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How to Cure a Toe Infection

Contributor
By R. Reichert
eHow Contributing Writer
(0 Ratings)

A toe infection can occur with or without the presence of pain. Common signs associated with a toe infection include swelling and skin irritation, and pus may or may not be present, depending upon the stage of the infection. Toe infections have a variety of causes that can be addressed by implementing a few all-natural treatment methods. The methods of treating a toe infection can be performed quickly and can provide immediate relief from discomfort.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  1. Step 1

    Cut away the portion of ingrown toenail that is slightly curving into the skin with a set of toe nail clippers if the infection is from an ingrown nail; use the clippers to make the edge as straight as possible so the ingrown toenail can grow out correctly. Do not try this method if the nail is curved deeply into the skin; instead, seek immediate treatment from a medical professional to avoid further tissue damage.

  2. Step 2

    Apply an antibiotic ointment to the infected area of the toe if there is a small cut present; apply a band-aid over the area to keep it protected while wearing socks and shoes. Repeat this process until the infection diminishes.

  3. Step 3

    Carefully cut all of your toenails straight across with a pair of clippers to prevent further issues; soak feet in a foot soak bin containing warm water and 1 tablespoon of salt to soften up thick, hard-to-cut nails and to avoid injury.

  4. Step 4

    Apply antibiotic ointment to blistered areas of the toe that have become infected; cover the toe with a Band-aid to keep out excess sweat and to avoid further irritation of the condition.

  5. Step 5

    Consume eight ounces of water every single day to help flush out your system and to get rid of unwanted toxins that encourage infection in the body.

  6. Step 6

    Incorporate garlic in your diet each day to better the immune system to promote healing by eating one or two cloves a day; add a vitamin C supplement to your diet too for further immune system improvements.

  7. Step 7

    Use antibiotics and complete the entire course when and if prescribed by a doctor for a toe infection.

Tips & Warnings
  • Refrain from using nail polish or nail polish removal on infected toenails; this can irritate the condition and cause considerable pain.
  • A prolonged toe infection, even after a variety of treatments, can be indicative of the presence of diabetes; if you continue to have difficulty getting rid of the infection, you will need to seek out immediate treatment from a qualified physician. If diabetes is present and a foot infection occurs, the infection can worsen to such a degree that amputation of the toe or toes becomes necessary. If you notice a red line forming from the toe and running its way up your leg, this can be indicative of blood poisoning, which must be promptly treated with a course of antibiotics. See a doctor immediately if you suspect the presence of blood poisoning.
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