Infected Ingrown Toenail: All You Wish You Didn’t Need To Know
Our feet are trusted to carry round our body weight and keep us moving every single day, therefore it’s incredibly important for us to look after them, especially after a long day. Of course, there is only so much we can do to help you to protect your feet, the rest is up to you. One issue we tend to see a lot is an infected ingrown toenail, which is why we’re discussing the best advice to help you recover with speed and get you back on your feet in no time.
What Is An Ingrown Toenail?
An ingrown toenail occurs when the corners or edges of the nail grows into the skin in the toe rather than growing outwards, causing pain and discomfort. It’s most likely to happen on your big toe, however it can happen on any of your toes. It’s a fairly common issue to experience and it can be treated relatively quickly and easily.
Ingrown toenails, medically known as onychocryptosis, can be particularly troublesome and painful. They typically develop when the pressure from the growth of the nail edge into the skin causes inflammation. This condition is not only painful but can also lead to infection if not treated properly.
Several different factors can contribute to the development of ingrown toenails. One of the most common causes is improper nail trimming. When nails are cut too short or rounded instead of straight across, the edges can begin to grow into the surrounding skin. Ill-fitting shoes and tight socks can make the problem worse by placing constant pressure on the toes, forcing the nail further into the tissue.
Toe injuries also play a role — even something as simple as stubbing your toe or dropping an object on it can change how the nail grows and make it more likely to become ingrown. Genetics can be another factor, as some people naturally have curved or fan-shaped nails that are more prone to this condition. Additionally, poor posture or structural issues with the feet, such as flat feet or an uneven gait, can alter how pressure is distributed across the toes, encouraging abnormal nail growth over time.
Symptoms to Watch For
The typical symptoms of an ingrown toenail often start with noticeable swelling and redness around the affected nail, as the surrounding skin becomes irritated and inflamed. Pain and tenderness are also common, particularly along the edges of the nail where it begins to press into the skin. In some cases, an infection may develop, leading to the presence of pus or fluid drainage from the area. These symptoms can worsen over time if left untreated, making early care and proper foot hygiene especially important.
Why Big Toes Are Commonly Affected
The big toe is particularly susceptible to ingrown toenails due to its significant role in bearing the body’s weight and maintaining balance. This toe experiences substantial pressure, which, combined with any of the aforementioned causes, increases the likelihood of nail edges growing into the surrounding skin.
By understanding the causes and symptoms of ingrown toenails, you can better prevent and manage this common foot problem. Continuing to follow safe foot care practices and choosing the right footwear are key steps in preventing ingrown toenails and keeping your feet healthy.
How To Prevent An Ingrown Toenail…
Even though anybody can develop an ingrown toenail at any point in their lifetime, there are certain things that you can do to prevent one from developing. For example, keeping nails well trimmed and wearing sensible fitted shoes are the best options for maintaining healthy feet and nails.
How To Treat An Infected Ingrown Toenail At Home…
Before visiting a GP or podiatrist, you should attempt to treat your ingrown toenail at home, as long as you are not suffering with bleeding, pus and a fever. You can do this by soaking your feet in warm, salty water for 15 minutes, several times per day. Ensure to fully dry your feet afterwards and keep them clean and dry in between soaks.
If you can, aim to wear sandals or other comfortable, breathable shoes to allow the nail to breathe properly rather than becoming trapped. It will heal more quickly and prevent infection from becoming worse.
If the pain and swelling continues to worsen, rather than getting better and beginning to heal, you should visit your GP or a podiatrist. They can prescribe antibiotics to help fight off the infection.
Recovery and Aftercare for Ingrown Toenails
Successfully recovering from an ingrown toenail and preventing future issues requires careful attention to aftercare. Following the right steps not only speeds up your recovery but also minimises the risk of complications.
Immediate Aftercare Following Treatment
Whether you’ve completed a simple home treatment or undergone a professional procedure such as nail surgery, the steps you take immediately afterward play a vital role in your healing process.
Begin by keeping the area clean and dry. After any nail procedure, it’s important to wash your toe gently each day using warm water and mild soap, then pat it dry with a clean towel. Avoid soaking the toe unless specifically advised by your healthcare provider, as too much moisture can slow down recovery.
If your doctor has applied a dressing, make sure to care for it exactly as instructed. The bandage should remain clean and dry, and you may need to change it regularly to prevent infection. Always use sterile materials and handle the area carefully to avoid irritation.
To manage pain and swelling, try elevating your foot whenever possible, particularly in the first few days after treatment. This helps reduce inflammation and promotes circulation. Over-the-counter pain relief such as ibuprofen can be effective, but check with your healthcare provider before taking any medication to ensure it’s suitable for you.
Long-Term Care to Prevent Recurrence
Preventing the recurrence of ingrown toenails is just as important as the initial recovery. The best long-term approach begins with adopting the right nail care habits. Always trim your toenails straight across and avoid cutting them too short, as this helps prevent the corners from digging into the surrounding skin. If the edges feel rough, gently smooth them with a nail file rather than rounding them off.
