When Does an Ingrown Toenail Require Professional Care?

Your toe hurts. When you examine it, the toe may appear red or slightly swollen. Is the end of the nail stuck in the skin on your toe? You have an ingrown toenail. 

Your ingrown toenail may hurt so badly that it’s difficult for you to wear shoes. When your toenail grows into the skin near the nail bed, the sharp point of the nail can cause an infection in your toe. 

Our board-certified podiatrist, Albert A. Nejat, DPM, FACFAS, with Podiatry Institute of Southern California, specializes in foot and ankle issues. If you suspect an ingrown toenail, don’t wait until you have a full-blown infection. Come in when your toe starts to hurt so we can prevent an infection. 

Reasons for ingrown toenails

You may wonder how you got an ingrown toenail. The number one cause is incorrect nail trimming. You likely trimmed your nails too closely or at an angle. When you do that, the nail can easily start growing into the skin. 

Aside from trimming your toenails incorrectly, additional risk factors include the following:

• Toe Injuries 
• Pointed shoes and shoes that are too small 
• Chronic diseases such as diabetes

If you’ve had more than one ingrown toenail, you should examine your feet every day so that you can take action if you see a nail growing into the skin. 

When to see the podiatrist about an ingrown toenail

Ingrown toenails are likely to become infected if left untreated. Once the nail penetrates the outer layer of skin, bacteria and other germs can enter the skin.

If you experience any swelling, bleeding, pus, or discharge, please call our office immediately. 

Your risk for an ingrown toenail increases if you have diabetes or another condition that weakens your immune system. In some instances, an untreated infection can result in tissue death (gangrene) and the infection can spread to different parts of the body.

Professional treatment for ingrown toenails and prevention strategies

If you have pain in your toe in the area where the nail is, please schedule a visit so Dr. Nejat can examine it. We’ll fit you in at a same-day appointment to help relieve your discomfort and prevent or treat infection. 

If the nail hasn't penetrated the skin too deeply, we may place a splint underneath it to protect the area. In some cases, Dr. Nejat may need to remove part of the toenail that’s growing into the skin. You’ll take an antibiotic or apply a topical antibiotic to the wound to treat the infection. 

Dr. Nejat also explains how to avoid ingrown toenails in the future. They’re no fun. An ingrown toenail can keep you off your feet and away from the activities you usually enjoy. 

In the future, always trim your toenails in a straight line. Avoid creating a curve with scissors or clippers, as this can lead to an ingrown nail. Always leave a little area of white at the end of the nail. 

Call the Podiatry Institute of Southern California or request an appointment through our online portal today. We take care of all of your foot and ankle needs.