How to Soak an Infected Toe

Toes can become infected for many reasons--fungal infections, toenail infections, or even an infection from cutting a nail too short and opening the skin. Because your toes are inside socks and shoes, the best bet for curing infections is to soak the toe at the end of the day.

Treatment

Prepare the soak by mixing one gallon of hot water with 2 cups of white vinegar and one half cup of Epsom salt. Vinegar is a very effective treatment for infection and fungus. Epsom salt is also known as a soothing additive which will help relieve pain in the infected toe. When it comes to treating an infected toe a packaged foot soak is not recommended because it may have fragrance or other additives that will irritate and possibly worsen the infection.

Place the infected toe into the soak and allow it to remain there for at least 30 minutes. Move your toes around in the water to keep the vinegar and salt mixing and flowing across the infection. Many commercial foot bath devices offer vibrating or propulsion options that will keep the water in motion. Approximately 30 minutes gives the vinegar and salt time to work as the water cools.

Remove the infected foot from the soak and dry it gently with the towel. At this time you may want to apply a topical cream or antibacterial liquid and wrap it for the night.