Ingrown Toenail, Symptoms, Treatment and Complications

Ingrown Toenail, Symptoms, Treatment and Complications 

It might seem an ingrown toenail is nothing to be too concerned about. Most people can treat an ingrown toenail at home without problems. For example, soaking the foot in warm water often helps reduce pain and swelling.

But in some cases, if left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to complications. Certain people are at an increased risk of developing an infection. Keep reading the blog below and learn more about why you should not ignore an ingrown toenail.

How does an ingrown toenail develop? 

An ingrown toenail is more likely to develop if the toenails are cut improperly. The edge of the nail may grow into the skin, causing an ingrown nail. It is most likely to develop on the big toe.

Symptoms may start as soon as the nail pierces the skin and gradually become worse.

Signs of complications 

An ingrown toenail typically has mild symptoms that include:

• Redness
• Mild pain
• Swelling
• Oozing pus, if an infection develops 

But in some instances, complications can develop. Complications are more likely in people that have a compromised immune system or have conditions that affect wound healing, such as diabetes.

Possible complications 

If you ignore early signs of an ingrown toenail, it can lead to possible complications, such as the following:

• An open skin sore
• Foot ulcer
• Bone infection

Eventually, in severe cases, when the infection becomes significant, the tissue can die.

Should you see a foot specialist?

In many cases, at-home treatment works for an ingrown toenail. But in some instances, you may need to see a foot specialist. Considering seeing a podiatrist in the following situations:

• You have difficulty walking or standing
• Pain increases
• Home treatment did not work

Treating an ingrown toenail 

A foot specialist can help treat an ingrown toenail. Treatment may include:

Nail lifting: Nail lifting is one option to treat an ingrown toenail. This works best if the nail is bothersome but not infected. The foot specialist lifts the edge of the nail by placing something, such as cotton, underneath the nail. By lifting the nail, it promotes nail growth above the skin.

Oral antibiotics: When an infection is mild, topical antibiotics creams may be recommended. But if the infection is worsening or you are at a high risk of complications, your foot specialist may prescribe oral antibiotics. For instance, people that have a compromised immune system may be at an increases risk of a serious infection.

Surgery 

Most people do not need surgery for an ingrown toenail. But if other treatment does not work, surgery may be an option. Different types of procedures are used to treat the condition.

Surgery may include removing a small piece of the nail that is digging into the skin. In addition, a small narrow strip of the nail may also be removed. This leaves the nail a little narrower and may reduce the risk of an ingrown nail developing again.

Numbing medication is given prior to the procedure to limit discomfort. After the procedure, the nail bed is treated with antibiotic ointment. The foot specialist may also place a dressing over the area. Most people can return to normal activities in a day or two. 

If you have an ingrown toenail, especially if it reoccurs, consider seeing a podiatrist for evaluation and treatment. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Podiatrist, Sheldon Nadal, D.P.M at Bayview Eglinton Podiatry Clinic in Toronto.

https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/ingrown-toenail

https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/foot-health-what-to-do-about-an-ingrown-toenail

Management of the Ingrown Toenail - American Family Physician (aafp.org)