Question
QUESTION: My name is Samantha, I have recently been having moderate pain in my right big toe. It is painful to put pressure on my toe and it has become very red and purple as well as swollen. The discoloration is only at the bottom inside of my nail and I have had ingrown toe nails before and am fairly confident this is not one of them. The top right part of my toenail is also a bit discolored. I have been soaking it in hot water but it seems to be just getting worse. If you have any ideas on what is causing this or how to heal it please let me know.

     Thanks!

ANSWER: Hi Samantha,

Based on the description of your toe, I would see a Podiatrist.  This does sound like an infection and an x-ray would be important to make sure the bone is not infected.  

I would avoid hot water and use lukewarm water.  Apply antibiotic and a Band-Aid.

Do yourself a favor and see a Dr before this gets worse.  It doesn't sound like it will resolve on its own.

Sincerely,

Marc Katz, DPM
Tampa, FL
Advanced Podiatry
www.thetampapodiatrist.com
www.tampacryosurgery.com
www.fix-my-foot.com

DISCLAIMER:
This information is offered as free advice and as general information. It may not be applicable to the specific questioner and his/her problem.  It is not based on actual knowledge of the questioner or his/her medical history and it cannot and should not be relied upon as definitive medical opinion or advice.  Reliable medical opinion and advice can only be obtained through hands-on physical contact and exam of the patient to establish an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.  No doctor/patient relationship is created or established here and may not be inferred through answers on this site.  The questioner and other readers must consult his/her own doctor before proceeding or implementing any suggestions contained within this document and answers on this site.  The questioner is only to act upon his/her own doctor抯 orders and recommendations. By reading this posting which follows, the reader fully understands and confirms that he/she holds harmless this writer. If this is not fully agreeable to you, the reader, and/or you have not attained the age of 18 years, you hereby are advised to read no further.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I listened to your advice and made an appointment, but today i pressed on the part of my toe that was tender and a reasonable amount of puss was released, the swelling is gone and it is no longer tender. Should I still keep my appointment even thought the symptoms are gone?
Thanks!
Samantha

Answer
Hi Samantha,

Now that the pus came out you will get some relief, however there is likely a piece of nail deeper in the skin and the infection will continue.  I would still see the Podiatrist to resolve the cause of the problem.

Sincerely,

Marc Katz, DPM
Tampa, FL
Advanced Podiatry
www.thetampapodiatrist.com
www.tampacryosurgery.com
www.fix-my-foot.com

DISCLAIMER:
This information is offered as free advice and as general information. It may not be applicable to the specific questioner and his/her problem.  It is not based on actual knowledge of the questioner or his/her medical history and it cannot and should not be relied upon as definitive medical opinion or advice.  Reliable medical opinion and advice can only be obtained through hands-on physical contact and exam of the patient to establish an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.  No doctor/patient relationship is created or established here and may not be inferred through answers on this site.  The questioner and other readers must consult his/her own doctor before proceeding or implementing any suggestions contained within this document and answers on this site.  The questioner is only to act upon his/her own doctor抯 orders and recommendations. By reading this posting which follows, the reader fully understands and confirms that he/she holds harmless this writer. If this is not fully agreeable to you, the reader, and/or you have not attained the age of 18 years, you hereby are advised to read no further.