When Does an Ingrown Toenail Require a Podiatrist?

You knew it was a bad idea to wear those tight pointy heels out dancing last night. Now you’re paying the price with a throbbing, red ingrown toenail.

Medically known as onychocryptosis, an ingrown toenail develops when an edge of your toenail grows beyond the edges of the nail bed, digging into the skin beside it. Along with poor footwear choices, they’re most often caused by improper toenail trimming or trauma, like stubbing your toe. Ingrown toenails can develop on any toe, but are most common in the big toes. 

Mild cases may improve by soaking your foot in warm water with antibacterial soap or salt. Other times, professional treatment is essential.

Board-certified foot and ankle surgeon Michael J. Petrocelli, DPM, FACFAS, CWSP, of Collier Podiatry, has extensive experience in treating ingrown toenails. 

Here’s when he advises you run — or hobble — to his Naples, FL office for expert care. 

Red, warm, or oozing 

Heat, redness, and pus are signs that your toe may be infected. Redness that spreads down your toe or across your foot also indicates infection. Untreated nail infections can spread to other parts of your body, leading to severe complications, including bone infections, gangrene, and sepsis.

Extreme pain

If your ingrown toenail affects your gait or impairs your everyday routine, don’t try to live with the pain. Getting proper treatment for an ingrown toenail gives you relief so you can return to your normal activities as soon as possible.

Home treatment isn’t working

When over-the-counter medication and soaking in hot water aren’t working. Professional treatment at Collier Podiatry is simple and quick.

You have diabetes or peripheral artery disease (PAD)

If you have diabetes or PAD, you should inspect your feet and toes daily. These conditions affect sensation in your feet and toes. Seek treatment to reduce your risk of serious infection at the first sign of an ingrown toenail.

Professional treatment

After a thorough examination, Dr. Petrocelli will determine the best treatment, which may be:

• Nail trimming to realign the toenail
• Antibiotic treatment, oral, topical, or both
• Severe infections might require in-office removal of part or all of the nail under local anesthetic.
• Most people experience minimal pain after surgery and can resume normal activity the next day. 

He may also apply phenol to prevent the nail from growing back. If you’re suffering from an ingrown toenail, seek professional relief. Call Dr. Petrocelli at 239-286-7236 today and put a bounce back in your step.