What should I do if my toenail is inflamed?
Disease description:
The shoes are a bit tight. After walking all day, I noticed that my feet became inflamed. What should I do?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Inflammation of the toes usually refers to an infection of the skin around the toenails, a condition medically known as "paronychia." It may be caused by bacteria, fungi, or trauma and can result in symptoms such as redness, swelling, pain, fever, and sometimes even discharge of pus. If not treated promptly, it can lead to more severe infection.
The following are management measures for inflamed toes:
1. General care: The patient should keep the affected skin clean to prevent further infection. Additionally, the patient should avoid using the affected foot to reduce pressure on the inflamed area.
2. Conservative treatment: When the inflammation is not severe, topical antibiotic ointments such as chlortetracycline ointment or tetracycline ointment can be applied locally for anti-inflammatory and anti-infective therapy. When the inflammation is more severe, oral administration of azithromycin dispersible tablets may be used for treatment. If the patient experiences significant pain, ibuprofen can be taken to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
3. Surgical treatment: If a clear abscess develops at the site of inflammation on the toe, the abscess can be incised and drained.
To prevent this condition, it is advisable to wear loose, breathable shoes to reduce pressure on the toes.
