Can an ingrown toenail pose serious health complications?

Ingrown toenails usually do not keep you bedridden. However, there are certain exceptions for people who have already existing medical problems or diseases that debilitate normal blood flow to the feet. In some situations, an ingrown toenail can end in difficulties for your day to day life. Needing a surgery or removal of the nail can cause such a case.

A few things can make you more prone to getting an ingrown toenail. One may be that your shoes are not, in fact, the correct size for you- causing a toe to be too cramped in your shoe. Cutting your nails crooked or leaving them too short can cause an ingrown toenail, as well.

At most times, remedies that you can do at home may solve the problem of an ingrown toenail. Ingrown toenails that may be solved with such remedies will not cause any dangerous health detriments. Some treatment options may be placing your toes/feet into lukewarm water or placing aids underneath your nails to help them grow in the right directions. Floss or cotton can be placed underneath a troublesome nail to help it grow straight.

Remember, though, that an ingrown toenail paired with an already existing medical condition can end is serious health complications. Someone with diabetes, for example, has to take extra precaution with their toes since they may have bad blood circulation in their feet.

Infection a common problem resulting from an ingrown toenail. Any infection that is untreated can lead to infection of the bone. Tissue in the feet can die and a condition called Gangrene can occur where even a sore in the foot can develop. If left untreated, the worst case scenario of a foot amputation is not as uncommon as you might think.

Do not leave any ingrown toenail untreated. If any pain arises or your nail begins to have discharge, schedule to see a doctor.