An ingrown toenail may seem like a small problem, but it can quickly become a painful and serious condition if left untreated. An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing irritation and inflammation. At first, you may only notice mild tenderness, but over time the area can become swollen, red, and increasingly painful. The longer it goes untreated, the greater the chance of infection and complications.
Ignoring an ingrown toenail allows the nail to continue pressing into the skin. This creates an opening where bacteria can enter, leading to an infection. You may notice drainage, warmth, or pus around the nail, and the pain may make it difficult to wear shoes or walk comfortably. People with diabetes, poor circulation, or weakened immune systems are at a much higher risk of developing serious complications because even a small infection can heal slowly and spread to deeper tissues if not treated promptly.
Signs Your Ingrown Toenail Needs Medical Attention
Don’t ignore these warning signs:
- Redness and swelling around the nail
- Increasing pain or tenderness
- Pus or drainage
- Bleeding around the toenail
- Difficulty walking or wearing shoes
- A recurring ingrown toenail
- Fever or spreading redness (seek immediate medical care)
While soaking your foot in warm water and wearing roomy shoes may provide temporary relief, they won’t always solve the problem. If the nail continues to grow into the skin, professional treatment is often the safest and most effective option.
When Should You See a Podiatrist?
Schedule an appointment if:
- Your symptoms last more than a few days.
- Home care isn’t helping.
- The toe appears infected.
- The ingrown toenail keeps coming back.
- You have diabetes, poor circulation, or nerve damage.
A podiatrist can safely remove the portion of the nail causing the problem, relieve your pain, and recommend treatment to help prevent future ingrown toenails. Early treatment is usually simple and can prevent a more serious infection from developing.
FAQs
1. Will an ingrown toenail heal on its own?
Some mild cases improve with proper foot care, but many continue to worsen without treatment, especially if the nail keeps growing into the skin.
2. Can an ingrown toenail become infected?
Yes. Bacteria can enter the broken skin around the nail, causing redness, swelling, drainage, and increasing pain.
3. When should I see a podiatrist for an ingrown toenail?
You should seek professional care if you have severe pain, signs of infection, a recurring ingrown toenail, or if you have diabetes or poor circulation, as these conditions increase the risk of complications.
Contact Information
Bloomfield Family Footcare – Bloomfield Hills
10 West Square Lake, Suite 300
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
📞 Phone: (248) 333-4900
Bloomfield Family Footcare – Dearborn
2035 Monroe St
Dearborn, MI 48124
📞 Phone: (313) 253-0600