Concerns About Fluid Under Toenail After Injury
Age: 26 Gender: Male Height: 178 cm Weight: 85 kg Current Medications: None regularly prescribed Smoking Habits: Yes Relevant Medical History: No ongoing or chronic illnesses Area of Concern: Left big toenail Symptom Duration: Noticed fluid accumulation in the past week; previous nail removal occurred 13 years prior. Hello medical professionals, Thirteen years ago, due to an injury, I had my big toenail surgically excised. Ever since, it has struggled to develop normally. Lately, I discovered a void beneath the toenail. In an attempt to address it, I trimmed the loose part and exposed some raw, red tissue along with a clear to yellowish fluid. Thankfully, there’s no accompanying pain, fever, foul odor, or increased redness in the area. A pharmacist has given me a prescription for fusidic acid 2% cream, which I have been applying gently with light gauze. I’m concerned: Is this fluid build-up indicative of a serious condition?
Answers (1)
2/10/2026, 6:50:34 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with a concerning but manageable situation with your toenail. The fluid buildup under the toenail could result from a few causes, such as trauma, irritation, or infection, particularly given your past history of toenail surgery. Since you're not experiencing pain, fever, or other signs of infection, this is a good sign, but it's important to monitor the situation closely.
Explanation:
The fluid accumulation you're noticing could be due to several factors, such as:
- Seroma or Lymph Fluid: Following past trauma or surgical procedures, it's not uncommon to have fluid accumulate beneath the skin.
- Infection or Inflammation: The appearance of raw tissue and changes in fluid color may suggest some inflammation or beginning infection, even if there are no severe symptoms.
- Nail Growth Issues: Given your history of toenail removal, the way your nail grows and heals might be affected, leading to such fluid retention.
Next Steps:
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Continue with the Cream: Keep using the fusidic acid cream as prescribed. This antibiotic ointment can help prevent infection in the exposed raw area.
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Keep the Area Clean and Dry: Gently clean the area daily with mild soap and water, then pat it dry. Avoid soaking your toe to prevent further irritation.
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Monitor for Changes: Keep an eye on the fluid: if it changes in color to something darker, if there’s increased redness or pain, or if swelling increases, these might indicate an infection or other issues.
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Protect the Toe: If you’re engaging in activities that might cause further injury (like extensive walking or sports), try to protect your toe with proper footwear or dressing to reduce any trauma.
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Seek Care If Needed: If you notice any worsening symptoms, such as increased pain, discharge with foul odor, or if the wound does not seem to heal over time (beyond a couple of weeks), it’s important to seek guidance from your healthcare provider.
You’re doing well by actively managing the situation and seeking help. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have further concerns or notice any changes.
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