What is meant by pus on the toe?
An inflamed and aching toe, usually the big toe, is a common problem and is often accompanied by the formation of pus. This is either already so superficial that it is recognizable as pus or is present in a deeper tissue layer and can be suspected due to a reddened swelling. Pus is caused by an accumulation of dead white blood cells (cells of the immune system) and therefore often accompanies inflammation.
The most common causes of pus on the toe are ingrown toenails, nail bed inflammation and wounds. The inflammation often heals on its own and the pus disappears. In some cases, however, medical therapy can be helpful and a doctor or podiatrist should be consulted.
Causes
The most common cause of pus on the toe is an ingrown toenail. The pressure on the adjacent nail groove (the nail’s lateral skin wall) causes inflammation and pain, which makes it easier for bacteria to enter the tissue and causes a bacterial, purulent infection. Another cause of pus on the toe is nail bed inflammation.
In contrast to an ingrown toenail, bacteria can enter the toe through small wounds in the skin, for example due to poor hygiene. This is facilitated by the broken skin barrier and can lead to pus as part of an immune reaction. In addition to the two most common causes, injuries or circulatory problems can also lead to bacterial infection.
An ingrown toenail (Unguis incarnatus) manifests itself by an inflamed and painful nail receptacle. This is usually also strongly reddened and swollen in a bacterial infection and pus can be discharged. Common causes are too tight shoes, incorrect nail cutting and increased sweating.
A familial clustering or foot malpositions are also possible. The symptoms are often alleviated by preventing the risk factors just mentioned. Further non-invasive measures are the application of ointments, tapes, relief of the nail reline with absorbent cotton, nail correction braces or an Emmert plastic.
Nail bed inflammation (onychia, paronychia) is usually caused by small wounds in the skin, for example due to poor hygiene or dry skin, and can affect both the tissue surrounding the nail (Panaritium paraunguale) and the nail bed itself (Panaritium subunguale). Bacteria (usually Staphylococcus aureus) migrate and cause a pronounced infection. This is accompanied by very severe pain and a feeling of pressure. Nail bed inflammation can often be treated conservatively with ointments or foot baths. In rare cases or if the course is chronic, medical therapy or antibiotics may be necessary.