Wearing appropriate footwear is another key factor in prevention. Choose shoes with a wide toe box and avoid styles that squeeze or put pressure on your toes, such as tight-fitting shoes or high heels. Allowing your toes enough space ensures your nails grow outward naturally instead of curling into the skin.
Good foot hygiene also plays a vital role. Wash your feet daily and make sure to dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes where moisture tends to linger. If you’re prone to fungal infections, consider using antifungal sprays or powders to keep your feet healthy.
Finally, if you experience recurring ingrown toenails, schedule regular visits with a podiatrist. Professional nail care can prevent minor issues from becoming painful problems, and routine check-ups allow your podiatrist to spot early signs of trouble before they worsen.
Monitoring for Signs of Complications
Keep an eye out for signs of infection during the healing process, such as increased redness, swelling, pain, or pus. If you notice these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider promptly. They may prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection or suggest further treatment options.
By implementing these recovery and aftercare strategies, you can ensure a quick and effective healing process for your ingrown toenail and reduce the likelihood of future occurrences. Regular follow-up with your healthcare provider is essential to monitor your progress and maintain optimal foot health.
What Happens When an Ingrown Toenail Gets Infected?
An infected ingrown toenail starts out as a simple nail problem but can quickly develop into a painful toe infection. When the nail edge breaks the skin, bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus can enter. The result is an inflamed, tender area around the nail that may throb or feel hot to the touch. In addition to redness and swelling, watch for signs of infection like pus or a yellowish discharge and a general feeling of being hot or shivery. These warning signs mean the infection is progressing and the toe needs proper care, particularly if it’s the big toe bearing most of your weight.
Self-Care and Home Treatment
If you spot an infected toenail early, there are a few things you can do at home to ease discomfort and stop the problem from worsening. Regularly soaking the foot in warm, salty water helps soften the skin, reduce inflammation and minimise the risk of infection. After a soak, dry the foot thoroughly and keep it clean. Comfortable, breathable footwear with a wide toe box prevents extra pressure on the nail and lets air circulate. Avoid cutting the nail during this time; cutting too short or trimming the sides encourages the nail to grow into the skin. Never pick at the nail or try to dig it out, as this can introduce more bacteria.
For those searching “what to do for an infected toe” or “how do you treat an infected ingrown toenail,” another tip is to use a small piece of clean dental floss or cotton to gently lift the nail edge after soaking, helping it grow above the skin. Some people apply petroleum jelly or antibiotic cream to the area to keep it moist and discourage bacterial growth. Changing socks regularly and avoiding tight socks or high heels gives your toe space to heal.
When to See a GP or Podiatrist
Home remedies aren’t always enough, particularly if pain and swelling persist or if you notice a fever. A GP can check for infection and, if necessary, prescribe oral or topical antibiotics. Antibiotics target the bacteria causing the infection and help reduce redness, swelling and pus. In more serious cases where an abscess forms under the skin or the infection spreads, surgical drainage or partial nail removal may be needed. Podiatrists are trained to perform partial or full nail avulsion under local anaesthetic, which removes the piece of nail causing the problem and allows the toe to heal. A course of antibiotics and proper wound care are often provided afterwards to clear up infection and prevent recurrence. At Northwich Foot Clinic, our experienced podiatrists offer prompt assessments and personalised treatment plans for infected ingrown toenails, toe infections and other foot conditions.
Risks of Ignoring an Infected Toenail
Leaving an infected ingrown toenail untreated can lead to serious complications. Ingrown nails can become infected and produce pus, and without intervention the infection may spread to surrounding tissue or even the bone. Severe cases can result in cellulitis, abscess formation or osteomyelitis (bone infection), which may require hospital care. People with conditions such as diabetes or poor circulation are especially at risk because infections tend to heal more slowly and can contribute to diabetic ulcers. In rare instances the infection can spread to the bloodstream and cause sepsis. Early treatment is therefore essential. If you are feeling unwell, have a high temperature, or the toe infection does not improve with home care, seek medical advice straight away.
Long-Term Prevention and Care
Preventing ingrown toenails and toe infections is always better than treating them. Trim your nails straight across and avoid cutting them too short; never dig into the corners. Wear shoes that fit properly – a wide toe box allows your toes to spread naturally and reduces the risk of the nail pressing into the skin. Keeping your feet clean and thoroughly drying between the toes helps reduce bacterial and fungal growth. If your job or hobbies expose your feet to moisture for long periods, change your socks regularly and use breathable materials. In cases where the nail shape naturally encourages ingrowing or if you repeatedly develop toe infections, schedule regular check-ups with a podiatrist who can trim nails professionally and monitor foot health.
Further Help For An Infected Ingrown Toe Nail…
If you have an infected ingrown toe nail which isn’t getting better, or a recurring ingrown nail which doesn’t seem to want to heal, you’ve come to the right place. Here at the Northwich Foot Clinic, we offer a range of podiatry services including partial nail and full nail removal. If you’re suffering with your infected ingrown toenail and home remedies aren’t working, you can book an appointment with us online here. We will then be able to take a look and decide which route of treatment is best to take according to your individual circumstances.
