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Suggest Treatment For Infection On Toe

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Posted on Wed, 30 Jul 2014
Question: I have a infected big toe. it is red and sore to touch what can I do for it?
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Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (26 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
rest, antiseptic, topical antbiotic, pain killers

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

Bacterial infections require treatment with topical or oral antibiotics,in some cases both are needed.

If there is a history of diabetes then you would need to seek medical attention as soon as possible because diabetic infected lesions need immediate treatment.

If there is no history of diabetes, then you can try for a short time to treat at home, but if there is no improvement or worsening then you should visit your doctor to receive oral antibiotics.

Self treatment would include: (1)any opening infected or discharging areas should be cleaned with anti septic and a sterile dressing applied. The dressing should not be tight. Should be changed every 1 to 2 days depending on wound.

(2)the foot should be elevated to reduce swelling, it would also improve discomfort mildly

(3)apply a topical antibiotic to infected areas

(4)the use of a oral anti inflammatory pain killers would help relieve the pain. These should be used on a full stomach. Examples are naproxen/ibuprofen/celebrex

There are also topical pain killers that you can use as well, they should not be applied to any open areas.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Infection On Toe

Brief Answer: rest, antiseptic, topical antbiotic, pain killers Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic Bacterial infections require treatment with topical or oral antibiotics,in some cases both are needed. If there is a history of diabetes then you would need to seek medical attention as soon as possible because diabetic infected lesions need immediate treatment. If there is no history of diabetes, then you can try for a short time to treat at home, but if there is no improvement or worsening then you should visit your doctor to receive oral antibiotics. Self treatment would include: (1)any opening infected or discharging areas should be cleaned with anti septic and a sterile dressing applied. The dressing should not be tight. Should be changed every 1 to 2 days depending on wound. (2)the foot should be elevated to reduce swelling, it would also improve discomfort mildly (3)apply a topical antibiotic to infected areas (4)the use of a oral anti inflammatory pain killers would help relieve the pain. These should be used on a full stomach. Examples are naproxen/ibuprofen/celebrex There are also topical pain killers that you can use as well, they should not be applied to any open areas. I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions