There is foul odor from toe nail. What to do?

Question

Hi doctor,

My mother is 85 years old. She is diabetic and blind. She is complaining of foul odor from under her big toe nail. The nail looks like it is normal. What should we do?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Your mother seems to have paronychia. Paronychia is the infection of the finger or toenail along the edge.

It might be a bacterial or fungal infection. Accordingly, she will require a topical antibiotic or antifungal application.

If the infection is severe, she might have to take oral medications.

Please get a complete blood count done and also check her diabetes status and revert with reports.