulness, specially if you ’ re on your feet a batch. An infection can start small and build up to the point where you can ’ t ignore it any more. here ’ s what to look for and what you can do about it.

Toe infection symptoms

If your toe is infected, you ’ ll credibly have one or more of these symptoms :

• pain
• pressure
• redness or change in skin color
• swelling
• oozing
• a bad smell
• feeling hot to the touch
• a visible break in the skin
• fever

Toe infection causes

A toe infection can be caused by respective different things, including :

• an injury
• another medical condition
• a microorganism
• the way your toenails naturally grow

Ingrown toenail infection

When the side of your toenail grows down into the bark of your toe, it ’ second said to be ingrown. This can be very irritating. Ingrown toenails can be caused by wearing shoes that are excessively close, by cutting your toenails raggedly, or by injuring your foot. Some people besides have toenails that naturally curve down as they grow .

Feet yeast infection

Paronychia is a skin contagion around your toenails. It ’ s caused by a type of yeast called Candida, but it ’ second normally accompanied by another source, like a bacteria. This type of infection causes the peel around your nails to become loss and tender, and you may besides develop blisters with pus in them. sometimes, your toe may even come off .

Diabetes

If you have diabetes, the blood vessels and nerves in your toes may be damaged. This can lead to a toe infection that you may not be able to feel. In extreme cases, an untended toe infection can become thus severe that you may need to have your toe amputated .

Toe or toenail injury

If you stub your toe hard, you may drive the pinpoint into the soft tissue surrounding it, which can cause it to become infect. You can besides create problems by trimming your nails besides brusque near the edges, which can allow them to grow down into the fleshy part of your toe. If you cut your nails sol close that you create a naked touch, this wind can besides become septic .

Tight-fitting shoes

Shoes that are besides close or excessively narrow can cause a whole master of ceremonies of animal foot problems, including infections. A tight-fitting brake shoe can aggravate an ingrowing toenail, and if you have diabetes, can create blisters or sores that can become seriously septic .

Poor hygiene

foot that are dirty or exposed to trapped sweat or moisture for long periods of time can give bacteria and fungus a place to grow .

Athlete’s foot

This fungal infection generally starts between your toes. perspiration that lingers on your feet inside your shoes gives the fungus a damp identify to grow. Athlete ’ mho foot can make your feet itch or burn. It appears as brilliantly bolshevik, lepidote patches, and may spread to other parts of your feet.

Athlete ’ second foot is catching. You can get it by walking barefoot in locker rooms, using dirty towels, or wearing other people ’ mho shoes .

Fungus

Fungus can besides affect your toenails. Toenail fungus by and large begins as a white or yellow spot in your toe, and spreads with time. finally, your toenail may be wholly discolored and become compact, cracked, or crumbly.

Toe infection treatment

When it comes to dealing with toe infections, your best scheme is one of prevention. Check your toes a few times each week. Check them casual if you have diabetes. Look between each toe, examine your toenails, and note if you see any abnormalities. Cut your toenails straight across preferably than on a curl to prevent the edges of the nail from becoming ingrowing. Avoid going barefoot, wear roomy shoes, and change your socks often. If your feet sweat abundantly, you may want to dust them with cornstarch powderize when getting dressed. If you do get an infection, the best manner to treat it depends on how serious it is and if you have other medical conditions that put you at special hazard .

Medical treatment

Based on the type of contagion you have, a doctor may prescribe oral medications like antifungals or antibiotics. You may besides be given topical prescription creams or ointments. In some cases, an infect or damaged toenail may need surgery. For exercise, if you have a severe ingrowing toenail, the doctor may surgically remove the side of the nail down that is growing down into the human body .

Toe infection home treatment

For an ingrowing toenail, try soaking your foot in warm, buttery water or apple cider vinegar. You can treat athlete ’ second foot with fungicidal sprays or creams available at your pharmacy. You can besides check with a pharmacist about getting especial pad socks that reduce the measure of moisture on your feet. Toenail fungus can be treated with a assortment of home remedies, including nonprescription ointments and natural oils .

When to see a doctor

If home remedies aren ’ t working or your toe infection is getting worse, it ’ s decidedly time for you to see a repair. Existing aesculapian conditions can put you at even greater gamble. It ’ second crucial to consult a doctor mighty away if you have a weakened immune system or diabetes.

Takeaway

We take our toes for granted — until they start hurting. You can keep your toes healthy and problem-free by :

• checking them often
• keeping your feet clean and free of moisture
• trimming your nails carefully
• wearing shoes that fit properly
• treating toe infections as soon as they arise