An ingrown toenail develops when the toenail begins growing into the skin that surrounds the nail causing great pain and discomfort in the toe and foot. This condition is typically caused by tight footwear, improper nail cutting, and trauma to the toe. Symptoms of an advanced infection include odor, pus, and a fever.
When the skin becomes inflamed and tender, tears in the skin can allow bacteria to enter the skin and infect the area of the injury. If the area is infected, symptoms include
- Increased inflammation
- Redness
- Pain
- Pus in the color green or yellow
- Odor
- Increased pain
If you leave an ingrown toenail untreated, the condition may lead to a skin infection which is known as cellulitis. In more advanced cases, the condition may also lead to an infection of the actual bone. It is important to always be checking the health of your toes and feet and seek medical attention if the ingrown condition has advanced to prevent further complications and infection.
If you have an ingrown toenail, don’t let it get worse. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with one of our podiatrists