Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin. This can be extremely painful and can lead to an infection if not treated properly. In this blog, we will discuss the symptoms and treatments for ingrown toenail infections.
Symptoms of Ingrown Toenail Infection:
The symptoms of an ingrown toenail infection can vary depending on the severity of the infection. Some common symptoms include:
- Pain and tenderness around the affected toenail
- Swelling and redness around the toenail
- Warmth around the affected area
- Pus or discharge from the affected area
- Difficulty walking or wearing shoes
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Treatments for Ingrown Toenail Infection:
There are several treatments for ingrown toenail infections, depending on the severity of the infection.
- Soaking the affected foot in warm water: Soaking your foot in warm water can help to reduce swelling and relieve pain. You can also add Epsom salt to the water to help draw out any infection.
- Antibiotics: If the infection is severe, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to help fight the infection. Most of the time this is just a topical medications
- Partial nail removal: If the ingrown toenail is causing a lot of pain and discomfort, your doctor may recommend removing part of the nail. This can help to prevent the nail from growing back into the skin.
- Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the entire nail. This is usually only done if other treatments have been unsuccessful.
Prevention of Ingrown Toenail Infection:
There are several steps you can take to help prevent an ingrown toenail infection.
- Trim your toenails straight across: This can help to prevent the nail from growing into the surrounding skin.
- Wear comfortable shoes: Tight or ill-fitting shoes can put pressure on your toes and lead to ingrown toenails.
- Keep your feet clean and dry: This can help to prevent infections from developing.
- Avoid cutting or tearing the skin around your toenails: This can increase your risk of infection.
In conclusion, ingrown toenails can be extremely painful and can lead to serious complications with some of the most common being infected ingrown toenail and fungal nail infections if not treated properly. Fungal nail infections once you have them can be very difficult to treat. If you are experiencing any symptoms of an ingrown toenail infection, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. With the right treatment and prevention strategies, you can help to prevent ingrown toenail infections from occurring in the future.
About the Author: Jeff Strauss received his pre-med/biology degree from Villanova University and has become an industry expert in the field of dermatology, with 20 plus years of experience. He is also the CEO and Co-Founder of Distinct Dermatology Inc.
