Up to the first joint. Absolutely not beyond the first joint. Real typical. Looks just like website photos. Has the dreaded, hardest to fix, considered worse type, with "curved toenail", that digs in. Am checking this out for 41 year old neighbor lady (who is not fond of doctors, pain, or being layed up), not me. Have read hazards and warnings about having infection get into bone-gangrene-amputation.

What I don't get is how it was suggested by major chain drug store pharmacist to soak in epsom salts and warm water. Yet to my extreme surprise, epsom salts say on label NOT to use in case of infection! - to stop, and see a doctor!

But isn't that what epsom salts and warm water does is cause infection to come to a head? (that is what pharmacist said!), to weep out for self healing?. ??. Do you suppose all these companies today simply say things on labels to prevent lawsuits, especially that infections can kill? But can you think of any reason why a liotle toe-infection that is weeping out pus at the nail line (it is good it can leak out!) could be bad to use epsom salty? Or do you agree that this is most likely some sort of a protection on the companies part over possible liability, as opposed to there being anything wrong with say absorbtion of product?

Another thing me or the neighbor can't figure out is why do they say WARM water? Years ago *I* was treated by doctor for ingrown toenail that led to infection AND blood poisoning!, that swelled my whole foot, red! And I had to soak my foot in - I remember- as hot a water as I could stand? You would think that would draw infection to a head better than warm water.

Any opinions or actual first hand experience with this issue?

 

The neighbor lady has nursed the ingrown toe nail too long. Now, there is an infection that has spread to the first joint. She needs to bite the bullet and get to the podiatrist at once to have the toe nail cut out and get a prescription for antibiotics.

Epsom salts is an old-fashioned remedy for drawing out bacterial infections. As you state, "Have read hazards and warnings about having infection get into bone-gangrene-amputation." A spreading infection is not one with which to toy, especially one that has spread to the first joint of the toe.

In contradiction, you ask, "But can you think of any reason why a little toe-infection that is weeping out pus at the nail line (it is good it can leak out!) could be bad to use epsom salts?" This is NOT A LITTLE TOE INFECTION. The epsom salts is drawing out some of the infection, as evidenced by the pus.

Why the warning about use of epsom salts in the presence of infection? Epsom salts is not a cure all for everyone. Ingrown toe nail treatment is assessed on a case-by-case base, taking into consideration what other meds are being taken, what other health issues, etc. A toe infection in a diabetic can result in death. Bacterial infections can result in coronary disease.

Hot water is usually recommended for drawing out abcesses and infections. The water should not be so hot that it burns the skin. The use of 'warm' water as instructed on the label is for a general foot soak not to draw out infection. As the label had already warned not to be used if there is infection.

No one wants to accept responsibility for the effects of improperly treated infection or the responsibility of someone sticking their foot in a pot of too hot water which can result in burn. We live in litigious times.

IMO, your neighbor and you have already spent too much time second guessing medical treatment and the use of Epson salts and water temperature. Please recommend that your neighbor make an appointment with a podiatrist ASAP, especially if the condition has persisted for several days. A quick snip with the nail cutter to remove the offending nail and a course of antibiotics should have the infection cleared up in no time.

Wearing properly sized shoes and socks, tend to go a long way from preventing toe nails from going downward and inward into toe. Cutting toenails straight across also helps prevent ingrown toenails.

 

We used to do an old school remedy. Take a razor blade and carve out a section of the nail in the center. As the center of the nail heals, the nail will grow away from the edges. worked everytime!

Legal Disclaimer - proceed at your own risk.

 

The old school remedy works to a point, but it sounds like this toe's way beyond that point. This is in podiatrist territory now.

 

To update and clarity: The neighbor lady's nail is not discolored with trapped pus/infection under the nail. The tissue to the rear of the nail, and off to it's one side, WAS red, and pus had oozed out along that one side of the nail. Now after days of soaking and applying the antibiotic creme to this, 3 times per day, each, the skin look only pink color now, and it looks better, if anything. Definitely not worse.