What is an Ingrown Toenail?

• The side of the nail has the ability to grow abnormally into the skin of the toe; this can result in the skin in the affected are to become infected.

Causes:

• The plate of the nail may have a different shape. The nail may range from being too wide or curved. These differences may serve it difficult to cut the toenails.

• An injury of the toenail can cause the skin to swell resulting in an ingrown toenail.

Is it risky to leave an ingrown toenail untreated?

• Yes, an ingrown toenail can become infected and pose detriments to your health.

Symptoms:

• The toe may feel uncomfortable

• The toe or area around the nail may swell

• Bleeding can result if it is infected or not

• Unpleasant smell from the blood or infection around the nail

• It may be difficult to walk in any closed toed shoes

• Walking may pose to be difficult, as well

Diagnosis:

• A podiatrist may diagnose by visual exam.

Treatment:

• Do not wear tight shoes

• Cut the nail

• Warm salt water soaking

• Keep the affected area clean and bandaged

• Ask your doctor if antibiotics may help

• Schedule a visit with a podiatrist (The podiatrist may remove a portion of the nail to fix the ingrown toenail or suggest surgery)

If an ingrown toenail is left untreated it is most likely going to get WORSE!