An ingrown toenail is an uncomfortable and painful condition affecting people in Mission Viejo, California. If left untreated, it can lead to severe complications. Luckily, most ingrown toenails are easily treatable with a few simple home remedies or visiting your Mission Viejo orthotics center. Ingrown nails typically occur when the nail grows into one of the folds around the toe. This happens most often with the big toe, but it can happen to your toes. Here are signs that you need treatment fast.
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1. Severe Redness or Swelling
If your toe is red, swollen, or both, this is a sign that you need to seek medical treatment right away. Ingrown toenails left untreated can lead to cellulitis, a severe skin infection and underlying tissue. If you have diabetes or another condition that weakens your immune system, you are more likely to develop cellulitis.
2. Pain Upon Touching the Toe
If touching your toe causes pain, this is another sign that you need to see a doctor. Ingrown toenails can cause throbbing or stabbing pain, and the area around the nail may be swollen and tender.
If you have an ingrown toenail, it can be challenging to walk. The toe may be swollen and painful, making it challenging to move around. If the condition is left untreated, it can lead to more severe complications.
3. Persistent Infection
If you have an infection that doesn’t go away after a few days of home treatment, it’s time to see a doctor. A bacterial or fungal infection can cause an ingrown toenail, and if left untreated, the infection can spread to other parts of your body.
If you have an ingrown toenail, it is crucial to practice good hygiene. Keep the area around the nail clean and dry, and avoid wearing tight-fitting shoes or socks. If you have an infection, you may need antibiotics to clear the infection up. If you have diabetes or another condition that weakens your immune system, you may need to take antifungal medication.
4. Unpleasant Odor
If your toe smells terrible, this is another sign that you may have an infection. Fungal infections often cause a cheesy or musty smell, while bacterial infections can cause a foul odor. If left untreated, there may be pus formation.
The doctor will treat the infection, and this symptom will improve. If you have a bacterial infection, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics. If you have a fungal infection, the doctor may prescribe antifungal medication.
5. Warm Skin Around the Toenail
If the skin around your toenail is warm to the touch, this may be a sign of infection. If you have an infection, the area around the nail will be warm and tender to the touch.
If you have an ingrown toenail, the doctor will first look at the extent of the problem. If you have a severe infection, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics to clear the infection. If you have diabetes or another condition that weakens your immune system, you may need to take antifungal medication.
Ingrown toenails are a painful condition that can lead to severe complications if left untreated. The signs of an ingrown toenail and treatment options vary depending on the severity of the infection, so it is crucial for any pain or redness you experience in this area to be taken seriously by visiting your doctor as soon as possible.