Inquiries for Podiatrists
Subject: Seeking Guidance on Toe Injury Symptoms
Hello, I would like to share my experience and ask for some advice. I am a 21-year-old female, standing 5'5" tall.
Back in 2020, during the height of the COVID pandemic and the resulting lockdown, I experienced paronychia due to an ingrown toenail. For about six months, I was unable to receive any treatment or antibiotics, which was quite challenging. During that time, I did my best to maintain cleanliness of the affected area, frequently using gauze and allowing the toe to air out between changes. Eventually, I had surgery, and for the last five years, I've been largely free of any problems, aside from the typical changes in the appearance of that toenail. The podiatrist who performed the procedure applied a solution to ensure that the edges of the toenail would not grow back in.
Recently, I stubbed my toe rather hard. While the toenail does not seem to be ingrown, I have begun to notice familiar symptoms returning—swelling, redness, a small bloody lump, and a dull ache. Is it possible for an injury to re-trigger these symptoms even after so much time has passed since the initial issue was resolved?
I plan to schedule a doctor’s appointment tomorrow, where I hope to receive either antibiotics or antifungal cream, depending on what the issue might be. In the meantime, I am trying to keep the area clean and dry, applying a thin layer of Sudocrem before bed each night for the past few days. Thankfully, it’s not nearly as severe as it was previously, but I’m out of gauze, which is frustrating. Any advice on how to manage this situation would be greatly appreciated!
Cuts & WoundsOrthopedicsEmergency Medicine