How to Tell If an Ingrown Toenail Is Infected
Sep 17, 2024
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Ingrown toenails can be uncomfortable and even embarrassing, but many people aren’t sure how to tell when an ingrown toenail becomes infected. We’ll give you the signs and symptoms to look for as well as the moment when you should seek medical care from your provider.
Southwest Foot & Ankle in Scottsdale, Arizona, offers treatment for all kinds of podiatric woes, including ingrown toenails. Our providers — Petrina C. Lewis, DPM, FACFAS, and Mark T. Lewis, DPM, FACFAS — are here to help you avoid further issues with an infected toenail and ensure that you can get back to healthy, happy feet.
If you’ve never had one before, it’s actually pretty easy to spot an ingrown toenail, even if it’s in an early stage. The skin on your toe will overlap your nail, and sometimes you won’t see the edge of your nail at all.
A lot of different issues can cause an ingrown toenail. Contrary to popular belief, they don’t usually happen because people don’t clean their feet but more often because people don’t properly trim their toenails. Your toenails need to be trimmed straight across; when you round or cut your nail at a diagonal, this can lead to an ingrown toenail.
Wearing shoes that are too tight or that pinch can cause an ingrown toenail too. High heels can also cause this issue because of the pressure they place on your toe, which can push your nail into your skin. For some people, their toenails may be more likely to grow inward. This can depend heavily on the size, shape, and growth pattern of your nail.
Why do ingrown toenails become infected? This occurs because of bacteria on and around your nail. Feet do get dirty, and if you’re likely to sweat inside your shoes, this can also create a problem. Even if you wash your feet well, it can be hard to get to the bacteria in an ingrown toenail, which can quickly lead to infection.
Recognizing an infection in an ingrown toenail is fairly simple. The skin around your nail will likely look red and inflamed, and it may leak pus. It’ll also be warm or painful to the touch. If you have diabetes, you may not notice the pain of an infected ingrown toenail, which is why you have to be extra vigilant about your foot care.
Sometimes, you can treat your ingrown toenail at home. But if it’s become infected — and especially if you have diabetic neuropathy — it’s much safer to seek treatment from a medical professional. Antibiotics can help clear up your infection, and your provider can safely cut your nail to avoid further problems. In some cases, part of your nail may need to be removed.
If you notice the symptoms of an infection, it’s always best to see your provider and find out if you need any other treatment beyond the standard ingrown toenail care. This is the best way to avoid severe problems like a deformity or bone infection.
Now that you know how to tell when an ingrown toenail has become infected, you’ll know whether to seek treatment. It’s also important to get help if you have comorbid disorders (such as diabetic neuropathy) or if you experience consistent issues with ingrown nails.
To learn more about your treatment options, make an appointment at Southwest Foot & Ankle today. Call our office at 480-900-7399 or schedule a visit online.