What should I do if my toe is swollen and has pus?
Generally, swelling and pus in the toe may be caused by infection, which can usually be managed through local care, medication, or surgery. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Local Care
The patient should clean the infected toe with warm water and soap to prevent further infection, then gently dry it with a clean towel after washing.
2. Medication
When there is swelling and pus in the toe, the patient may take oral anti-inflammatory medications under medical guidance to control the infection. Commonly used drugs include ampicillin capsules and amoxicillin capsules.
3. Surgery
If the toe swelling is severe with significant accumulation of pus, surgical incision and drainage may be required under medical supervision. After surgery, it is important to keep the wound dry and avoid contact with water to prevent infection.
In addition, when there is swelling and pus in the toe, it is essential to keep the affected toe dry and avoid wearing tight shoes or socks to prevent worsening of the infection. The patient should also maintain good daily habits, such as keeping the feet clean and wearing comfortable footwear, which helps prevent infections.