When to See a Doctor for an Ingrown Toenail?

Ingrown toenails happen when the edge of a toenail grows beyond the natural boundary of the nail bed and into the surrounding skin. It is a painful condition with potential complications. While you can manage a mild case at home, there are certain signs you should watch for to know when medical treatment is necessary.

Severe pain and swelling

One of the first indicators that you should see a doctor for an ingrown toenail is if you experience severe pain and swelling. While some discomfort is expected with an ingrown toenail, intense pain that affects your daily activities or prevents you from walking comfortably should not be ignored.

If the swelling is substantial and does not improve with over-the-counter pain relievers or home remedies, you should seek medical advice. Pain and swelling can signal the extent of the ingrown toenail’s growth.

Signs of infection

An ingrown toenail can cause infection if left untreated or improperly managed. Key signs of infection include:

• Increased redness: A red area around the toenail that continues to expand.
• Warmth: The affected area feels warm to the touch.
• Pus or discharge: The presence of pus, a yellow or green fluid, or any unusual discharge.
• Unpleasant odour: A foul smell from the affected area.

If you notice any of these symptoms, see a doctor. An infection that is ignored can spread and lead to more severe health issues.

Difficulty walking

If the pain from an ingrown toenail makes walking or performing daily activities difficult, it’s a clear sign that you need professional help. Difficulty walking can be due to the intense discomfort and swelling caused by the ingrown toenail.

If you’re avoiding walking or altering your gait due to pain, see a doctor to address the problem and prevent further complications.

Recurring with no improvement

If you’ve tried home remedies and over-the-counter treatments, but your ingrown toenail keeps recurring or shows no improvement, it’s time to consult a doctor.

Recurring ingrown toenails may indicate that the problem is more severe or requires a different approach to treatment. Persistent issues can also suggest that the ingrown toenail is a chronic condition requiring more specialised care.

Underlying health issues

Certain underlying health conditions can complicate the management of ingrown toenails. If you have conditions such as diabetes, peripheral artery disease, or other health issues that affect circulation or healing, you should seek medical advice early.

These conditions can impede healing and increase the risk of complications from an ingrown toenail. A doctor can provide a treatment plan that considers your overall health and pre-existing conditions.

Managing ingrown toenails at home

For mild cases of ingrown toenails, you can manage the condition at home with the following steps:

• Foot soak: Soak your foot in a basin of warm, soapy water for 15-20 minutes, 2-3 times a day. This can reduce swelling and ease discomfort.
• Wear comfortable footwear. Wear shoes that provide enough space for your toes, and avoid tight or ill-fitting shoes.
• Trim your nails properly: Cut your toenails straight across and avoid rounding the corners to prevent further ingrowth.
• Keep the area clean: Maintain good hygiene around the toenail to prevent infection.

While these steps can help alleviate symptoms, they cannot replace professional medical care if the condition worsens or does not improve.

Ingrown toenail treatment

When home remedies are insufficient, more advanced treatment options may be necessary. Common treatments for ingrown toenails include:

Non-surgical treatments

• Topical antibiotics: If there is a mild infection, your doctor might prescribe topical antibiotics to reduce infection and inflammation.
• Padding and orthotics: Padding or orthotic devices can relieve pressure on the affected area and improve comfort.

Surgical treatments

• Partial nail removal: For severe or recurring ingrown toenails, a doctor might perform a minor surgery to remove a part of the nail to alleviate pain and prevent recurrence.
• Complete nail removal: A complete nail and underlying nail matrix removal might be performed for chronic ingrown toenails to avoid future problems.

Ingrown Toenail Treatment in Singapore

If you have an ingrown toenail that is causing severe pain, signs of infection, difficulty walking or has not improved with home treatment, you should see a doctor.

At Spire Orthopaedic, we can help you manage your condition and get you back on your feet. We offer treatments for ingrown toenails in Singapore, which begin with a thorough assessment of your condition before surgical options are explored. Spire Orthopaedic is dedicated to providing personalised treatment plans to all patients, ensuring a comfortable recovery process.