Question
A few weeks ago someone stepped on my big toenail and bruised it (no big deal, no pain, just visible bruise below nail).  3 days ago I stubbed the same nail and it cracked slightly, horizontally, a few millimeters below the cuticle.  After a few seconds the initial pain went away and hasn't hurt since.  That same day I stubbed it though, I went to the beach and realized today, monday, when I removed the toenail polish, that there are many grains of sand under my toenail. The nail is cracked about half way across and still does not hurt.  I am nervous, though, that a grain of sand will lodge under the skin and become infected.  What do you suggest?

Answer
Hi Kirsten,

I would watch the area closely.  I would soak the toe in lukewarm water and see if the sand will come out.  Apply antibiotic cream and a bandaid.  Try this for several days in a row.

If you begin to have pain, redness and swelling of the toe, you are likely getting a toe infection.  If that occurs I would see a podiatrist.

Sincerely,

Marc Katz, DPM
Tampa, FL
Advanced Podiatry
www.thetampapodiatrist.com
www.tampacryosurgery.com


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