My child has been on dicloxacillin for 5 days for redness around her toenail (no ingrown). the pain is gone but no change in redness. normal?

Redness should go: It sounds like infection is improving- but at 5dys the redness should also be a little better. But if infection was deep then no worsening redness may be a good sign- i would contact doctor- b/c if is a MRSA infection the Dicloxacillin may not work completely- but another simple to use antibiotic will treat it. Meds such as Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim) and Doxycycline depending on age and allergies of your child.

Sometimes: It takes a while for the redness to go away. Your child is obviously responding to the medication if the pain is gone. If the redness is not gone after a week call the doctor but it sounds as if everything is going to be ok. I usually recommend soaking 3 times a day in a packet of domeboro solution dissolved in water. It seems to heal faster. Good luck.