Why Treat an Ingrown Toenail?

If you have an ingrown toenail, chances are some proper nail trimming is all you need to treat it. This type of foot condition is very common and can often be easily treated at home. In some cases, however, if the toenail isn't promptly treated, it can lead to an infection and make it painful or uncomfortable to walk or stand on the foot. Very rarely are ingrown toenails a serious or fatal health concern. In cases when infections do occur, the podiatrist may prescribe antibiotics to kill the germs and keep the pain down and shrink the infection. Usually in the most severe cases, the infected nail or piece of nail will be surgically removed to prevent further infection.

If the swelling, inflammation and pain from an infected toenail doesn't get better in a few days, it s recommended that patients visit their podiatrist right away.

For healthy adults, an infected ingrown toenail can be quickly healed by the body with some TLC. For some patients, however, such as those with diabetes or who have compromised immune systems, a simple infection from such a common foot ailment can lead to life-threatening infections and complications.

Whether you think you can just bear the pain of an untreated ingrown toenail or you're experiencing your first nail infection, below are some reason you may not want to put-off treatment much longer: