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How Should The Toe Be Treated?
Question: Hi,
I have been walking for a week for quite a distance with ill-fitting shoes.
The side of my right toe became inflamed due to the nails possibly scratching and contacting the skin.
I knocked the right toe which may have caused a bruise. I have attached the photo of the right toe.
How should the toe be treated? Is there any concern with the discolouration at the left tip of the right toe next to nail?
Regards.
I have been walking for a week for quite a distance with ill-fitting shoes.
The side of my right toe became inflamed due to the nails possibly scratching and contacting the skin.
I knocked the right toe which may have caused a bruise. I have attached the photo of the right toe.
How should the toe be treated? Is there any concern with the discolouration at the left tip of the right toe next to nail?
Regards.
Brief Answer:
Ingrown toenail
Detailed Answer:
Hello, I'm Dr. Branch, thanks for using 'Ask a Doctor'. It appears you have a mild ingrown toenail on the outside of the nail there. The discoloration does not look concerning, but it is a little hard to tell, and I can't be sure that isn't pus underneath the skin. Either way, I would treat it by soaking in warm, soapy water for 10-20 minutes twice a day, followed by applying a steroid ointment. A strong steroid would be best, but if you can only get hydrocortisone, you could try that at first. You could try this for a week or two and see if it resolves. If not, or if it is getting worse, and especially if that area of white is getting bigger and looking more like pus or an abscess, then you will need to have it drained, and possibly need to have part of the nail cut to allow it to heal. If it is not too severe, another option they may consider is just placing packing underneath the nail.
I hope that helps, please let me know if you have any other questions about that, and I would be glad to discuss it with you further.
Ingrown toenail
Detailed Answer:
Hello, I'm Dr. Branch, thanks for using 'Ask a Doctor'. It appears you have a mild ingrown toenail on the outside of the nail there. The discoloration does not look concerning, but it is a little hard to tell, and I can't be sure that isn't pus underneath the skin. Either way, I would treat it by soaking in warm, soapy water for 10-20 minutes twice a day, followed by applying a steroid ointment. A strong steroid would be best, but if you can only get hydrocortisone, you could try that at first. You could try this for a week or two and see if it resolves. If not, or if it is getting worse, and especially if that area of white is getting bigger and looking more like pus or an abscess, then you will need to have it drained, and possibly need to have part of the nail cut to allow it to heal. If it is not too severe, another option they may consider is just placing packing underneath the nail.
I hope that helps, please let me know if you have any other questions about that, and I would be glad to discuss it with you further.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Dr. Yogesh D
Thanks Dr. XXXXXXX
I have cut the nail section near the tip and there appeared to be some blood and pus which has drained. I think the nail may have cut into the flesh but it should resolve now. I will apply some steroid as advised and soak in warm water and put some cotton packing under the toenail if needed.
Thank you,
Regards.
I have cut the nail section near the tip and there appeared to be some blood and pus which has drained. I think the nail may have cut into the flesh but it should resolve now. I will apply some steroid as advised and soak in warm water and put some cotton packing under the toenail if needed.
Thank you,
Regards.
Brief Answer:
Sounds good
Detailed Answer:
That sounds good, please feel free to let me know how it progresses, and you can send pictures as well if there are any concerns.
Sounds good
Detailed Answer:
That sounds good, please feel free to let me know how it progresses, and you can send pictures as well if there are any concerns.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Saisudha Kotla
Answered by
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