Ingrown toenails can turn into a painful medical issue if not properly treated. An ingrown toenail occurs when the corners of the nail grow into the bed of the nail or the surrounding skin and may result due to injury or a history of infections.
Potential Side Effects of an Ingrown Toenail
Once a nail has grown into the skin, it poses a high risk of infection. Infected ingrown toenails should never be treated at home, especially if the skin has been punctured by the nail. Diabetes and other health conditions can lead to poor circulation that results in a higher risk of complications in addition to discomfort from the ingrown toenail.
This condition is caused by many things, including improper nail cutting, irregular nail shape and poorly-fitted footwear. Early signs of an ingrown toenail are general pain, swelling and discomfort in the affected area.
If you are experiencing the effects of an ingrown toenail, you may feel tenderness or swelling in the entire toe as well as the localized area surrounding the ingrown nail. Fluid can build up under the skin making it painful when any pressure is applied to the toe. This condition can make it difficult to walk without support, and it is best to stay off your feet as much as possible until you obtain effective treatment.
The surrounding skin may begin to ooze puss or even blood if the nail has punctured the skin. The area will often appear red with an overgrowth of skin around the nail. In some cases, the effects of an ingrown toenail are severe enough to require surgical treatment.
Contact DFW Wound Care Center
When a toenail grows irregularly and pierces or irritates the skin, it is time to seek treatment. The specialists at DFW Wound Care Center offer the highest quality of treatment for ingrown toenails and other injuries. Call today in Plano, Lewisville or Irving for more information or to schedule an appointment. Relief from pain could be a phone call away, and the sooner you receive treatment for this uncomfortable condition, the better.
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