Since an ingrown toenail curves and grows into the skin, it doesn't clear up on its own. It starts to irritate the skin and can create pain, swelling and redness. A condition that most commonly affects the big toe, if not cleared up and treated properly it may develop into more serious problems, requiring surgery.
Problem Causes
Some people have a heredity tendency to develop ingrown toenails. Trauma, such as an object falling on your toe, may cause an ingrown toenail. Wearing tight socks or shoes may cause ingrown toenails to develop. When trimming your toenails, if you trim the nail too short, it can cause the skin next to the nail to fold over and result in an ingrown toenail.
Identifying Problems
The ingrown toenail can cause a break in the skin, giving bacteria an area to enter and cause infection. This infection often produces drainage and a bad odor. Even if the toe never becomes painful or red, an infection can still be present. Identification is most obvious by the drainage and odor.
Treating Problems
If it doesn't develop into an infection, an ingrown toenail can often be treated at home by soaking the nail in water to reduce inflammation. Infected ingrown toenails require treatment including surgical procedures that remove part of the nail or nail root. Some physicians may also prescribe an oral antibiotic to fight infection. If left untreated, an infected ingrown toenail can infect the bones and become a bone infection. It may also develop into a foot ulcer which may require surgery to prevent gangrene, a condition that interrupts blood flow.
Warnings
Home treatment of an ingrown toenail is discouraged if a infection is present, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions that affect the feet such as diabetes or poor circulation. Repeated cutting of the nail may make the condition worse. It's not recommended to place cotton underneath the nail as this can provide a place for more infectious bacteria to grow.
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