Ingrown toenails can be painful and can get worse overtime. Ingrown toenails are when a sharp corner or edge of the toenail digs into the skin at the end of or side of the toe. Anyone can get ingrown toenails but the first question is what are the symptoms of getting an ingrown. The early stages of an ingrown toenail, the end of the toe becomes red and painful with mild swelling. There is no pus or drainage and It may feel warm when you touch it , but you will not have a fever. Extra skin and tissue will begin to grow around the sharp end of the nail. A yellowish drainage can occur and the body’s response would be irritating the skin and but it does not lead necessarily to an infection.
There are many risks associated with an ingrown toenail. When wearing tight shoes it allows the nail to grow abnormally. When cutting the nails it’s important to cut the nail properly, never cut round but a straight trim. The reason for this is because if you cut the nail round, it allows the ingrown nail to dig into your skin which can be very painful. Toenail fungus as well can be an issue which allows the nail to be very thick and can cause ingrown toenails. Many traumas to the nail, like playing a sport can allow for an ingrown nail to be developed.
Ages between 20 to 30 are more at risk in getting an ingrown. Any nail can get an ingrown but the big toenail is the most common place in wear an ingrown can occur. Ingrown toenails can worsen overtime and it’s important to get treated soon. If you don’t get treated right away it can be a surgical procedure. Schedule an appointment with your local podiatrist to get you ingrown removed.
If you have an ingrown toenail, don’t wait for it to be infected. Consult with a medical professional or your local podiatrist. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with one of our licensed podiatrists. We have over 80 clinics nationwide including Reston, VA