Puncture in foot.

[Cris121515]

Hello, So 3 days ago, I was on a boat and the metal cleat punctured in between my pinkie toe and my ring toe. At first i did no think much of it. There was minimal pain and bleeding. It would hurt a little to walk but thats it. Once i got home i cleaned it with hydrogen peroxide, water, and antibiotic ointment. Then sealed it with a gauze and bandaid. Its now been 3 days and the foot is swelling and there is some redness. There is almost no pain and no other symptoms of infection besides the ones i have states. Oh and also the puncture is pretty deep almost to where the bone is visible. I need to know if it is infected and if i have to seek medical attention

[philnoir]

If you can see the bone, seek medical attention, now.

[caregiver222]

If there is redness there is probably infection. There is a problem with foot injuries because oral antibiotics generally do not have sufficient strength to deal with infections in the extremities, which often require intravenous medications. So the answer is yes, you definitely require medical attention. If the infection goes into the bones and you develop osteomyelitis  you may have to have your foot amputated so this is not an insignificant issue. Go to general quarters.