When to Seek Treatment for an Ingrown Toenail

Ingrown toenails are very common. Learn how to spot the signs that indicate professional treatment may be necessary to speed your recovery.

Learn When to Seek Treatment for an Ingrown Toenail

Toe pain caused by an ingrown toenail can often be treated at home. But more advanced ingrown toenails that are getting infected or growing into the skin beneath may require the attention of a podiatrist.

Wasatch Foot & Ankle Institute is here to help patients understand why, when, and how to treat an ingrown toenail.

Causes of Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails happen when the skin next to a toenail becomes irritated by the edge of that toenail growing into it. Common causes include cutting toenails too short, trimming them rounded, wearing shoes that don’t fit correctly, and frequent pressure on toes (such as running).

Some people may also be more prone to ingrown toenails naturally from having curved toenails or from other toenail disorders.

Ingrown Toenail Symptoms You Can Wait Out

Toenail irritation in the very beginning is usually marked by mild pain along the side of your toenail. There may also be slight redness, and you may feel tenderness when you press on the affected area.

Symptoms of irritation can typically be worse when you are wearing shoes.

You can help your ingrown toenail feel better by soaking your foot and avoiding tight shoes. Catching an ingrown toenail early can help you avoid it getting worse.

Symptoms Indicating Your Ingrown Toenail Is Getting Worse

If your toenail keeps growing into your skin, irritation and inflammation will occur. As swelling occurs, your toe will likely become quite tender and feel warm to the touch.

You may also notice some fluid coming from the area or early drainage. If your symptoms have not started to improve within a couple of days, your body may not be fighting off the irritation.

Signs of Ingrown Toenail Infection

In addition to some of the previous symptoms of an ingrown toenail that is getting worse, other clear signs of infection can include drainage of pus from the affected area, throbbing pain, and redness that continues to spread around your toe.

Your skin will become extra shiny and swollen from inflammation and you will probably experience even more tenderness when you touch the area.

If redness starts spreading beyond your toenail or you experience fever, that is your body telling you that the infection is spreading and you should seek care immediately.

Ingrown Toenail Pain That Affects Your Day-to-Day Life

Ingrown toenails can cause mild to severe pain. If you are having discomfort that is affecting your ability to walk, wear shoes, or even sleep you have most likely waited too long.

This may be a sign that your toenail has grown far too far into the skin of your toe. Another cause of severe pain is an abscess. Seek treatment to see what your options are to reduce pressure and relieve pain.

Ingrown Toenails That Keep Coming Back

If you have had repeat ingrown toenails after treatment you should seek help. There is likely an underlying cause that can be addressed to prevent future ingrown toenails.

This can include the way your nails grow, shoes you wear, or even how you cut your nails. Your doctor may suggest a minor procedure to prevent future toenails from becoming ingrown.

People With Diabetes, Poor Circulation, Weak Immune Systems Should Seek Care Promptly

Ingrown toenails can be very dangerous if you have diabetes, poor circulation, or a compromised immune system. What may be a minor infection to others can spread quickly due to your body’s inability to fight it off.

These people should seek care as soon as they begin to notice any redness or pain. Don’t wait to seek treatment and try to treat at home.

Home Treatment Is Not Helping Your Ingrown Toenail Heal

If you have been treating your toenail at home for a couple of days and your symptoms have not improved or they have become worse it is time to seek medical care.

If ingrown toenail symptoms continue after 48-72 hours of home treatment, you should make an appointment to see a provider. Waiting longer can cause infection to spread making it harder to treat and take longer to recover.

Treatment Options Your Doctor Can Provide

Doctors can help treat ingrown toenails by clipping the part of the nail that is causing irritation. This procedure is quick and your doctor will most likely use local anesthesia to numb the area.

In some severe cases, part of the root may be burned to prevent future growth of nail in that area. Taking care of an ingrown toenail early can help prevent it from coming back.

At Wasatch Foot & Ankle Institute we provide individualized care to each patient. This can include minor procedures to help treat your ingrown toenail, manage infection, and provide long term options to prevent ingrown toenails in the future.

How to Avoid Ingrown Toenails in the Future

To prevent ingrown toenails always trim your nails straight across. Do not cut your nails too short or dig into the corners of your nails when trimming.

When wearing shoes, make sure they fit properly and give your toes plenty of room. Wearing shoes with a large toe box will decrease your chances of developing an ingrown toenail.

Always keep your feet clean and dry to decrease your chances of infection.

Ingrown Toenail Care Is Part of Foot Health

Ingrown toenails can be pesky but don’t let an irritating symptom lead to serious infection. Catching symptoms early and seeking care when you need to can help you maintain good foot health.

Treatment isn’t just quick pain relief. Proper treatment will ensure the infection doesn’t spread and decrease your chances of getting another ingrown toenail in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is an ingrown toenail too deep to treat at home?

Severe pain when wearing shoes or walking, signs of infection, foul odor, fever, and redness spreading beyond the toenail are all indicators that you should seek care right away.

How long does it take for an ingrown toenail to become infected?

Ingrown toenails do not have a specific time frame that they become infected. However, if your symptoms do not start to improve within 48-72 hours, you should make an appointment to see a doctor.

Can your body heal an ingrown toenail on its own?

Mild ingrown toenails can typically heal on their own with basic at-home care. Once the toenail has cut into the skin, in more advanced cases it will require professional help.

Will a doctor cut my toenail off for an ingrown toenail?

A doctor will never cut your entire toenail off to treat an ingrown toenail. Typically only the part of the nail that is causing irritation will be trimmed.

Can you die from an ingrown toenail?

While it is very rare for someone to die from an ingrown toenail, people with diabetes or poor blood circulation can be at risk for amputation if infection spreads. Seek care right away if you experience severe signs of infection.