Treating And Caring For Wounds On The Toe

Wounds on the feet can be difficult to care for. When your feet sweat or if they are moist for some other reason, it can cause bacteria to grow. If bacteria grows in the wound, the wound will get infected. An infection in the foot requires medication and special care. If not treated properly, it could lead to other issues (including the loss of your foot if you are diabetic). Read on for tips to treat and care for a wound on one of your toes.

Treatment For Toe Wounds

A toe wound can happen for any number of reasons, including stubbing the toe, dropping something on the toe, an ingrown toenail or even from a fungal infection. If you have a wound on the toe, you'll need to treat it properly no matter how you received the injury.

• Keep It Clean. The wound should be kept clean and free of dirt or debris. Clean the wound with soap and water, making sure to get into the wound, but not scrubbing too harshly. You don't want to break open the wound or cause yourself further injury. You can also clean the wound using a cotton ball and hydrogen peroxide.
• Keep It Dry. You'll also need to keep the wound dry, which means you'll have to dry it thoroughly with a soft, clean cloth after bathing or showering. Pat the wound dry with the cloth. If you have sweaty feet, be sure to wear breathable socks and shoes, and change your socks throughout the day as well.
• Keep It Covered. Keep your feet covered when you have a wound. Don't wear open-toed shoes or sandals where bacteria and other debris can get into your wound. Keep your toes covered and protected to prevent further injury.

Caring For Your Toes

Care for your toes when you have a wound—and even when you don't—to prevent injury. Some care tips include the following:

• Clip Nails Properly. Clip your toenails straight across rather than at an angle to prevent ingrown toenails. Keep your nails trimmed, but don't trim them too short as this can also cause ingrown toenails.
• Protect Your Toes. Wear supportive shoes that protect your feet and your toes. Flip-flops and open-toed sandals can leave your toes and your feet open to injury from stubbing your toes or from something falling on your toes.
• Change Bandages Often. If you cover your wound with a bandage, be sure to change the bandages often. Change them after showering/bathing, sweating and if they are not covering your wound properly.

Your toes should be protected and cared for to prevent injury. If you have a wound on your toe that isn't healing, visit a podiatrist for help to prevent an infection or to receive wound care.