What Will Happen if You Leave an Ingrown Toenail Untreated?

Ingrown toenails are most commonly caused by trauma such as:

• Stubbing of the toe
• A heavy object falling on the toe
• Repeated pressure on the toes caused by the following:
  • Long periods of running
  • Shoes that are much smaller in size
  • Shoes with high heels

Other causes are as follows:

• Familial tendency
• Improper cutting of nails
• Fungal infections
• Loss of nail in accidents

Ingrown toenails can often be treated at home initially. Here are a few self-care tips:

• Soak your foot in the water at room temperature. An over-the-counter Epsom salt powder that reduces the inflammation can be dissolved in the water.
• Use a topical antibiotic ointment and cover it with a bandage.
• Wear roomy footwear.

Few things to keep in mind:

• Do not cut the nail repeatedly as that can cause the condition to worsen over time.
• Over-the-counter creams that contain pain medications may just reduce the pain, but they do not treat the underlying problem.

If you suffer from health conditions such as diabetes, numbness of legs, or have problems in your blood circulation, you should consult the doctor before self-treating yourself.

After examining the toe, the foot and ankle surgeon or a dermatologist will decide the most appropriate treatment for you.

Antibiotics pills may be prescribed if you have developed an infection due to the ingrown nail.

The surgeon may perform a minor surgical procedure known as partial nail avulsion, in which the affected side of the nail is removed. A bandage will be applied to the wound, and you can go home on the same day of the procedure.

It is easy to avoid getting an ingrown toenail. Here is what you should do:

• Soak the nails in water before cutting them
• Cut nails in a fairly straight line without rounding them at the top
• Do not cut the nails too short
• Do not tear the nails
• Wear proper-fitting shoes (neither too tight nor too loose)