Why does my ingrown toenail become infected? | Advanced Podiatry

 Ingrown toenails  often become infected. In fact, pain is sometimes the first sign that there is an infection with their ingrown toenail, as many people have ingrown toenails that do not bother them. The signs of an infected ingrown toenail include redness to the skin next to the nail, drainage in the form of a clear fluid or thick pus, as well as scabbing from dried drainage. The side of the toenail can be painful to the touch. The pain may worsenwhen wearing tighter shoes.

As the skin along the side of the toenail becomes swollen from inflammation, it expands into the nail plate. This causes the skin to trap any debris and bacteria underneath. This enclosed environment is ideal for the growth of bacteria, and an infection can soon develop as the bacteria multiply. Antibiotics can easily treat this infection, but unless the part of the nail enclosing the bacteria in skin is removed permanently, the infection is likely to return at some point.

Ingrown toenail infections are usually not serious, but can pose a greater danger to diabetics, people with poor blood flow to the foot or in the foot, as well as those who have poor immune systems. If an ingrown toenail infection is allowed to persist for a long time untreated, the infection can possibly pass into the bone below the skin, creating a more serious infection that requires aggressive treatment.

 If you think you have an  infected ingrown nail in Manhasset, NY  , give us a call to have one of our  foot doctors in Manhasset  , look at it to prevent any further complications and/ or pain. 

Contact Us

chiropractic spine

WHERE IS YOUR PAIN?

Learn how we can help with your pain