Signs of Ingrown Toenail Infection
Sometimes, ingrown toenail infections occur despite your best efforts to prevent them. Recognizing early symptoms of infection is vital to successful ingrown toenail infection treatment. Common symptoms of an ingrown toenail infection include:
- Pain
- Tenderness
- Redness
- Swelling
- Pus or discharge
- Increased warmth or temperature around the affected toe
If you experience any symptoms, it’s essential to take swift action to prevent the infection from spreading.
Treating an Ingrown Toenail
Professional medical assistance is likely warranted if you experience severe pain, persistent infections, or if your condition worsens.
Early intervention is key to reducing complications and expediting healing for infected, ingrown toenails. Treatment options available to address ingrown nails could include:
- Oral or topical antibiotics. In cases of infection, your health care provider may recommend oral or topical antibiotics to eliminate bacteria and promote healing.
- Partial nail removal (nail avulsion). To relieve discomfort and avoid further infection, portions of an ingrown nail may need to be surgically extracted. For the same reasons, chemical cauterization involves applying chemicals directly to the nail bed to stop its infected portion from growing back again.
In severe or persistent cases, your health care provider may recommend surgical intervention as a permanent fix for an ingrown toenail.
Preventing infection with ingrown toenails is essential. Simple preventive measures such as using proper nail trimming techniques, wearing suitable footwear, maintaining good hygiene practices, and protecting affected toes from further injury can significantly decrease the risk of infection while hastening healing time.
Always remain alert for signs of infection, such as pain, redness, swelling, or discharge. If these symptoms persist or worsen over time, we encourage you to contact our experienced Annapolis podiatry team.