Is an ingrown toenail embarrassing?

“Patients of all populations deal with ingrown toenails, so there isn’t anything embarrassing or shameful about it,” said Jeffrey Domingue, DPM, podiatrist at Avera Orthopedics. “Treating ingrown toenails effectively can reduce the number of occurrences in the future or take care of the problem completely.”

Can you ignore an ingrown toenail?

Why you shouldn’t ignore an ingrown toenail When left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to infection. This can lead to worsening pain and even fever. In some cases, an untreated ingrown toenail can spread the infection to the bone beneath the nail.

When should I worry about an ingrown toenail?

Pain and swelling around your toe and the inability to wear certain shoes might be signs of an ingrown toenail. It’s a common condition that you can sometimes take care of at home. But if the pain becomes unbearable, or you can see an infection in the tissue around your toenail, you may need to seek medical treatment.

Can you lose your toe from an ingrown toenail?

Ingrown toenails left untreated usually cause a lot of pain, can get infected and, in the worst situations, can actually lead to bone infections and loss of the toe.

Has anyone died from ingrown toenail?

An ingrown toenail is highly unlikely to be fatal, or even seriously debilitating. Nonetheless, if left untreated – especially in an individual who already has an underlying medical condition that causes impaired blood flow to the feet — an ingrown toenail can result in some serious complications.

What kills ingrown toenail?

Apple cider vinegar will kill some of the bacteria in your ingrown toenail and reduce inflammation. For the best result, fill a basin with warm water and add a quarter cup of apple cider vinegar.

How long does ingrown toenail take to grow out?

An exposed nail bed may be very painful. Removing your whole ingrown toenail (complete nail plate avulsion) increases the likelihood your toenail will come back deformed. It may take 3-4 months for your nail to regrow.

How painful is an ingrown toenail?

Ingrown toenails can be painful, and they usually worsen in stages. Early-stage symptoms include: skin next to the nail becoming tender, swollen, or hard. pain when pressure is placed on the toe.

Is ingrown toenail surgery painful?

The entire ingrown toenail surgery is completely painless due to the effects of the anesthetic. By the time the anesthetic wears off, your pain level will be significantly reduced from where it was before the procedure.

Should I cut an ingrown toenail?

Ingrown toenail: Surgical treatment An ingrown toenail occurs when the toenail digs into the skin, causing inflammation and sometimes infection. Treatment may require cutting away a narrow strip of nail from the nail edge to the base of the nail and treating the matrix to prevent nail regrowth.

Should I leave my ingrown toenail alone?

They will not go away without intervention, but people can usually treat them at home over a few days. A person should speak to a doctor if: the ingrown toenail does not improve with home care. they have an underlying health condition that affects the feet, such as diabetes.

How serious is ingrown toenail?

Most ingrown toenails aren’t serious. They should improve within a week or so without causing permanent damage with the proper home care. Left untreated, ingrown toenails may cause severe pain and infection that could spread to the bone.