When to Seek Treatment for Your Ingrown Toenail

An ingrown toenail might not seem like a big deal at first. After all, they usually heal on their own, right? Sometimes, that's not the case. While making a doctor's appointment might feel like a hassle, leaving an ingrown toenail untreated is risky. 

For a mild case, you can try warm soaks and over-the-counter treatments at home. However, if it worsens, with more pain, swelling, or signs of infection, it’s important to see a podiatrist.

At Align Foot & Ankle Center in Camarillo, California, Hai-En Peng, DPM, FACFAS, understands the confusion regarding when to seek treatment. Let’s break down the causes of ingrown toenails and how to spot the warning signs that you need professional treatment.

What does an ingrown toenail look like?

An ingrown toenail happens when your nail grows into the surrounding skin. A minor ingrown nail might look like it’s only slightly burrowing into your skin. In a more severe case, the skin starts growing around the nail on at least one side. 

Why do I keep getting ingrown toenails?

You might keep getting ingrown toenails for a few reasons. From the shoes you wear to the way you trim your nails, several factors can increase your chances of getting them, including the following:

• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Cutting toenails too short or over rounding the edges
• Having naturally curved nails due to genetics
• Injuries to your toes or nails

If this keeps happening, talk to our team to find the best way to prevent it.

Home remedies that work — only on minor ingrown toenails

Here are some home remedies you can try if you have a minor ingrown toenail:

• Soak your foot in warm, soapy water for 15-20 minutes a few times a day to reduce swelling and soften the skin
• Gently lift the nail by placing a small piece of cotton or dental floss under the edge to help it grow above the skin
• Apply an antibiotic cream or ointment to prevent infection and cover with a bandage
• Wear open-toed or loose-fitting shoes to avoid putting pressure on the nail
• Cut your nails straight across and avoid trimming them too short or rounding the edges

These tips are best for minor issues. If you start feeling more pain, see more swelling, or notice signs of infection like pus or redness, getting professional help immediately is essential.

Is your ingrown toenail getting worse? Here’s when to seek help

If your ingrown toenail is getting worse and home treatments aren’t helping, it might be time to see a podiatrist. Here are some signs you shouldn’t ignore:

• Pain that’s getting more intense
• Redness or swelling that keeps getting worse
• Trouble walking or wearing shoes because of the pain

If the ingrown toenail becomes infected, white or yellowish pus might also appear. This is a clear sign that things are worsening, and it's time to see a doctor. If left untreated, the infection could spread and cause bigger problems, so getting it checked out early is important.

When in doubt, seek professional help. Dr. Peng can evaluate your condition and recommend the best treatment to prevent further complications. Don’t wait for the situation to get worse — addressing it early can save you from more serious issues in the future.

Call Align Foot & Ankle in Camarillo, California, today or schedule a consultation online if you need help for an ingrown toenail.