Persistent Skin Infection and Peeling Skin

[serinak]

About 5 1/2 weeks ago, I slightly bumped my toe and cracked off a small sliver of toe nail which caused slight bleeding. I cleaned it and bandaged my toe, but in 2 days had a small infection. I used Neosporin and peroxide daily, but within a week could barely walk. I went to the doctor and she prescribed Bactrim, 500mg, 2x's per day for 7 days. After completing the prescribed therepy, it was still quite sore and infected, so the doctor prescribed Doxycyclene, 2x's per day, for 10 days. I finished that therepy and the toe still has a discharge and is extremely painful in a localized area (top tip). Doctor recommended going to a podiatrist, but I am traveling for business and can not get in for another 9 days. I am miserable and the skin is peeling off my toe. No one seems to know why it is still oozing (It is the right toe, outer corner, and it is definately not athlete's foot). I keep the toe clean and dry, but everytime I get it wet or take my socks off, the skin just continues to peel off. So far, the peeling isnt painful, but the toe itself is. I will never again take Doxycyclene, it has been absolutel horrid on my system. I also wear comfortable and appropriate, square toe shoes as to not put any pressure on the toe itself. I am not diabetic (yes, recently had blood work that does confirm my blood sugar is excellent). Any ideas what could be causing this and what I can do to finally help it heal? I really do not want to wait another 9 days, but don't know if going to an Urgent Care when I get home is appropriate or are they going to put me on more antibiotics that will do terrible things to my system and breed resistance? Has anyone experienced a similar problem before?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
You see there can be several reasons for non healing of the wound and some of these are local infection, hypoxia (poor blood supply and thus oxygen supply to the skin and adjoining area), trauma, presence of foreign bodies, or systemic problems such as diabetes mellitus, malnutrition, immunodeficiency, or medications (like steroids). First of all prescription of an antibiotic cream preferably from a healthcare provider is necessary. Doctor may prescribe topical antibiotics for the wound after culture sensitivity of the wound discharge or wound swabs. You will also need to take an oral course of antibiotics to combat the infection and prevent it from reoccurring.

Please take a nutritious diet and avoid any physical activity that causes an exertion. Also try to keep the wound open as far as possible by avoiding socks and shoes as they cause the feet to sweat and hence delayed healing.
I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted in case you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.