Podiatrist Questions Podiatrist

Is my toe infection bad enough to go to the ER?

My toe has been infected for almost a week now but just tonight I realized that there was a red streak going down from it hurts really bad. Do I need to go to the ER or urgent care?

Female | 26 years old
Complaint duration: 1 week
Medications: Welllbutrin

9 Answers

Yes,
Hello, Thank you for your question. We you have to evaluate you and take foot x-rays if needed. Please call our office 973-817-9577 or on our portal drtotten.com for an appointment.
Thank you
Please see a podiatrist ASAP or go to ER.
I would have this seen about. It looks like a minor staff infection. A simple round of antibiotics such as cephalexin will help. You may need a small nail procedure to remove any offending nail tissue.
See a podiatrist first before attempting ER.
I recommend you make an appointment with a foot and ankle surgeon (podiatrist) to have this addressed. I do not think the ER will address the problem definitively
A toenail infection should be handled by a Foot and Ankle Specialist. If you go to the ER or urgent care, they will simply refer you to a specialist and will likely not take care of it. But, yes, you need medical attention. You will need antibiotics and a minor procedure in the office
Your toe is infected. If it's after hours, you should go to urgent care. They will put you on an antibiotic. The infection will also need to be drained. If they don't do it, ask them to refer you to a podiatrist for further care.
Good luck.

Dr. Steven Lam
Go to an urgent care or ER