What should I do if my big toenail has an infected and pus-filled ingrown nail?

It is believed that some patients suffer from paronychia, which can become severe enough to cause localized pus formation. What should be done when the big toe's nail fold becomes infected and develops pus?

What to do when the big toe's nail fold infection becomes purulent

When the nail fold of the big toe becomes infected and forms pus, one should first focus on self-care to eliminate inflammation and prevent infection. The area can be disinfected with iodophor to prevent further infection, and proper cleaning and hygiene should be maintained daily. If the paronychia worsens, additional treatments may be required:

Medication treatment: For mild cases with limited spread and minimal pus accumulation, applying Longzhu ointment externally can help promote pus drainage and reduce local inflammation. Alternatively, Yujizhi ointment may also be used topically to facilitate pus discharge and alleviate inflammation.

Antibiotics: Oral antibiotics such as roxithromycin or cephalosporins are often necessary. Surgical treatment: In severe cases with obvious fluctuation (indicating significant pus collection), prompt surgical incision and drainage are required to fully evacuate the pus. If the inflammatory reaction covers a large area, partial nail avulsion may be needed. In more serious cases, complete removal of the toenail might be necessary, followed by immobilization and compression dressing.

Paronychia around the toenails tends to heal slowly due to relatively poor local blood circulation, making absorption and recovery difficult and increasing the risk of secondary infection. If more severe suppurative lesions develop, treatment becomes more complicated and may negatively affect the prognosis. We hope this information helps you. Wishing you good health and happiness!