Ingrown Nail infection

When Ingrown Nail is Infected?

Overview

An ingrown toenail occurs when the side of the nail curls down and grows into the skin around the nail. Any toe can be affected, but the big toe is the most frequently affected. An ingrown toenail can become painful and inflamed (tender, red and swollen). It can sometimes get infected, which, if untreated, can spread and infect the bone beneath.

Symptoms of an Ingrown Toenail

Ingrown toenails begin with modest symptoms that can become more severe, just like many other potentially serious conditions. To avoid infection or other complications, pay close attention to this condition’s early warning signs. The following are signs of an infected ingrown toenail:

• Redness or hardening of the skin around the nail
• Swelling
• Pain when touched
• Pressure under the nail
• Throbbing
• Bleeding
• Build-up or oozing of fluid
• Foul smell
• Warmth in the area around the nail
• Pus-filled abscess where the nail punctured the skin
• Overgrowth of new, inflamed tissue at the edges of the nail
• Thick, cracked yellowing nails, specifically in fungal infections

Risks of Ingrown Toenail Infections

An ingrown toenail can become infected with bacteria or fungi. For example, MRSA, a drug-resistant staph infection, lives on the skin and can cause infection to occur.

Healing can be inhibited by any condition that reduces blood flow or causes nerve damage to the feet. Infections may become more common and more challenging to cure as a result.

Gangrene is one of the complications brought on by infections that are difficult to treat.

Treatments for an Ingrown Toenail

 Ingrown toenail infections can often be treated at home if you’re able to get under the part of the nail that’s digging into your skin.

Avoid pulling or yanking on your nail. Using a piece of dental floss, you might be able to lift the skin gently; however, don’t push too hard, and make sure your hands are clean before attempting this.

• To soften the area, soak your foot in warm water with salt. This will help the pus to drain out and reduce pain.
• Use an antibiotic or an antifungal lotion directly on the skin underneath and around the nail.
• Take over-the-counter pain medication to help reduce symptoms, such as discomfort and swelling.

If your infection doesn’t begin to heal within a few days, see a doctor. They may be better able to lift and get under the nail, making treatment with topical antibiotics easier

• Placing gauze soaked in antibiotics beneath the nail to get rid of the infection and help the nail to grow out regularly.
• Trimming or removing the ingrown portion of your nail.
• Surgery in the case of a serious or recurring problem.

If a bone infection is suspected, your doctor may do a blood test to see how deep the infection goes. Other tests include:

• X-ray
• MRI
• Bone scan
• Bone biopsy if your doctor suspects osteomyelitis, a rare complication

Prevention of Ingrown Toenails

 To help prevent an ingrown toenail:

• Wear properly fitting shoes.
• Maintain dry and clean feet.
• Trim your nails properly by soaking your foot in warm water for a few seconds before to trimming. And make sure you cut straight across, without tapering or rounding the corners or cutting them too short.

If you’re experiencing pain and discomfort with an Ingrown Nail infection, consider speaking to our top-rated Podiatrist or Visit Feldman & Leavitt Foot and Ankle Specialists about the best treatment plan for your needs.

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