Ingrown toenail (medically called onychocryptosis) is a condition in which the side of a toenail digs into the soft tissue and cause pain, redness, and swelling. Infection may soon follow after getting an ingrown toenail, resulting in excessive inflammation, swelling, pain, and discharge.

In the early stages (BEFORE infection sets in), appropriate home care may prevent the need for further treatment. You can try to soak your foot in the warm and soapy water, and wear open-toe for a few days until the symptom goes away. You should avoid cutting the nail on your own because it will most likely worsen the condition.

However, if the symptom does not go away within a few days to a couple of weeks, or if your symptom just gets worse and worse, it may be a sign of infection. If this case, your best choice is to see a podiatrist who can address the surgical procedure. The infected ingrown toenail is one of the few cases when a surgical procedure is actually recommended.

When infected ingrown toenails are left untreated, it could cause more serious complication such as spreading the infection to the underlying bone. If you have an ingrown toenail, do not ignore it and choose the right option to treat.