Inflamed toe after injury.

Hello,

Thank you for choosing DoctorSpring.

Do you have any pain in the toe ? (like a joint pain)
Any history of injury, wound ?
Any discharge from the nail bed ?
Any other significant symptom or medical history.

You can reply as a followup
Thank you

I do not have any of those conditions listed above or joint pain. I was wearing new shoes but can't think of any particular injury.

Thank you for the reply

From the picture it shows that you have developed and infection on the side of your fingernail fold. It is known paronychia and occurs commonly.
It occurs either due to the nail causing an injury to the skin or ingrowth of the nail. It can also occur from an bacterial infection by immersing your leg in water or from soil.

I would advice you to do the following.
1) Warm water compresses. Soak your toes in warm water for 20 minutes , 2-3 times a day, After that wipe it dry and apply the ointment Bactroban (mupirocin) around the area.
2) Take antibiotic Dicloxacillin 500 mg twice a day for 5 days after a meal in consult with your Doctor.
It will clear with the above treatment

You will require a presciption for the tablet.
In addition make sure you keep your feet dry after a bath or when you immerse your leg in water.
Make sure that you do not cut your nails at an angle to avoid the edge of the nail piercing your skin when it grows.
Avoid wearing closed shoes that are tight.

I hope this has helped. Feel free to follow up with any query.
Thankyou