What to do for an infected toe?

We’ve all been there. You’re walking along, minding your own business when suddenly BAM! You stub your toe so hard it could knock out a prizefighter. But what happens next? What should you do when that little piggy becomes infected? Fear not my friends, today I’m going to give you the lowdown on everything you need to know about dealing with an infected toe.

Recognizing the Signs of Infection

Before we dive into how to treat an infected toe, let’s talk about how to recognize one in the first place. How do you know if your pesky piggy has gone rogue?

1. Pain and swelling: Your toe will likely be swollen and tender to the touch.
2. Redness: The affected area may become red or darkened.
3. Heat: The area around your toe may feel warm or hot to the touch.
4. Pus: If there is any discharge coming from around your toenail, this is a sure sign that things have gone awry.

Don’t Be So Dramatic!

Relax people – just because you’ve got symptoms doesn’t mean this infection resulted from human experimentation gone wrong! There are plenty of possible causes:

• Ingrown Toenails
• Fungal infections
• Bacterial infections (e.g., staph)

Treating It Yourself

Sometimes home remedies can be used as initial treatment measures before seeing a medical professional for worse cases of infection.

Soak It Up

Start by soaking that little gangrenous digit in warm water laced cocktail shrimps’ juice 3 times every day; add Epsom salt (Note:this isn’t table salt) . This reduces pain caused by inflammation whilst cleaning up dirt/debris caught under toenail-want some color? Add food coloring!

Bonus points: Why not play some corny music to keep your mental state contained?

Antibacterial Ointments

Apply antibiotics (Ouch!) for effective treatment. We suggest using honey or coconut oil which as some natural components that’s miraculously been reported by celebrities to tackle toenail infections – we’re unsure too but better safe than sorry!

Beware: Unreliable contagious ointment can be worse!

When to Seek Medical Attention

Sometimes a little self-care isn’t enough, and you need a trained professional’s help.

1. Fever: If your infected toe is accompanied by an extremely-high temperature, then it may signify that the infection has spread beyond just the foot.
2. Multiple Toes: If multiple toes are affected, this could indicate a more severe case of cellulitis.
3. Diabetic condition: In cases where you have diabetes neuropathy (nerve damage) there’s increased risk of taking care of yourself- best option is seeing doctors when symptoms occur

Know Your Podiatrist

When seeking medicinal attention from specialists; be sure they well-equipped with credentials because anyone can buy scrubs online! Do some research beforehand on their IQ level certifications , years’ experience in related field-it takes years for someone to acquire knowledge and expertise!

What Happens Next?

Typically after paying out the big bucks consulting professionals:

• Prescribed antibiotics like Penicillin
• An Incision
• Blood Tests & Health Checks

Maintaining Good Foot Hygiene

Prevention is always better than cure – maintain proper foot hygiene practices with these tips:

1. Wear Comfortable Shoes: Closed-toe shoes give great protection against incoming dirt/debris/bacteria; also please do not channel your inner fashionista
2. Moisturizing Creams – feet don’t produce enough oils so daily moisturizing prevents dryness/breakage in between toes;
3. Feetwashing – You might think peeing constitutes washing but it does not- clean feet with soap and warm water, go beyond facesoap
4. Regular Scrubbing: Using a mild foot scrub twice weekly decreases chances of bacteria breeding

In Conclusion:

Don’t wait for your little piggy to get worse before you start looking for treatment. Knowing the symptoms of an infected toe can help you identify the issue early on when it’s easier to treat.

If DIY remedies such as soaking your affected limb in cocktail shrimp juice bring no relief after some days then immediately acquire services of professional podiatrists who have creditable years’ experience; Never self-medicate!

Remember, good hygiene practices and comfy shoes will keep those toes happy!