When Does an Ingrown Toenail Require a Visit to the Podiatrist?

For such a seemingly small problem, ingrown toenails frequently cause excruciating pain and can quickly develop a dangerous infection. They can also turn into a recurring problem that disrupts your life.

At-home care may be all you need to overcome the problem, but many people need medical treatment from the experienced Specialized Foot and Ankle Care team. The sooner you recognize the signs you need help, the faster you’ll overcome the pain and return to your activities.

Let’s explore when you should seek professional help, then explain how to care for a mild ingrown toenail at home.

Five signs you should visit a podiatrist

One of the biggest challenges of an ingrown toenail is that it can progress from mild to excruciating at a rapid pace. For this reason, it’s always better to seek professional care sooner rather than later.

Here are five signs to help you know when to connect with our caring team:

1. You have diabetes or a vascular condition

You should always see a podiatrist immediately if you have diabetes or a vascular condition affecting the circulation in your foot.

Diabetes interferes with blood flow as high blood sugar damages the small blood vessels. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) blocks the blood supply to your lower leg and foot when plaque builds up in the artery.

Another vascular problem, chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), also affects circulation. CVI causes varicose veins, so you should have an ingrown toenail treated by a podiatrist if you have bulging leg veins.

These conditions limit the flow of oxygen-rich blood, making wound healing slow or impossible. Any small wound on your foot, including an ingrown toenail, can rapidly progress to a nonhealing ulcer.

2. Your pain is severe or doesn’t improve

Pain that makes it hard to walk or wear shoes is a red flag for medical attention. We recommend seeking professional care for severe ingrown toenail pain or pain that keeps getting worse. It’s definitely time to connect with us if your pain doesn’t improve in two to three days, even if the pain seems tolerable.

3. You have signs of an infection

Ingrown toenails are notorious for causing an infection because bacteria thrive on your feet and inside dark, moist shoes. As the toenail digs into and cuts your skin, the bacteria travel through the opening and settle into the area.

Redness, slight swelling, and pain are the first signs of an infection. Then, the pain gradually increases, and fluid or pus may seep out from under the nail. Without treatment, you may develop red or pink tissues that easily bleed.

An advanced infection causes significant redness and swelling. Scheduling an appointment at the first sign of an infection prevents it from spreading.

4. You can’t afford time off

Everyone depends on their feet, but some people may have jobs that make it impossible to rest. Instead of waiting to see if self-care solves the problem, seeking immediate treatment ensures you heal quickly, prevent infection, and get back into action.

5. You have recurrent ingrown toenails

Ingrown toenails recur in 10-30% of patients. Don’t wait to seek help if that happens to you because we have safe, effective treatments that permanently prevent future ingrown toenails.

Self-care for ingrown toenails

If your pain is tolerable and you don’t meet any of the issues listed above, you can try the following self-care steps to ease the pain and help the ingrown toenail heal:

• Soak your foot in warm water or Epsom salts three times daily for 10-15 minutes
• Put a piece of cotton or dental floss under the edge (to gently lift it away from the skin)
• Place antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly and a bandage over the area  
• Wear sandals or other comfortable shoes with a wide toe box

Don't try to cut the nail out from the skin, no matter how tempting it might be. Digging it out significantly increases your risk of developing an infection.

Not sure what to do about an ingrown toenail?

Call Specialized Foot and Ankle Care if you’re unsure whether to care for your toe at home or schedule an appointment. We can help you decide the best and safest way to treat an ingrown toenail. If it's more convenient, you can also request an appointment online.