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Bruised Nail On The Toe After An Injury. Have Fluid Discharge. How To Prevent Infections?
My husband dropped a heavy object on his toe. The nail bed is of course bruised and the nail seems to be partially detached. What is the best way to care for it and prevent infection. He has on more than one occasion poured peroxide over it. I am not at all sure that was a great idea as it had been oozing since. I suggested soaking in a salt foot bath. What are you recommendations for the best care and infection prevention?
Tue, 23 Apr 2013
Hello,
thanks for using health care magic.
Both of you are not wrong in using peroxide or salty water. However, peroxide is indicated more in the case of wounds with necrotic tissue which aids in the removal while salty water is just for infection prevention and will not be that helpful when there is already an infection.
Presence of an infection will present with pus discharge from the wound, pains, warmth and even swelling around the wound. In this case a more aggressive wound dressing would be required and it will be necessary to meet a heath care provider. If the fluid that is oozing out is clear then its just plasma coming from blood. In that case you can continue salty baths.
If tetanus infection is a common issue in your locality then, he will need to have some antitetanic serum for prevention of tetanus which could develop later even a few months later.
Hope this helps you, if you have further questions, we will be ready to help.
Dr Achuo
thanks for using health care magic.
Both of you are not wrong in using peroxide or salty water. However, peroxide is indicated more in the case of wounds with necrotic tissue which aids in the removal while salty water is just for infection prevention and will not be that helpful when there is already an infection.
Presence of an infection will present with pus discharge from the wound, pains, warmth and even swelling around the wound. In this case a more aggressive wound dressing would be required and it will be necessary to meet a heath care provider. If the fluid that is oozing out is clear then its just plasma coming from blood. In that case you can continue salty baths.
If tetanus infection is a common issue in your locality then, he will need to have some antitetanic serum for prevention of tetanus which could develop later even a few months later.
Hope this helps you, if you have further questions, we will be ready to help.
Dr Achuo
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