infection under toenail? - Nail Problems Message Board

BHH · 11-05-2008, 06:33 PM

I thouhgt I had an ingrown toenail, it woke me up a few nights in a row throbbing. I played with it, trying to pull the nail up on the sides to make sure it wasnt ingrown. That night that I pulled on it, the pain got much worse. SO bad it kept me awake even with advil.
Now I have pain walking, the nail doesnt look like its ingrown, or damaged at all. But I have yellow puss in the crease on the side of my toe that comes out. I soak it in epsom salt and more puss comes out. It is very very painful to touch and to walk. Shoes are even worse. Is this an infection? Its not my toenail though..that is clear and fine. It seems to be under the nail, a yellow puss, and very painful. Do I need antibiotics? Or is there a home remedy anyone would suggest?

AuntieLeela · 11-05-2008, 11:40 PM

The yellow pus is an infection, an abscess. Your symptoms do sound like an ingrown toenail, even if you can't see where it's grown in, you might still have one.

I'd suggest you see a doctor before it gets much worse.

*PS . . . if you notice a black spot under your toenail or something that looks like a bruise under the nail, you should see a dermatologist immediately. There's a deadly but thankfully rare form of melanoma that starts under the toenail.

Marti · 11-06-2008, 06:07 AM

You need to see your Podiatrist - Dermatologists do not work on toe nails. Yes, you probably need the side of the nail cut away as well as antibiotics for the infection.

BHH · 11-06-2008, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marti

You need to see your Podiatrist - Dermatologists do not work on toe nails. Yes, you probably need the side of the nail cut away as well as antibiotics for the infection.

Thank you. But it's not the toenail. It's the side of the toe, the crease between the toe and nail...Is that still a podiatrist? I really don't think the nail is ingrown, but it looks like an infection under the nail? thats where the puss seems to be coming from. Under the nail and in that crease on the side.

BHH · 11-06-2008, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AuntieLeela

The yellow pus is an infection, an abscess. Your symptoms do sound like an ingrown toenail, even if you can't see where it's grown in, you might still have one.

I'd suggest you see a doctor before it gets much worse.

*PS . . . if you notice a black spot under your toenail or something that looks like a bruise under the nail, you should see a dermatologist immediately. There's a deadly but thankfully rare form of melanoma that starts under the toenail.

Thank you for your advice! I will see if I can get an appointment