Infected Toe

[racoony]

I have had an infected toe for 7 weeks.2 courses of antibiotics have achieved nothing.I have made several visits to the GP surgery for dressings.I have consulted a chiropodist twice.I have tried Manuka honey.All to no avail.Does anyone have any ideas about a cure? I am currently trying aloe vera, but it's early days.Any help much appreciated.

[Buenchico]

Keep going with the courses of antibiotics.

When I had an infected ankle the first course of antibiotics didn't make a lot of difference, so the doc prescribed a second one. That made things a little better but still not completely right. When he prescribed the third course , the doc said "It's not at all unusual for lower limb infections to need multiple courses of antibiotics. This third one might do the job but don't be surprised if it actually takes five or even more" (I was lucky in that the third one did the trick but you might need to keep going longer).

You could also try taking supplements that have natural antibiotic properties, such as garlic.

[Sqad]

Are you a diabetic?
Are you taking any medication other than antibiotics?
Is the infection fungal or bacterial?

[Sqad]

P.S what are you symptoms and how is it affecting you?

[racoony]

Thanks all for responding. Buenchico-you must have been lucky to have a GP willing to prescribe so many courses of antibiotics.I am not diabetic and not taking any other medicines.I have no idea if the infection is fungal or not.I should also have said I have had an X ray and blood tests that revealed nothing.Maybe time to see a specialist of some kind?

[Islay]

Is it oozing green goo?
If so have you tried a good old fashioned bread poultice?

[Sqad]

No, I am against repeated courses of antibiotics...this breeds resistant organisms which is a problem....a big problem.
Soak your foot in warm salt water for 15 mins twice daily, dry well and lift the affected side of the nail with a floss (gently), then apply Neosporin ointment beneath the nail. ( OTC from Boots)...may be expensive.
That should settle your toe within a week.