GeneralToe Infection: Warning Signs, Causes and Treatments

Toe infection is a condition that affects the areas around the toil nails. Because it provides posture and balance, any infection on your toe can cause great discomfort and disability if not discovered and treated  immediately.

As a rule of thumb, you are always required to monitor strange developments in your body closely. Many people don’t adhere to this life-saving principle. As a result, some suffer from disorders or conditions that could have been prevented. Of course, one such condition could be toe infection.

Toe infection can be treated if discovered early; this is a cheat many patients don’t know.   If you are experiencing severe pain or abnormality with your toe or observe that your toe has suddenly turned red, you may want to check out these signs to ensure that you aren’t suffering from a toe infection.

Before we highlight the signs, don’t you think we should first explain what a toe infection is?

What is Toe Infection?

Toe infections are usually caused by yeast that makes the toe discolored, thick, and more likely to crumble at the edge. Individuals with toe infections may experience pains, especially while walking or running. Those with diabetes suffer more from this infection due to their underlying condition.

Care to know more about toe infection? Read on!

Toe Infection Symptoms

Symptoms don’t lie, most times. If you experience one or more of these symptoms, you should act fast.

• Pressure
• Redness or change in skin color
• Swelling
• Oozing
• Fever
• Toe is too hot
• A terrible smell
• A noticeable break in the skin
• Pain or soreness

If you observe any of these signs, what do you do? While some people may wait until the issue becomes severe and obvious, those wise will contact podiatrist, Dr. Nam Tran to treat the problem before it exacerbates. Also, those with diabetes are required to be more thorough as diabetes can trick you into believing that you have no infection.

Causes of Toe Infection

Like other health conditions, toe infection can be linked to activities, lifestyle habits, microorganisms, or even anomalies. Knowing the causes of this infection can be beneficial in your effort to remain healthy and well.

Here are some of the common causes of a toe infection.

• Injury
• Underlying medical condition
• The way your toenails naturally grow
• A microorganism
• Diabetes
• Poor hygiene
• Tight-fitting shoes
• Fungus

Treatment for Toe Infection

Prevention, they say, is better than cure. So your best strategy against this infection is prevention. However, if you experience a toe infection, ensure you contact your doctor. The individual may prescribe oral meds (antifungals or antibiotics) for you, depending on the type and severity of the infection. You may also be offered topical prescription creams or ointments. In severe cases, you may need to go under the knife.

Prevention

Prevention, they say, is better than cure. Ensure you adopt these preventive measures to reduce your risks of having an infected toe.

• Keep your nails short, clean, and dry.
• Wear rubber gloves to prevent overexposure to water
• Avoid sharing shoes and stocks
• Wear breathable socks often (go for synthetic options)
• Stop picking or biting your nails
• Wash your hands thoroughly after contact with infected nails.
• Wear shoes or sandals in public areas or pools.

Conclusion

Understanding the signs associated with a toe infection will boost your chances of treating it before it worsens. For those with diabetes, ensure you examine your toe thoroughly. Lastly, contact a toe specialist if things get out of hand.

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