What Is Paronychia and how to care for big toe?

Paronychia is an infection in the skin around the fingers and toes nail is called. Most infections can be treated easily treated with most home healthcare products or home remedies. Acute and chronic paronychia can only be treated with the the care of a doctor’s help or prescribed medication.

Streptococcus pyogenes is a global human pathogen. Causing a wide range of acute infections, the soft tissue infection can include pharyngitis.

Staphylococcus aureus is also a Gram-positive, round-shaped bacteria that is a member of the firmicutes. It is a usual member of the microbiota in the body, frequently found in the upper respiratory tract and on the skin.

Symptoms Of Paronychia

With a infected area, chances are it’s Paronychia bacteria infection on the fingernails or toenails. You have either cut the nail too short, or you cut the skin around the nail. You could possibly be diabetic, or an ingrown toenail on your big toe has occurred.

If you have a infected toe, or any other body part, you should immediately seek the attention of a doctor. Never treat yourself because you are not a licensed professional. Remember to seek help, so that you don’t live to regret it.

Until you see a physician for medical advice, you can soak your infected area three times a day, especially if there is pain, redness or it is pus filled.

Chronic Paronychia Treatment

While at work I stubbed my toe one afternoon and neglected to seek help right away. Shame on me, because it’s imperative to seek medical attention immediately to avoid further danger or damages to your well being.

This was foolish, and is reckless on my part, especially for someone who desire to live, and not just live, but live more abundantly, which would equate to a better quality of life. It is imperative that we take care of ourselves. Something this serious can possibly lead to a more devastating outcome.

For minor nail bacterial infections or when waiting to see your physician:

Soak your infected big toe or hand up to 3 or 4 times per day for 15 minutes in a antiseptic. Also you can soak your nail in warm water solution of Chlorhexadine. Povidone-Iodine will work as well.

After soaking your nails, then apply a generous amount of an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment and cover with a bandage. (An oral antibiotic may be prescribed).

How is paronychia diagnosed. In many cases, a physician can diagnose paronychia simply by observation. Your physician may send a sample of pus from your infection to a lab if treatment doesn’t seem to help. This will determine the exact infecting agent and will allow your doctor to prescribe the best treatment.

Protecting Your Nails

• Do not remove any part of your nails
• Only remove if an artificial nail is present, on a infected finger.

Doctor’s Visit

As we are sitting in the doctor’s office, and told to undress, I put on a gown. Helping me with my shoes, my cousin notices my foot. It’s darker than usual, it’s painful to the touch, a constant throbbing pain and looks infected, which gained a lot of attention. I could only wonder if I was getting enough oxygen because of the color, as you can see in the photo.

Was it infected? Am I going to lose my toe? What effect will my diabetes have on the prognosis of my feet? Waiting for the doctor to see me, the anguish begins to grow at a rapid pace.

Ignoring the Signs and symptoms

Denial was the first thing I begin to do when confronted by my cousin Ann. she stressed how my foot was darker with a purple or bluish color that created great concerns for her. It hurt my feelings, it caused that much more fear in me. If the truth be told, I cannot lie; I was at the doctor’s office, but I wasn’t there to talk about my toe.

I was actually there because of my Pulmonary Hypertension. I thought if I would ignore it, I wouldn’t have to deal with that particular issue. Just maybe it will go away, I was hoping. 

Thinking maybe it look worse than what it actually was, so the concern would have been for nothing. After all, I had only stubbed my toe for Christ sake.

PROFESSIONAL VS. SELFCARE

Six days later, and here we are, and I must say, my toe is much better, which puts my mind at ease. I personally doctored on my big toe myself. With another visit to the doctor again today, he did look at it, and said it looked well. My A1c, kidneys, and blood work was good. 

The toe is better, so now if I can just follow the guidelines the Pulmonary Specialist has given me, I will be much better. Just a little word of advice, never let something of this nature go untreated. 

(Professional treatment) is a important factor for your livelihood.

As much as we like to doctor ourselves, we must know when to see our doctors and when to treat ourselves. Infections should never be taking lightly.

This could be so much worse than what it was, if God didn’t help me, and of course credit to the doctor. I grateful for His tender loving mercy! Night all, Kate

ENCOURAGE YOURSELF: DENIAL IS A TERRIBLE MONSTER. ALWAYS DO WHAT IS BEST FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. NEVER HESITATE WITH THE MORE SERIOUS SITUATIONS IN YOUR LIFE