5 Signs of Infection After Toenail Removal Surgery

After toenail removal, it’s normal to have some pain and swelling as the toe begins to heal. But in some cases, healing slows down or takes a wrong turn, and infection starts to build. In this article, we explain all the signs of infection after toenail removal, so you know exactly what to look for and when to seek care.

Is There a Risk of Infection After Toenail Removal?

Yes, there is a risk of infection. Toenail removal leaves soft skin open. This part of your toe becomes easy for bacteria to enter. You may think the toe is healing, but infection may grow inside without showing right away.

Infection can happen if the toe stays wet or dirty. You must keep the toe clean and dry to lower the risk. If you see any signs of infection after toenail removal, contact a podiatrist right away.

Signs of Infection After Toenail Removal Surgery

Watch your toe closely for changes after the surgery. Your toe should get better each day, not worse. If you notice these symptoms, they may be signs of infection after toenail removal.

Swelling that gets worse

Swelling is normal in the first two days. After that, it should start to go down. If the toe swells more on the third or fourth day, this is not a good sign. When the skin feels tight and hot or the swelling spreads, it shows that infection may be inside. This kind of swelling often comes with redness and pain. These are clear signs of infection after toenail removal.

Increased pain or throbbing

Pain after surgery should not get worse. It should slowly go away each day. If the toe begins to throb or ache more than before, something is wrong. Pain that feels like a strong pulse or burning inside the toe can mean infection. When pain stops responding to medicine or returns after going away, it may be one of the signs of infection after toenail removal.

Pus or yellow drainage

A small amount of clear or light pink fluid is normal in the first day or two. But thick yellow or green fluid shows infection. If the toe leaks pus or sticky discharge, this means bacteria are present. You should not see this kind of drainage after the first few days. If you do, it is one of the signs of infection after toenail removal.

Bad smell from the toe

A fresh wound should not smell bad. If you clean your toe and still smell something strong or sour, that is a warning. A bad smell usually means infection or dead tissue. It can come from under the skin, where bacteria grow. If the smell gets worse or does not go away, this is one of the signs of infection after toenail removal.

Fever or chills

If the infection spreads, it can affect your whole body. A fever of over 100.4°F may happen. You may also feel cold, tired, or weak. These symptoms do not come from a normal healing process. If you have a fever or chills after surgery, these are serious signs of infection after toenail removal.

How to Prevent Infection After Toenail Removal Surgery

You can take simple steps to stop infection:

• Wash the toe gently each day using mild soap and warm water.
• Dry the toe completely after cleaning.
• Cover the toe with a clean bandage your doctor recommends.
• Wear loose or open shoes that do not press on the toe.
• Only touch your toe if your hands are clean.
• Do not soak your toe unless your doctor says it’s safe.
• Follow all instructions from your doctor carefully.

Let’s Recap

Many people heal well after toenail removal. Some people develop problems if they do not care for the toes correctly. It is important to know the signs of infection after toenail removal so you can take action early. You must not wait for the toe to get worse. If you feel more pain or notice anything unusual, speak to a doctor. At Foot and Ankle Specialty Centers, we help people heal and avoid serious infection.

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