Having an ingrown toenail removed can provide welcome relief from pain and discomfort. However, in some cases, an infection may develop afterwards. This can result in redness, swelling, drainage, fever, and other problematic symptoms.<\/p>\n
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: An infected toe after nail removal is usually caused by bacteria entering the open wound<\/b>. Common symptoms include redness, swelling, drainage, pain, fever and foul odor.<\/p>\n
Treatment involves keeping the area clean and dry, antibiotics if prescribed by your doctor, and over-the-counter pain medication.<\/p>\n
One of the main causes of infection after nail removal is bacteria entering the open wound left behind. When a toenail is removed, it leaves behind an open sore that is vulnerable to bacteria. Even with proper bandaging, bacteria from the surrounding skin, shoe, sock or environment can get into the wound and cause an infection.<\/p>\n
Some common bacteria that infect toenails are staphylococcus<\/b>, streptococcus<\/b> and pseudomonas<\/b> species.<\/p>\n
An infection can occur if proper sterilization of tools was not done prior to the nail removal procedure. Bacteria from unsterilized tools can get directly into the open wound and start an infection. Using contaminated water to clean the foot after nail removal can also introduce bacteria into the wound.<\/p>\n
People with diabetes, poor circulation or a weakened immune system are at higher risk of developing an infection after nail removal. Their body’s defenses are down, making it easier for bacteria to proliferate.<\/p>\n
Lack of proper wound care after nail removal is another common cause of bacterial infection. The open wound needs to be kept clean and protected with a sterile bandage until fully healed. If the bandage gets wet or dirty, it provides an excellent place for bacteria to grow.<\/p>\n
Not changing the bandage frequently enough, like once a day, also increases infection risk. The warm, moist environment under the bandage allows bacteria to thrive. Failing to keep the wound area dry can have the same effect.<\/p>\n
If ointments used on the wound area are not sterile, they can introduce bacteria. Using fingers instead of gauze to apply ointment adds more bacteria. Picking at scabs or debriding new skin growth prolongs wound healing and opens the door to bacteria.<\/p>\n
Soaking the foot too soon after nail removal can get the wound wet and unprotected. The warm, moist soak water can harbor bacteria. Even shower water on an unbandaged wound can lead to infection.<\/p>\n
Skipping post-care appointments prevents the doctor from monitoring the wound for signs of infection like redness, swelling, oozing and pain. Early treatment is key to curing infections before they spread deeper or throughout the body.<\/p>\n
One of the most common signs of an infected toe after nail removal is redness and swelling around the toe. This occurs as your body sends increased blood flow to the area to fight off the infection, resulting in inflammation. The redness may start out subtle but quickly spread and intensify.<\/p>\n
Swelling in the toe and surrounding area also tends to progressively worsen if left untreated.<\/p>\n
An infected toe often produces drainage, which could be purulent (containing pus) or clear and watery. Pus is a sure sign the infection is bacterial and needs antibiotic treatment. However, even clear drainage may indicate the wound has become infected. The drainage may have a foul smell as well.<\/p>\n
Most people have some degree of pain after nail removal surgery. However, worsening pain that seems disproportionate to the procedure may indicate an infection. It may be a throbbing, sharp or burning pain. The pain typically gets worse over time rather than improving.<\/p>\n
While less common than other symptoms, a low-grade fever (under 102\u00b0F\/39\u00b0C) sometimes accompanies an infected toe. This occurs as cytokines released by inflammatory cells alter the hypothalamus’ temperature set-point.<\/p>\n
The fever indicates your body is mounting an immune response to fight the infection.<\/p>\n
Finally, a foul or putrid odor emanating from the toe strongly suggests infection. This is caused by microbes breaking down skin and tissue, releasing smelly chemical byproducts. The odor tends to worsen over time if the infection goes untreated.<\/p>\n
It’s important to seek medical care if you notice any foul smells coming from your toe region after surgery.<\/p>\n
Keeping the affected area clean and dry is crucial for preventing infection and allowing proper healing after toenail removal. Here are some tips:<\/p>\n
Continuing proper wound care at home is vital for fast healing without complications. Contact your doctor if you notice increasing pain, redness, swelling, foul odor, or fever as those may indicate infection.<\/p>\n
Your doctor may prescribe oral or topical antibiotics if your toe shows signs of infection after nail removal. Antibiotics work by killing harmful bacterial or fungal infections invading the wound site. Some common options include:<\/p>\n
Take any prescribed antibiotics fully as directed. Using antibiotics properly is key to eliminating infections. Typical treatment lasts 7-10 days but can extend longer for more serious infections. Call your doctor if symptoms don’t start improving within a few days of starting antibiotics.<\/p>\n
It’s common to have pain, swelling, and inflammation after toenail removal. Over-the-counter medications can help provide relief:<\/p>\n
When using OTC meds, carefully follow package instructions regarding dosage and frequency. Taking too much can lead to serious health issues. If pain persists more than 1 week post-procedure, contact your podiatrist.<\/p>\n
Here is an overview of expected pain levels during the healing process:<\/p>\n
| Days 1-3<\/td>\n | Moderate pain<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Days 3-7 <\/td>\n | Mild dull pain <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| 1-2 weeks<\/td>\n | Very mild or no pain<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n See your doctor promptly if you have severe or worsening pain as that may require treatment for complications like infection.<\/p>\n When to See a Doctor<\/h2>\n |