How do I treat a toenail infection?

How to Treat Infection Due to a Missing Toenail

• Answer:

  Missing toenails are a common affliction among long-distance runners, but you do not need to be a marathoner to have it happen to you. Tearing a toenail or having it pop off is more common (and more painful) than you might think. Treating an infection is a big part of recovering from a missing or torn toenail. Protecting the toe and using antibiotics will usually cure the infection. Difficulty: Moderately Challenging Things You'll Need Antibiotic cream Bandage Doctor's prescription (for anti-inflammatory medication or pain medication) Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication Instructions See a doctor. If an infection has already developed, take no chances. You are fighting bacteria and fungus, and will probably need a prescription from your doctor to do so. Ask your doctor whether a torn toenail should be removed. Severely damaged nails should be removed and treated with a topical antibiotic cream and a bandage. Take anti-inflammatory medication to manage the pain. Your doctor may prescribe this medication, but over-the-counter relievers, such as naproxen, may suffice. Tips & Warnings Warning: According to the University of Michigan Health System, adults 65 years and older should not take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine for more than seven days without a doctor's approval.