5 Signs Your Ingrown Toenail Requires Expert Care

An ingrown toenail might not seem like a big deal at first. It can be a bit uncomfortable, but the symptoms sometimes go away on their own. However, an ingrown toenail can quickly become extremely painful and, if left untreated, may lead to more significant, more serious issues.

At Cascade Foot & Ankle in Provo and Nephi, Utah, board-certified podiatric surgeon and wound care specialist Jared Clegg, DPM, FACFAS, and our dedicated team understand how quickly an ingrown toenail can spiral out of control.

While many cases don't need professional attention, here are five signs that it’s time to seek expert care for your ingrown toenail:

Your toe is red, swollen, and throbbing

Redness, swelling, and throbbing in your toe often mean more than a minor problem. These symptoms signal an inflammatory response, possibly from an infection. Persistent swelling and pain are reasons to see a professional. Acting quickly can help ease the discomfort and stop the infection from spreading further.

There’s an unpleasant smell coming from your nail

A strange or unpleasant odor coming from around your toenail points to potential infection. Bacteria may be thriving under the nail or in the surrounding tissue. Addressing this early prevents the problem from worsening and helps eliminate the odor.

You can see pus or a bloody discharge

Pus or blood around your ingrown toenail is a clear sign of trouble. Pus indicates active infection, while blood may show damage to the surrounding skin. Ignoring this can lead to more severe complications, so professional care is essential to stop the issue from progressing.

The affected nail is warped or discolored

A malformed, thickened, or discolored toenail suggests the problem has advanced. Warped nails often result from ongoing pressure and inflammation interfering with normal nail growth. Changes in color, such as yellowing or dark spots, can signal a fungal infection or other issues needing immediate attention.

The difference expert care makes for an ingrown toenail

Our team offers several professional treatments for ingrown toenails that can quickly relieve your pain, reduce swelling, and treat your infection. After a careful exam, Dr. Clegg and our team may recommend:

• Partially removing the ingrown nail
• Removing the entire nail to address severe or chronic ingrown toenails
• Draining and cleaning infected tissue
• Prescribing antibiotics to treat active infections and reduce inflammation
• Debriding (removing dead tissue) to relieve pressure
• Soaking the nail in warm water to reduce swelling
• Prescribing oral or topical medications for infection control and pain relief

You may also need to change your footwear to relieve pressure on the affected toe. Our team can recommend special orthotics (shoe inserts) and other footwear adjustments to ensure proper alignment and support, helping to prevent further irritation and promote healing.

Don’t wait until your ingrown toenail is obviously infected to seek professional treatment. Contact us today at Cascade Foot & Ankle in Provo and Nephi, Utah, for expert care.