Ingrown Toenails

When is a nail considered an ingrown toenail?

An ingrown toenail is one in which the nail grows into the skin around it (usually on just one side of a big toe). Some ingrown toenails also feature new skin growth that takes over even more of the nail surface if untreated. 

What does an ingrown toenail feel like?

An ingrown toenail feels sore, hot, painful, or even downright excruciating.

As bad as it feels,  an ingrown toenail can look even worse. Ingrown toenails are typically vibrant red and often cause pronounced swelling. 

Because the toenail pierces the skin, bacteria can work their way into the skin easily and cause a serious infection. Infected ingrown toenails are particularly painful. They often leak clear fluid, blood, and pus and may have a foul odor. 

Untreated, an infected ingrown toenail can worsen. As the infection travels deeper into your toe, it can cause bone damage and other serious complications.

What are the most common causes of ingrown toenails?

Improper nail grooming is the number one cause of ingrown toenails. It’s best to cut toenails in a straight line. Curving the corners of the nails, whether with nail clippers or a nail file, greatly increases the chances of the nail growing into the skin. 

Other causes include:

• Cutting your nails too short
• Having a naturally curved toenail shape
• Wearing shoes that are too small
• Wearing shoes that compress or squeeze your toes
• Toe injuries, like stubbing your toe or dropping something heavy on it

Diabetes doesn’t directly cause ingrown toenails, but it dramatically increases your risk of severe ingrown toenail complications. 

So, if you have diabetes, it’s crucial to check your feet for signs of blisters, cuts, scrapes, ingrown toenails, and other issues daily. Reach out to Prestige Medical Care immediately if you notice a new problem.

Can I treat an ingrown toenail at home?

Ingrown toenails are best left to the professionals. Prestige Medical Care provides safe and sterile treatments in the office, such as lifting the corner of the nail and placing a splint or removing the embedded part of the nail. You’ll also get antibiotics if you need them. 

If you have a painfully swollen red nail, it’s time to get relief at Prestige Medical Care. Call the central Phoenix office or click on the online appointment button for help today.