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How Can An Infection In The Toe Nail Be Treated?
Hi, i have a infection in my big toe, from cutting nail too short, then an ingrown toenail hapened, which ive had before, so i tried to cure it myself by digging under the nail, but that created a wound, and now its infected. Ive had it for 3 months or so, its just a red bump, that hurts on side of toe, but it doesnt heal. Its clearly infected because of the red swollen wound that wont heal, i will show pictures if necesary. I dont have insurance or want to pay for doctors appointment, so i want to know what type of antibiotic i should be eating, or whether topical antibiotic is good to heal it. I can order the antibiotics online, no prob, or can get prescription if i can use online resources, preferably not paying hundreds at doctors office. Thanks
Thu, 13 Apr 2017
Hello,
Thank you for your query. I understand your concerns.
From what you have written, it does look like an infected ingrowing toe nail. You are quite right.
I hope you are otherwise well and do not have any other medical problems like kidney or liver or cardiac or gastrointestinal problems. I am not sure if you are on any other medication either.
If you are not allergic to penicillin you could take Flucloxacillin 250-500 mg four times a day for 1 week. I am not sure of your age. If you an elderly person, then maybe 250 mg is sufficient for you.
If you are allergic to penicillin, then take Erythromycin 250 mg four times a day. If you are taking any cholesterol lowering medication like statins, do not use them while you are on the erythromycin.
You could also soak your foot in warm salty water 2-3 times/day. If your symptoms do not settle down even with the antibiotics, then see a doctor.
If have any other medical problems, or if you are on other medications then it is better that you see a doctor first before self-medicating yourself, as these antibiotics may have been contraindicated in you and then it can cause unpleasant/dangerous interactions.
I hope this answer has been helpful to you.
Regards
Dr Sunita Sayammagaru
Thank you for your query. I understand your concerns.
From what you have written, it does look like an infected ingrowing toe nail. You are quite right.
I hope you are otherwise well and do not have any other medical problems like kidney or liver or cardiac or gastrointestinal problems. I am not sure if you are on any other medication either.
If you are not allergic to penicillin you could take Flucloxacillin 250-500 mg four times a day for 1 week. I am not sure of your age. If you an elderly person, then maybe 250 mg is sufficient for you.
If you are allergic to penicillin, then take Erythromycin 250 mg four times a day. If you are taking any cholesterol lowering medication like statins, do not use them while you are on the erythromycin.
You could also soak your foot in warm salty water 2-3 times/day. If your symptoms do not settle down even with the antibiotics, then see a doctor.
If have any other medical problems, or if you are on other medications then it is better that you see a doctor first before self-medicating yourself, as these antibiotics may have been contraindicated in you and then it can cause unpleasant/dangerous interactions.
I hope this answer has been helpful to you.
Regards
Dr Sunita Sayammagaru
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