How to Use Campho-Phenique for an Infected Toe Around the Toenail
There are many reasons your toe may become infected, such as an ingrown toenail. To help your infected skin, you need to thoroughly clean the affected area and apply an ointment to initiate healing of the affected area. However, if you notice that treatments aren't working, you should consult with a podiatrist. If an ingrown toenail is the cause of your infection, the toenail will need to be removed.
Things You'll Need
- Campho-Phenique (either the antiseptic gel or liquid)
- Soap
- Water
- Washcloth
- Cotton swab
- Hydrogen peroxide
Instructions
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Using Campho-Phenique
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1
Use soap and warm water to clean your toe and toenail. Thoroughly dry the affected area by gently dabbing the site with a washcloth.
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2
Dip a cotton swab into some hydrogen peroxide. Dab the swab onto the affected site, and allow the hydrogen peroxide to dry.
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3
Apply Campho-Phenique Pain Relieving Antiseptic Liquid or Campho-Phenique Antiseptic Gel to your infected skin. According to Campho-Phenique's website, you should treat your infected skin one to three times daily with the ointment.
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4
Do not bandage the affected area. Don't be alarmed if you feel a burning sensation with the ointment. The ointment contains camphor, which may cause your skin to feel as if it's burning or tingling.
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5
Consult with your podiatrist if your infection does not clear up within seven days. It's also important to seek treatment if your toe becomes worse, in order to prevent complications such as gangrene (tissue death).
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1
Tips & Warnings
Always clean the affected area prior to applying Campho-Phenique.
Wear open-toed shoes until your toe heals.
If you have an ingrown toenail, place a cotton ball underneath the ingrown area to help the nail grow above your skin. Be sure to change out the cotton every day.
Don't squeeze any drainage from your toe.
Don't clip any affected skin or nail from your toenail, as this can cause bacteria to enter your toe.
