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What is Toe Cellulitis?

Kendra Young
Kendra Young

Toe cellulitis, or cellulitis of the foot, is a bacterial infection of the tissues just below the skin. Infected parts of the toe can include skin membranes, muscles, or connective tissues. Most cases of cellulitis are caused by streptococcus or staphylococcus bacteria, commonly known as strep or staph, but it can be caused by many different bacterium types. Healthy, intact skin usually prevents bacteria from entering the body. Any break in the skin, such as small cuts, surgical wounds, and insect or animal bites, can allow bacteria to enter skin tissues and potentially cause infection.

Symptoms of toe cellulitis can include redness or inflammation, pain or tenderness, or an increase in skin temperature in the immediate area. It is also common for redness and inflammation to increase so the skin appears to be stretched or glossy. Additional signs of cellulitis can include fever, chills, and a feeling of being unusually tired or fatigued. Most cases of toe cellulitis are mild, but it can become serious very rapidly if left untreated.

Symptoms of toe cellulitis may include redness or inflammation and pain in the area.
Symptoms of toe cellulitis may include redness or inflammation and pain in the area.

Treatment for toe cellulitis can include keeping the injured area clean, elevating the foot and applying a moist, warm compress. In more advanced cases, a physician might consider prescribing oral antibiotics to kill the invading bacteria. Over-the-counter pain medications are usually effective in treating pain, but a physician can prescribe prescription pain medications for severe infections. In mild to moderate cases, toe cellulitis will usually resolve after 7 to 10 days of treatment. Other underlying medical conditions or a delay in seeking treatment can increase the severity of the condition and prolong recovery.

Over-the-counter pain medications may help treat toe cellulitis pain.
Over-the-counter pain medications may help treat toe cellulitis pain.

One underlying condition that can contribute to complications is diabetes. Diabetics often suffer from decreased circulation in the lower extremities and are at a greater risk for foot infections. For this reason, diabetics are often encouraged to take extra precautions to protect their feet from injury. Individuals with conditions such diabetes and atherosclerosis are frequently advised to seek medical treatment for foot injuries as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment play an important part in preventing serious complications from cellulitis, regardless of underlying medical conditions.

Intravenous antibiotics may be prescribed to treat severe toe cellulitis.
Intravenous antibiotics may be prescribed to treat severe toe cellulitis.

The most severe form of cellulitis is known as necrotizing fasciitis, also called the flesh-eating bacteria. Although rare, necrotizing fasciitis is a severe and potentially fatal infection. Treatment often includes the use of powerful intravenous (IV) antibiotics and the surgical removal of infected or dead tissues. If the infection cannot be controlled using these measures, amputation might be considered when the infection is contained in an extremity. It is not uncommon for victims of necrotizing fasciitis to require cosmetic surgery, skin grafts, or other forms of cosmetic surgery after recovering from necrotizing fasciitis.

Discussion Comments

anon970837

The doctor said I have cellulitis, but I was wondering if it is normal for the sore to be green and have liquid oozing from it. If anyone can inform me, I would greatly appreciate it.

jailnurse

I think my diabetic husband has cellulitis of the toe. It looks like poison ivy. He will be soaking his feet in out chlorinated pool. He already put on polysporin with some positive results. I found a bottle of unused Keflex, that was for droopy eyelid surgery that was not done. Tomorrow, to the doc, for evaluation and treatment. Yes, this article was a help. I printed it up for him. He liked it.

anon335202

I think I might have very mild toe cellulitis because I have realized that it has been red and almost swollen, so this article was very informative.

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    • Symptoms of toe cellulitis may include redness or inflammation and pain in the area.
      By: mettus
      Symptoms of toe cellulitis may include redness or inflammation and pain in the area.
    • Over-the-counter pain medications may help treat toe cellulitis pain.
      By: Doruk Sikman
      Over-the-counter pain medications may help treat toe cellulitis pain.
    • Intravenous antibiotics may be prescribed to treat severe toe cellulitis.
      By: Africa Studio
      Intravenous antibiotics may be prescribed to treat severe toe cellulitis.
    • Toe cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the tissues just below the skin of the toes.
      By: erika8213
      Toe cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the tissues just below the skin of the toes.
    • Individuals with diabetes may experience poor circulation in the feet, which may cause them to be more susceptible to foot infections.
      By: Mercedes Fittipaldi
      Individuals with diabetes may experience poor circulation in the feet, which may cause them to be more susceptible to foot infections.
    • A break in the skin caused by an animal bite can allow bacteria to enter skin tissues and cause an infection.
      By: sima
      A break in the skin caused by an animal bite can allow bacteria to enter skin tissues and cause an infection.
    • Diabetics should inspect all parts of the legs and feet for sores or wounds on a regular basis.
      By: Arman Zhenikeyev
      Diabetics should inspect all parts of the legs and feet for sores or wounds on a regular basis.