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Suggest Remedy For Increased Pain And Swelling Post Treatment For Infected Ingrown Toenail
Question: My daughter saw a podiatrist yesterday because of an infected ingrown toenail. He removed part of the nail and wrappers the toe. He told her to soak it 3-4 times a day and gave her topical medicine as well as an oral antibiotic. He said the pain would be gone by this morning and also said that soaking the toe would ensure that the infection continued to drain. Her toe has become more painful and more swollen although she has followed all instructions. Should we be concerned and seek some after hours medical facility to check it out or is this normal? Shahs does not have a fever but the toe is quite swollen and painful.
Brief Answer:
Yes, if symptoms are worsening, have her seen in person.
Detailed Answer:
If the toe is becoming more painful and more swollen, then it would be best for her to be seen soon. It is possible that the infection is festering and not adequately draining. An ER or Urgent Care clinic doctor may need to incise and drain it if it seems it is becoming a worsening infection. I have noted that you wrote she is on oral antibiotics, but sometimes antibiotics do not penetrate infected skin spaces as well as they can penetrate other places such as the lungs.
So yes, go have it evaluated.
Yes, if symptoms are worsening, have her seen in person.
Detailed Answer:
If the toe is becoming more painful and more swollen, then it would be best for her to be seen soon. It is possible that the infection is festering and not adequately draining. An ER or Urgent Care clinic doctor may need to incise and drain it if it seems it is becoming a worsening infection. I have noted that you wrote she is on oral antibiotics, but sometimes antibiotics do not penetrate infected skin spaces as well as they can penetrate other places such as the lungs.
So yes, go have it evaluated.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I think i successfully attached two photos. She would prefer to wait until morning but would like your opinion based on the appearance.
Brief Answer:
Hot soaks and elevate if possible.
Detailed Answer:
I looked at the photos and it doesn't look too bad from these, but again, it is hard to say without seeing it in person.
My concern is that she feels the pain and swelling are worsening instead of abating.
You can also call the doctor on call for her podiatrist (or perhaps her podiatrist takes his own call) and report the situation to him/her.
It is probably ok to wait until morning, but if the pain continues to worsen, she should take action.
Hot soaks and elevate if possible.
Detailed Answer:
I looked at the photos and it doesn't look too bad from these, but again, it is hard to say without seeing it in person.
My concern is that she feels the pain and swelling are worsening instead of abating.
You can also call the doctor on call for her podiatrist (or perhaps her podiatrist takes his own call) and report the situation to him/her.
It is probably ok to wait until morning, but if the pain continues to worsen, she should take action.
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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