Ingrown Toenail

This problem occurs when the edge of the nail grows down and into the skin at the tip of the toe. You should see a medical professional right away if you have an infection around the nail, diabetes, nerve damage in the leg or foot, or poor blood circulation to your foot. Do not treat this problem yourself. A toenail that is ingrown will begin to dig into the skin of the toe, usually along the side or corner of the nail. This will frequently cause irritation in the form of pain, swelling, and redness around the affected area. The big toe is the most common victim of this undercover job, but any toe has the potential to become ingrown. If an ingrown nail breaks the skin, it can potentially cause an infection. If you have an especially painful toe, or one that is draining pus and has a foul odor, consult the doctors at Royalton Foot and Ankle immediately. All cases of an ingrown toenail should also be seen by a professional if you have diabetes.