Toe infection on the left foot: Possible Paronychia

Dear Ask The Doctor: On my left foot my small toe has swollen up, gone red and a blister has appeared underneath the nail what should i do to treat it.

Dear Afzal: An infection that develops along the edge of the fingernail or toenail is called a paronychia. It is the most common hand/foot infection and, if left untreated, can progress to a more severe infection of the entire finger or toe. Paronychias are most often caused by common skin bacteria entering the skin around the nail that has been damaged by a trauma , such as nail biting, finger sucking, dishwashing, or chemical irritants. Fungus also can be a cause of paronychia formation, especially in people with recurrent infection. Care at home includes warm soaks in a mixture of 50% warm water and 50% liquid antibacterial soap 3-4 times daily for about 15 minutes. This soaking should be done at the first sign of redness around the nail. You should call your doctor if the redness extends beyond the skin around your nail or to the pad of the finger. This redness shows that the infection might be forming a more serious finger/toe infection of the deep tissues of your fingertip, called a felon. You should also call your doctor if an abscess is forming. An abscess requires drainage by a doctor. Opening an abscess to drain the pus should not be attempted at home.